John D. Ford

Ford, who was born in Baltimore, Maryland, entered the Navy as third assistant engineer on 30 July 1862. He was assigned to the West Gulf Blockading Squadron from 1862 to 1865 and participated in engagements on the Mississippi River and the Battle of Mobile Bay.

He served on the sloop-of-war Sacramento until she was wrecked off the coast of India in June 1867. During the next three decades he held various sea and shore assignments, and, while attached to the Maryland Agricultural and Mechanical College (now the University of Maryland, College Park) from 1894 to 1896, he started a course in mechanical engineering. As fleet engineer of the Pacific Squadron in 1898, he served in the cruiser Baltimore during the Battle of Manila Bay on 1 May. For his "eminent and conspicuous conduct in battle" in operations at Cavite, Sangley Point, and Corregidor, he was advanced three numbers.

Ford was promoted to rear admiral upon retirement on 19 May 1902. He remained on active duty as Inspector of Machinery and Ordnance at Sparrows Point, Maryland until December 1908.

He was a companion of the Maryland Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.

Rear Admiral Ford died in Baltimore, Maryland on 17 April 1918.

• Dewey Medal
• Civil War Campaign Medal
• Spanish Campaign Medal
• Philippine Campaign Medal

The destroyer USS John D. Ford (DD-228) was named for him.

• This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.

• Works by or about John D. Ford at Internet Archive
• John Donaldson Ford biography - From the "Formosa" historical collection at Reed College, Portland, Oregon