Civil War Union Rear-Admiral. Became famous as a Naval Ordinance officer before the onset of the Civil War. Invented a 11-inch smoothbore cannon, the "Dahlgren Gun", that was used extensively in the conflict. Commanded Naval forces that repeatedly attacked and were repulsed by the Confederate forces in Charleston, South Carolina harbor (August-October 1863). His assistance to General Sherman at Savannah contributed to that city's capitulation in December, 1864. His son was the controversial Colonel Ulric Dahlgren. (bio by: Russ Dodge)
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