Samuel Dana Greene Sr. (February 11, 1839 – December 11, 1884) was an officer in the United States Navy during the American Civil War, mostly noted for his service aboard the during the Battle of Hampton Roads.
Biography
Early life and career
Greene was born in Cumberland, Maryland, the son of future U.S. Army General George S. Greene and Elizabeth (Vinton) Greene. Army officer David Hammond Vinton was his uncle. He entered the United States Naval Academy on September 21, 1855, and graduated on June 9, 1859, with the rank of midshipman. He was stationed on the steam sloop , which transported John Elliott Ward, the American ambassador to various cities in China to settle American claims.
Civil War
When the Civil War broke out, the Hartford was ordered to return home. Greene, having been promoted to lieutenant on August 31, 1861, Greene continued to command the Monitor until Thomas O. Selfridge Jr. took command on March 10, 1862.
From April to May 1862 Greene continued to serve as executive officer on Monitor during the Battle of Drewry's Bluff on the James River, Virginia, and later provided naval support for General McClellan's forces on land along that river. Greene was aboard the ship when it foundered in a gale 20 miles off Cape Hatteras on December 31 – January 1, 1863, which Greene survived after being pulled into a lifeboat by the ship's surgeon, Dr. Grenville M. Weeks.
In 1863 Greene served aboard the gunboat on the blockade of North Carolina, then in 1864–1865 aboard the sloop , under the command of Christopher R. P. Rodgers, sailing around South America and across the Pacific to Singapore in search of the Confederate raider .
Post-war career
Greene was promoted to Lieutenant Commander on August 11, 1865, From 1868 to 1871 he served in the Pacific Squadron, aboard the sloops and , and the screw steamer .
Personal life
Greene was married twice. First to Mary Willis Dearth (1839-1874) and second to Mary Abby Babbitt (1839-1926). Mary Abby Babbitt was the daughter of Major Jacob Babbitt (1809-1862) of the 7th Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry, who was killed in action at the Battle of Fredericksburg.
Greene had three children by his first wife - Samuel Dana Greene Jr. (1864-1900), who graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1883, Mary Richmond (Greene) Conover (1867-?) and Charles de Boketon Greene (1871-?).
Namesake
The destroyer (1919–1945) was named for him.
See also
- Union Navy