Gideon Welles (July 1, 1802 – February 11, 1878) was the United States Secretary of the Navy from 1861 to 1869. His buildup of the Navy to blockade Southern ports was a key component of the Northern victory in the Civil War. Welles was also instrumental in the Navy's creation of the Medal of Honor.
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Gideon Welles (July 1, 1802 – February 11, 1878) was the United States Secretary of the Navy from 1861 to 1869. His buildup of the Navy to blockade Southern ports was a key component of the Northern victory in the Civil War. Welles was also instrumental in the Navy's creation of the Medal of Honor.