[August 18, 2020] One of the most iconic battles of the U.S. Civil War occurred in August of 1864 at the Battle of Mobile Bay. It may have been the most dramatic moment of the naval war, comparable to Pickett’s charge at Gettysburg. It was during the battle that Union Admiral David Farragut commanded his ships to attack the Confederates and to Damn the Torpedoes!
The phrase Damn the Torpedoes gained immortality in the 150 years since. Admiral Farragut went ahead to win the day at Mobile Bay and destroy a sizeable Confederate fleet and capturing the Confederates only full Admiral, Franklin Buchanan. There is an excellent summary of the events, including some background in Dr. Craig L. Symonds battlefields.org article (see link here).
A little context is necessary. During this war, the South’s navy used torpedoes (underwater mines) more than any other weapon. Mobile Bay was laced with torpedoes, placed by the Confederates. After watching one of his lead ships strike a torpedo and sink into the sea, Farragut’s resolve remained unshaken as he ordered his men forward to victory.
The phrase has come to mean to press on with a task or current course of action regardless of obvious risks or dangers. The phrase is often repeated. Thus, the novelist Robert Ludlum used it in Apocalypse Watch (1995), “If this administration can root out the Nazi influence … It’s damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead.”
Damn the Torpedoes is an informal but famous leader command meaning to continue the attack without regard to known or unknown risks. It’s a dangerous command and only given when there is no reasonable alternative. For example, in the case of Union Admiral Farragut, he had no choice but to push his fleet directly into the Confederate’s defensive line. If Farragut had stopped or turned around, his fleet would have been destroyed.
I’ve spent three years in combat and have never heard the command given. Yes, it is not a formal command, either in the U.S. Army or Navy. Some say that such a command could be seen as a failure to plan an action or leader negligence properly. Perhaps there is some truth to such an assertion, but I know enough about the U.S. military to believe such a command would not be heard due to the professionalism of our troops.
David Farragut would later fulfill the only full admiral slot in the U.S. Navy. He was promoted to Admiral on July 26, 1866, after the U.S. Congress created the rank.
Is it true that some leader giving this command, “damn the torpedoes” or something like it would be considered reckless? Maybe?
Maybe Gen. Satterfield was saying that the leader might not have been as prepared for combat (or whatever situation) as he should have been. Oh, don’t go PC on me when I say “he” because senior military leaders historically have been men. Now, I’m getting off topic. My point is that being prepared and being able to foresee problems in the future are attributes of a quality leader.
Thanks for the entertaining and educational article, Gen. Satterfield.
Well, I know this is a bit off topic but did anyone watch the US Democratic Party convention last night? I did. It was a mistake for me to do so, I guess. Maybe I should have been reading more about history or leadership rather than being bored to death. Yep, that’s right, the convention was boring. By the way, what was their purpose? There is no selection of Joe Biden (he had already been selected) and no “audience” of convention attendees to cheer on the candidate. What’s up with that?
I watched it for about 1/2 hour and gave up. Bored – yes! Interested – no! Will I watch again today? NO … I’m not stupid.
Sorry folks, back on topic, I liked today’s article because it gave me a little more background on this battle. I don’t remember ever hearing about it in school. Maybe I was daydreaming and didn’t hear but the battle was important in many ways, to me for getting the idea about determination.
Determination is important but it must be prudent determination.
Today’s article is appreciated. Using real history to provide real leadership lessons is the very reason I keep coming back to your website. Today’s piece made me go online to read more about the battle and to “see” how the sailors and soldiers of the time lived and fought.
I will nitpick a little with your definition of “damn the torpedoes.” I don’t think it means to continue your course of action DESPITE all hazards and risks. It does mean to continue ahead while ACKNOWLEDGING the risks and being PREPARED to do something about them if the risks become too great. Just my opinion. Thanks for doing a great job on the Battle of Mobile Bay. Nice summary of the battle here: https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Mobile-Bay
Thanks JT. Well said and I agree but it is, yes, nitpicking a bit. But still, you have a point. I do believe some will suggest all hazards would be ignored because any other course of action would be unacceptable, like in Union Adm Farragut’s case.
Actually, you are right Gen. Satterfield. Historians may argue about it but Union Admiral Farragut said “Damn the Torpedoes …” but didn’t add “full steam ahead” like some people say. But the phrase is great anyway. Thanks.
… but but but, it sounds so good!
Great article on a famous battle. Thanks General Satterfield.
Thanks, Gen. Satterfield for another tidbit of history. We can all learn from these “famous leader commands” but also from the history behind them. Kind of like using “all the nine yards” when we say we are giving it all. The phrase “all the 9 yards” comes from WWII when fighter airplanes had nine yards of ammunition.
Oh, bringing back memories! Thanks Gen. Satterfield. ?
He He He…. I’m not a US Navy fan but I do read a lot of Civil War history. This was a great time for the Union cause. The Confederate admiral screwed up and lost the fleet. Read the story in Gen. Satterfield’s link and search more on-line. The naval battle shows how determination can pay off.
Yes, I remember my 5th grade history teacher telling us about the battle and why it occurred.
They don’t teach history like that any more. So, we should also not be surprised when kids say they hate our country. Teachers have done a TERRIBLE job at teaching kids the value of good citizenship.
I remember being taught history in grade school. Overall, most of us liked it. Our teachers made history come alive and they didn’t infuse it with PC ideology or their own opinions. Great to be online today with so many in Gen. Satterfield’s forums.