Jehu V. Chase

Admiral Jehu Valentine Chase (January 10, 1869 – May 24, 1937) was a career navy officer, who is most remembered for his leadership of USS Minnesota during World War I.

Chase was born in Pattersonville, Louisiana on 10 January 1869, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy 6 June 1890.

As commanding officer of the USS Minnesota when she was mined in September 1918, Chase was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal in recognition of his seamanship and leadership in bringing his ship safely to port without loss of life.

Valentine Chase was an active Republican, and was murdered during Reconstruction on 17 October 1868 by a group of unidentified men possibly associated with the Knights of the White Camelia paramilitary organization.

His two sons, Jay Valentine Chase and Harry Taylor Chase, each commanded ships during World War II; his great-grandson James F. Caldwell Jr. is an admiral who currently serves as director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.