Carl Theodore Vogelgesang - United States Naval Academy

United States Naval Academy

While in his senior year of high school he was given an opportunity to enter a competitive examination for entrance into the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. He won the appointment, and went on to Washington, D.C., where he was the protégé of Congressman James A. Louttit of Stockton. In order to reach Annapolis in time, he was granted his high school diploma in advance.

He passed the final examination at Annapolis in June 1886, was appointed a naval cadet -- the term then applied to young men studying at the Naval Academy—on 6 September 1886, and graduated on 6 June 1890. Graduates at that time were given the privilege of remaining in the Navy or retiring. In answer to a letter asking his mother's advice, she said, "My son, as long as the government has given you your education, you should repay with your service". Vogelgesang followed her advice, and never regretted his decision.

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