Charles Vernon Gridley

Charles Vernon Gridley (24 November 1844 – 5 June 1898) was a captain in the United States Navy who served during the American Civil War and the Spanish–American War. He was second-in-command in the Battle of Manila Bay.

Early life Gridley descended from Thomas Gridley (1612–1653), who emigrated from England to New England in 1633. He was born to Frank and Ann Eliza (Sholes) Gridley in Logansport, Indiana, on 24 November 1844. His parents moved to Hillsdale, Michigan, when he was three months old.

Naval career Early life and career After attending Hillsdale College, Gridley was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in 1860.

A monument to Gridley was erected in Erie and placed in the center of a city park, which was named Gridley Park. The engraved plaque affixed to the monument is made of a metal panel retrieved from the .The USS Olympia is at Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia. "Man the Cannons Gridley" is a phrase used by some to remember his works in the war and to remember his legacy.

A seashell is depicted on the coat-of-arms of Gridley's original alma mater, Hillsdale College, in honor of his heroism at the Battle of Manila Bay.