Patricio Montojo y Pasarón
Patricio Montojo | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | "The fighting Montojo", "The Hispanic Burden" by George Dewey. |
| Born | September 7, 1839 Ferrol, Province of A Coruña |
| Died | September 30, 1917 (aged 78) Madrid, Community of Madrid |
| Allegiance | Spain |
| Branch | Spanish Navy |
| Years of service | 1855–1899 |
| Rank | Contraalmirante (Rear Admiral) |
| Commands | Pacific Squadron |
| Battles / wars | Chincha Islands War |
Patricio Montojo y Pasarón (September 7, 1839 – September 30, 1917) was a Spanish Navy officer who commanded Spain's Pacific Squadron based in the Philippines during the Spanish–American War. Considered a man of high ability and experience, he was given the difficult task of defending the Spanish Philippines with a small navy and low supplies against a larger U.S. Asiatic Squadron. Despite his valor and determination, Montojo's navy was defeated at the decisive Battle of Manila Bay by a United States Navy squadron under Commodore George Dewey. He was later held accountable for the defeat and was court-martialed in Spain. Although the decision was later overturned, Montojo was still discharged from the Spanish Navy.