Born in Provincetown, Massachusetts, Dyer entered the Navy as master's mate in 1862 and was promoted to acting ensign and acting master for gallant service aboard during the Battle of Mobile Bay, 4–5 August 1864. He won additional laurels while commanding the cruiser in the Battle of Manila Bay on 1 May 1898. He reached the mandatory retirement age of 62 on 19 February 1901. Rear Admiral Dyer died in Melrose, Massachusetts, 28 January 1910. He is buried in the Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose, Massachusetts.
Admiral Dyer was one of the few individuals who served with Admiral Farragut at Mobile Bay and also Commodore Dewey at Manila Bay.
Awards and decorations
Admiral Dyer received the Civil War Campaign Medal, Battle of Manila Bay Commemorative Medal (the "Dewey Medal") and the Spanish Campaign Medal.