George Partridge Colvocoresses was a United States Navy rear admiral.
Background
He was the son of Captain George M. Colvocoresses, the adopted son of Captain Alden Partridge, founder of Norwich University in Vermont. He was born in Norwich, Vermont, April 3, 1847, to Greek immigrant George M. Colvocoresses and Adeline Maria Swasey. He was named for his father"s benefactor, Alden Partridge.
He served under his father on the United States Ship Supply on South Atlantic blockade duty.
Education
He entered the United States Naval Academy, then located in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1864, during the American Civil War, and graduated in 1869.
Career
George P. was a graduate of the Norwich University class of 1866 and led a distinguished military career. The younger Colvocoresses eventually rose to the rank of Rear Admiral and was Commandant of Cadets at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. He eventually served under then-Commodore George Dewey with the Asiatic Squadron at the Battle of Manila Bay.
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 1893-1896 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 Lieutenant George Washington DeLong and the crew of the United States Ship Jeannette.
Lieutenant George P. Colvocoresses designed the monument—a cross with carved icicles hanging from it that sits atop a cairn.
The 24-foot (73 m)-high structure is in the United States. Naval Academy Cemetery overlooking the Severn River. 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, Lieutenant 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 United States Ship Olympia.
In 1899 he became a Veteran Companion of the Pennsylvania Commandery of the Military Order of Foreign Wars.
He was promoted to captain in February 1905 and was retired in the rank of rear admiral on June 30, 1907. In 1919 Rear Admiral Colvocoresses, whose name appears on the Centennial Staircase at Norwich, delivered an address about Captain Alden Partridge on the 100th anniversary of the founding of Norwich University. Rear Admiral. The son of George M. (II) Colvocoresses, Colonel
Alden Partridge Colvocoresses, United States of America (Retired), went on to develop the first satellite map of the United States.
Midshipman – 28 September 1864
Graduated – 4 June 1869
Ensign – 12 July 1870
Master – 18 June 1872
Lieutenant – 1 July 1875
Lieutenant Commander – 4 June 1897
Commander – 30 June 1900
Captain – 21 February 1905
Rear Admiral on Retired List – 30 June 1907
Served two years and two months as Captain"s Clerk during the Civil War.