George Partridge Colvocoresses was born in
Norwich, Vermont, on April 3, 1847. Meant to be a member of the Norwich University class of 1866, Colvocoresses left after the end of his freshman year to serve under his father on the
USS Supply. He entered the United States Naval Academy, then located in
Newport, Rhode Island, in 1864, during the
American Civil War, and graduated in 1869. Colvocoresses served on most of the foreign naval stations, and in the Hydrographic Office at Washington, and in 1886 was assistant instructor in drawing at the United States Naval Academy, where he was an instructor in 1893–96 and commandant of midshipmen in 1905–1909. In 1890, the officers and men of the
United States Navy dedicated a granite-and-marble monument to the memory of Lieut.
George W. De Long and the crew of the
USS Jeannette. Lieutenant George P. Colvocoresses designed the monument—a cross with carved icicles hanging from it that sits atop a cairn. The 24-foot (7.3 m)-high structure is in the
U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery overlooking the
Severn River. He distinguished himself in service as executive officer on the cruiser
Concord at the
Battle of Manila Bay, May 1, 1898, in the
Spanish–American War, where the United States won a decisive victory over the Spanish Fleet, helping to end the Spanish naval threat and establish the United States as one of the world's military "super powers." Commander
Asa Walker, commander of the
Concord, had the following to say: "Each and every one of my subordinates did his whole duty with an enthusiasm and zeal beyond all praise. I am particularly indebted to the executive officer, Lieut. Commander George P. Colvocoresses, for the cool, deliberate, and efficient manner with which he met each phase of the action, and for his hearty cooperation in my plans." He participated in the capture of Manila on August 13, 1898, and shortly afterwards, became the executive officer of the cruiser
USS Olympia. In 1899, he became a Veteran Companion of the Pennsylvania Commandery of the
Military Order of Foreign Wars. He also became a Companion of the California Commandery of
Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. He was promoted to captain in February 1905, and was retired in the rank of rear admiral on June 30, 1907. == Personal life ==