George Balch
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George Beall Balch (8 January 1821 – 18 April 1908) was an admiral in the United States Navy who served during the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War.
Born in Shelbyville, Tennessee, Balch was appointed Acting Midshipman in 1837. He served in the Mexican War and was executive officer of Plymouth during Commodore Matthew C. Perry's expedition to Japan. During the Civil War he took part in many engagements. Rear Admiral Balch served as superintendent of the Naval Academy (1879-81) and for a short period commanded the Pacific Fleet.
He retired in January 1883 and died at Raleigh, North Carolina.
Two ships, USS Balch, have been named for him.
This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
