Joseph Smith (admiral)
| Joseph Smith | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 30, 1790 |
| Died | January 17, 1877 (aged 86) |
| Allegiance |
 United States
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Navy
|
| Years of service | 1809–1871 |
| Rank |
 Rear Admiral
|
| Commands held | Bureau of Yards and Docks |
| Battles/wars |
War of 1812 Mexican–American War American Civil War |
Joseph Smith (30 March 1790 – 17 January 1877) was an rear admiral of the United States Navy, who served during the War of 1812, the Mexican–American War, and the American Civil War.
Smith was born in Boston, Massachusetts and entered the United States Navy as a midshipman on January 16, 1809. He was promoted to lieutenant during the War of 1812 on July 24, 1813. He was first lieutenant (ie. second in command) of the 20 gun brig USS Eagle during the Battle of Lake Champlain on September 11, 1814. Smith was severely wounded during the battle. Along with the other officers who fought in the battle, he received the Thanks of Congress and a silver commemorative medal.
He served on board the famed frigate USS Constellation in the Mediterranean Sea from 1815 to 1817.
He was promoted to the rank of master commandant (equivalent to the modern Navy rank of commander) on March 3, 1827 and to captain on February 9, 1837. From 1838 to 1840 he commanded the 74 gun ship of the line USS Ohio. During this assignment he served as flag captain to the legendary Commodore Isaac Hull while Hull commanded the Mediterranean Squadron.
Smith commanded the Mediterranean Squadron from 1843 to 1845 with the frigate USS Cumberland as his flagship.
In 1846 he was assigned as Chief of the Bureau of Yards and Docks and held the position until 1869.
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Wikipedia