Who led the American attack squadron to victory over the Spanish navy in the Philippines in 1898?

The American attack squadron that achieved victory over the Spanish navy in the Philippines in 1898 was led by Commodore George Dewey. He played a crucial role during the Battle of Manila Bay on May 1, 1898, where his strategic leadership and tactical decisions led to a decisive victory for the United States. Dewey’s forces engaged and destroyed the Spanish fleet within a matter of hours, without sustaining significant casualties themselves. This victory was pivotal as it demonstrated the effectiveness of American naval power and marked a significant moment in the Spanish-American War, leading to the eventual capture of the Philippines.

In this context, the mention of other individuals does not take away from Dewey's critical role. Admiral William T. Sampson was involved in the broader naval operations against Spain but was focused primarily on the Caribbean front rather than the Philippines. Rear Admiral John Dewey is actually the same person as Commodore George Dewey, as ranks and titles can change over a career, which might cause confusion. Captain Charles Clark does not have a notable role in this particular battle or in the broader context of the conflict. Therefore, George Dewey's leadership is correctly associated with the American victory in Manila Bay.