What naval battle made Commodore George Dewey a hero?

The Battle of Manila Bay made Commodore George Dewey a hero. On May 1, 1898, Dewey’s U.S. Asiatic Squadron defeated the Spanish Pacific Squadron in Manila Bay during the opening stage of the Spanish-American War.

Dewey led his ships into the bay before dawn and attacked the Spanish fleet near Cavite. His flagship, USS Olympia, directed the American squadron as it repeatedly crossed the Spanish line. By the end of the engagement, the Spanish fleet had been destroyed or disabled, while American losses were extremely light. The battle gave the United States control of Manila Bay and opened the way for later American forces to capture Manila.

The battle is sometimes called the Battle of Cavite, but Battle of Manila Bay is the standard English name and the single best answer to this question. Dewey’s victory brought him an enormous public welcome in the United States. He was promoted to Admiral of the Navy in 1903, the only person ever to hold that special rank.