The Biographical Dictionary of America/Badger, Oscar C.

BADGER, Oscar C., naval officer, was born at Windham, Conn., Aug. 12, 1823. He was appointed to the U. S. navy from Pennsylvania as a midshipman, Sept. 9, 1841. As a midshipman on board the Saratoga, in 1843, he was attached to a landing party from that ship, and took part in the attack upon the Bereby villages on the west coast of Africa. He served on board the Mississippi with the Gulf squadron during the Mexican war, and participated in the attack upon Alvarado in 1846. Subsequently, in 1855, as lieutenant he commanded a party from the U. S. sloop John Adams, which attacked and destroyed the town of Vutia, Fiji Islands. His services during the civil war were particularly meritorious. While in command of the steamer Anacostia, in 1861-'62, he was engaged in a number of attacks upon Confederate batteries on the Potomac river and Aquia creek, and in the bombardment of Yorktown, Va., and the defences at Gloucester Point. He was promoted lieutenant-commander July 16, 1862, and commanded the ironclads Patapsco and Montauk in the attacks on the batteries and forts on Morris Island and on Forts Wagner, Gregg and Sumter, in Charleston harbor. While performing the duties of fleet-captain on board the ironclad Weehawken in a night engagement with Forts Moultrie and Sumter, he was severely wounded, his right leg being shattered by a metallic splinter, caused by a round shot striking the turret of the Weehauken. His efficient and faithful services were recognized in an official report made to the navy department by Admiral Dahlgren, under date of Sept. 2, 1863, and by the navy department in communication addressed to Commodore Badger, under date of Jan. 7, 1864. After the close of the war he was on shore duty until July, 1866, when he was promoted commander. During a cruise on the Peoria he received a vote of thanks from the legislatures of St. Kitts and Antigua for services rendered to the authorities of those islands. In 1872 he was promoted captain, and on Nov. 15, 1881, commodore, and was placed on the retired list in 1885.