Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-06-15
RE ARDS GIVEN
TO BLUEJACKETS
AND Them ARMIES
Heroes at Vera Cruz
Recognized by
Navy Dept

Washington, June IA. Officers and
men among the American bluejackets
and marines who distinguished them
selves by conspicuous bravery and
heroism at Vera Cruz were formally
recognized and rewarded today by the
navy department Every one of the
los singled out for mention in Rear
Admiral Fletcher's reports of the &C.
cupation of the Mexican port was
given official commentator in a letter
from Secretary Daniels, bringing
word in most cases of medals, gratui-
ties or promotions.
Secretary Daniels announced the ac-
ton of the department in letter to
Rear Admiral Frank F. Fletcher who
directed the operations at Vera Cruz,
expressing appreciation. of the adj
mirals conspicuously able ard cour-
ageous performance of duty entailing,
as they did, as grave responsibilities
as could we'll be placed upon naval
commander. In the departments
opinion, wrote Mr.. Daniels, your
performance of duty at the seizure of
Vera Cruz equally entities you to all
the well merited praise and commend
alton that has been bestowed upon the
officers and men whom you We're di
recting.
1T is pleasure to add that it was
fully epected that no matter what
you were called upon to do, it would
be done with a spirit and degree of
excellence that could not be surpassed,
and these expectations were met in
every particular under circumstances
requiring professional ability and
skill and courage of the very highest
order.
Your part in the operations at Vera
Cruz is known throughout the length
and breadth of the land and so nobly
speaks for itself that the department
finds it difficult to embody in a letter
anything that could add to the salts
faction of having so capably perform
ed, under extraordinary conditions, a
duty which not only upholds but adds
to the best traditions of the service
which you adorn.
at is with pleasure that the depart
ment places a copy of this letter upon
your already distinguished record"
A general order has been issued
awarding a medal of honor and a graz
uully Ol 9loo u the luiip"lliS II Sh4l>leu
men for extraordinary heroism Henry
H. Nickerson, Wheeling, W. Va; Abra-
ham De Somers, Milwaukee; Joseph c.
Harner Canton, Ohio; George c. Regain,
Port Richmond, n. Y; Harry c. Beasley,
Newark, Ohio; Lawrence c. Sinnett Au-
burn, w Va; Percy A. Deckew, Limo
leumvlle, n. Y; Charles F. Bishop,
Pittsburg; James A. Walsh, New York
City; Charles L. Nordsiek, Valatie, N.
Y, and Fred ]. schnepel, New York
City. s|s=fzszz
To AZ officers and IS enlisted men the
secretary had written highly commend
atory letters.
In addition to the letter, each enlisted
man has been advanced to the next high
er rating above that he held, carrying
with it increased pay. Six of the men
already are chief petty officers. and as
that is the highest rating an enlisted
man en- hold as such, the department
~ ~+c-dn7 70 'aem tire privilege OF
taking examinations for warrant officers.
1t has directed that in their cases age or
S-.-ee pe waived.
The department, it was announced to-
night, has under consideration the insti-
tuition OF further suitable reward for the
officers who have received commendatory
letters in connection with the operations
at Vera Cruz, but defers action until
there is little likelihood of there being
more names of officers for similar recog-