GHERARDI, Bancroft, naval officer, born in Jackson, Louisiana. 10 November. 1832. He entered the navy from Massachusetts as midshipman, 29 June, 1846, served on the " Ohio," of the Pacific squadron, till 1850, entered the naval academy in 1852, and was made passed midshipman on 8 June of that year. He became master and lieutenant in 1855, and at the beginning of the civil war was on the "Lancaster," of the Pacific squadron. He was made lieutenant commander, 16 July, 1862, took part in the engagement with Fort Macon in that year, and in 1863-'4 commanded successively the gun-boat "Chocorua" and the steamer " Port Royal," of the West Gulf blockading squadron. In the latter vessel he took part in the battle of Mobile Bay, and distinguished himself for coolness and courage. During the action, by the orders of Captain Thornton A. Jenkins, to whose vessel, the " Richmond," the "Port Royal" was lashed, Gherardi cast off, and went in chase of the Confederate gun-boats "Morgan," "Gaines," and " Selma." Later in the war he commanded the "Pequot." He was pro-meted to commander in 1866, to captain in 1874, and to commodore in 1884, and in 1.885 served on the board of examiners for promotion. In 1886 he was made commandant of the Brooklyn navy yard, and on 24 August, 1887, he became rear admiral.