Giles B. Harber
Giles Bates Harber (September 24, 1849 – December 29, 1925) was a rear admiral of the United States Navy and one-time Commander-in-Chief of the United States Pacific Fleet. He was born and died in Youngstown, Ohio. Harber, called a "Naval Hero" by The New York Times, was best known as for leading the rescue expedition for the off of Siberia and the return of the body of her captain. He was also decorated by Congress for his role in the Spanish–American War. Biography Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Harber personally asked U.S. Congressman James A. Garfield for an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. He became an acting midshipman on July 22, 1865 and a passed midshipman on June 4, 1869. Though still only nineteen years old, Harber graduated ninth out of 74 in his class. After graduation, Harber was assigned to the sailing frigate . He was commissioned as an ensign on July 12, 1870. From 1870 to 1871, Harber served aboard the screw frigate in the European Squadron. He was promoted to master in July 1871 and lieutenant in September 1874. From 1881 to 1882, Harber commanded the torpedo boat . In February 1882, he began