Charles E. Colahan

Charles Ellwood Colahan
Charles Ellwood Colahan
Born	October 25, 1849 (1849-10-25) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Died	March 11, 1904 (1904-03-12) (aged 54)
Allegiance	United States of America United States of America
Service/branch	United States Navy

Charles Ellwood Colahan (October 25, 1849 – March 11, 1904) was an officer of the United States Navy in the 19th century.

Biography

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Colahan graduated from the United States Naval Academy June 4, 1869. His long and active career included command of Indiana (BB-1) and Cleveland (C-19). Commander Colahan died at Lambertville, N.J., March 11, 1904.

Was a native of Pennsylvania, and was appointed to the Naval Academy from that State in 1865. He served his country faithfully and well from the date of his appointment to the time of his death in 1904. During his long career in the Navy it may truly be said of him that he never evaded duty no matter how disagreeable. He was actively employed during his entire period of service in most conspicuous duties, being Executive Officer of the Detroit during the war with Spain, and as Commandant of Cadets at the Naval Academy from 1900 to 1904.

It has been the lot of few men to have made and kept so many friends. Known throughout the Navy by young and old, to the young officer he was the beau ideal of what a Naval officer should be. He displayed in his life that high sense of duty and loyalty which, combined with courtesy and consideration for others, ever resulted in the best work enthusiastically performed. To the older members of the service he was a loved friend on whom, in official and in private life, the fullest dependence was placed.

In him the Navy had a devoted servant whose aim from youth up was to advance its interest and to add to its efficiency. He left a memory of priceless to his country and to his service.

Namesake

In 1943, the destroyer USS Colahan (DD-658) was named in his honor.

See also

• 1905 Biographical Sketch (with portrait)
• Obituary

References

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.