The younger Colvocoresses eventually rose to the rank of rear admiral and was Commandant of Cadets at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis.

He entered the United States Naval Academy, then located in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1864, during the American Civil War, and graduated in 1869.

Lieutenant George P. Colvocoresses designed the monument—a cross with carved icicles hanging from it that sits atop a cairn.

[2] He distinguished himself in service as executive officer on the cruiser Concord at the Battle of Manila Bay, May 1, 1898, in the Spanish–American War, where the United States won a decisive victory over the Spanish Fleet, helping to end the Spanish naval threat and establish the United States as one of the world's military "super powers."

Commander George P. Colvocoresses, for the cool, deliberate, and efficient manner with which he met each phase of the action, and for his hearty cooperation in my plans.