Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1917-11-24
Officers and Men on Two j, S,
DeStroyerS Act With Admir-
able and Efficient Prompt
ness, Is Report,
TWO SUBMARINES ARE
SUCCESSFULLY ATTACKED
Depth Charges Bring Debris,
Bubbles and DiScoIoration
of Water Daniels Explains
Legal Status,

10Y MORNING. JOURNAL sP>~ Al ttAsgb ~IRAl
Washington. Nov. 22.-An offer by
the British admiralty to decorate GER
tain officers and men of two
American destroyers for their serv-
ices in combating German subma-
rines has been declined, Secretary
Daniels announced today, because the
laws of this country prevent soldiers
and sailors from receiving decora-
tions from foreign governments.
Lieutenant Commanders Charles A.
Blakeley and George F. Neal were to
be nominated for the distinguished
service order; Lieut.. Frank Loftin and
Ensign Henry n. Fallon, for the dis
tinguished service cross, and Quarter
master w. H. Justice and Chief Ma
chinist Mate r. G.. McNaughton for
the distinguished service medal. The
names of the ships to which the Off
GERS and men are attached were
withheld for military reasons.
Reasons Are Stated.
The British admiralty's desire to
decorate the men was transmitted
through the British ambassador to the
state department and referred by it to
the navy department.
"In the case of one destroyer" said
the statement issued by Secretary
Daniels, "the admiralty advises that
the vessel was conveying merchant
man when the periscope of a subma-
rine was sighted at distance of about
500 yards. The destroyer immedi-
ately increased speed and headed to-
ward the submarine, which submerged
but rearpeared shortly afterward
itecsvtAHs IL IKE opposite direction.
The U-boat next passed close to the
starboard side of the destroyer. which
released depth charge, probably
| causing serious damage, If not de-
struction to the submarine.
"Praising the excellent organization,
preparedness and discipline on board
the destroyer, as well as the quick
decision of the officers Of the watch,
the British r-in-chief pro-
! posed to recommend Lieutenant Com
mander Blakeley the commanding
officer for appointment to the distin-
guished service order, and Ensign
Harry N. Tallon, for award of the
distinguished service cross.
Decisive Action Quick.
THE other destroyer was one of a
number escorting troop ships and was
cruising in station formation when
the wave of a periscope was sighted
1900 yards off the port bow by the
quartermaster on the watch duty.
He reported to the officers of the
watch, who Immediately sounded gem
eral quarters. The executive officer
Of the destroyer was the first officer
to reach the bridge, being closely fol-
lowed by the commanding officer.
The executive rang for full speed
ahead on reaching the bridge and
altered the destroyer's course to head
for the periscope.
"The commanding officer then took
command of the ship and Unanswered
her so as to gain favorable position
for dropping a depth charge, direct
ing the executive officer to drop the
charge when he deemed it proper to
do so. The charge was dropped, it is
estimated, when the destroyer was
a bout twenty-five yards directly ahead
of the periscope and in the direction
OF the submarines advance.
U-bOat Destroyed.
AFTER the explosion of the charge
debris was seen to rise to the surface.
accompanied by large bubbles and
discoloration of the water.
For this engagement the British
commander-in-chief made the fol-
lowing recommendation:
Lieutenant Commander Neal for
the distinguished service order be-
cause it was considered the efficient
way the attack was launched was due
to his prompt and decisive action and
the vgilant lookout maintained on the
destroyer.
Lieutenant Loftin for the distin-
guished service cross for the way he
handled the situation in a prompt and
decisive manner after arriving on the
bridge.
"Quartermaster, First Glass, w. II.
Justice and Chief Machinist Mate
McNaughton, for the distinguished
service medal"