David McDougal

David McDougal, photographed circa 1860.

Rear Admiral David Stockton McDougal (27 September 1809 – 7 August 1882) was an officer in the United States Navy during the American Civil War.

Born in Ohio, McDougal was appointed midshipman 1 April 1828. During the next three decades he served in the Mediterranean, West Indian, and Home Squadrons as well as on the Great Lakes in Michigan. He commanded Warren (1854‑56), John Hancock (1856), and Wyoming (1862‑64) in whom he cruised in the Far East protecting American merchant ships from pirates and Confederate raiders.

On 16 July 1863, in the Naval battle of Shimonoseki, Wyoming boldly entered the Straits of Shimonoseki to engage shore batteries and three ships of Prince Mori, clan chieftain of the Choshu. During an hour’s brisk action, McDougal sank one ship, heavily damaged the other two, and pounded shore guns. On 23 December 1869 McDougal assumed command of the South Pacific Squadron.

He was placed on the retired list 27 September 1871 and appointed rear admiral 24 August 1873. He died at San Francisco, California.

Two ships have been named USS McDougal for him.

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