Raphael Semmes

Raphael Semmes (September 27, 1809 – August 30, 1877) was an officer in the Confederate navy during the American Civil War. Prior to this, he had been a serving officer in the United States Navy from 1826 through 1860.

During the American Civil War, Semmes was captain of the commerce raider CSS Alabama, which took 65 prizes. Late in the war, he was promoted to rear admiral and also served briefly as a brigadier general in the Confederate army. Semmes is the only North American to have held both ranks simultaneously.