The Lancaster news. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1905-current, 1917-11-27
Decorations for ValOrOus Ser
vice Declined, Secretary
Daniels Announces.
VIOLATION OF OUR LAW
Men Who Successfully Combat
ted German Submarines Are
Offered Medals by the British
Admiralty.

Washington, Nov. 26.-An Offer
by the British admiralty to decorate
certain officers and men of two
American destroyers for their SER
vices In combating German subma-
rines has been declined, Secretary
Daniels announced today, because
the laws of this country prevent SOL
dlers and sailors from receiving de-
corations from foreign governments.
Lieuteant Commanders Charles
A. Blakely and George f. Neal were
to be dominated for the distinguish
cd service order; Lieut.. Frank Lof-
tin and Ensign Henry n. Fallon for
the distinguished service cross. and
: Guartermaster w. II. Justice and
Chief Machinist Mate r. G.. Nc
Naughton for the distinguished SER
vice medal. The names Of the ships
tC which the officers and men are
attached were withheld for military
reasons.
The British admiralty's desire to
decorate the men was transmitted
through the British ambassador to
the state department and referred by
il to the navy department.
I'm the case one destroyer" said
a statement issued by Secretary Dan
iels. "the admiralty advises that the
vessel was conveying a merchant
man when the periscope of sub
marine was sighted at distance of
about 500 yards. The destroyer
Immediately increased speed and
headed toward the submarine which
submerged. but reappeared shortly
afterward travelling in the 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 destruction to the
submarine.
"Praising the excellent organiza-
ton. preparedness and discipline on
board the destroyer as well as the
quick decision of the officers of the
watch, the British commander-in-
chief proposed to recommend Lieu
tenant Blakeley, the commanding
officer, for appointment to the dis
tinguished service order and En-
sign Henry N. Fallon, for award of
the distinguished service cross.
THE other destroyer was one of n
number escorting troop ships and
was cruising in station formation
when the wave of a periscope was
sighted 800 yards off the port bow
by the quartermaster of the watch
on duty. He reported to the officers
OF the watch. who Immediately
sounded general quarters. The ex-
ecutive officer OF the destroyer was
the first officer to reach the bridge.
being closely followed by the com
manding officer. The executive Of
ficer rang for full speed ahead on
reaching the bridge and altered the
destroyer's course to head for the
periscope.
THE commanding officer then
'Nch VI thS Ship anu
neuvered her so as to gain a fav-
orable position for dropping a depth
charge, directing the executive of
ftcer to drop the charge when he
deemed ii proper to do so.
THE charge was dropped, it is es-
timated. when the destroyer was
about 25 yards directly ahead of the
periscope and in the direction of the
submarine advance.
AFTER the explosion of the charge
debris was seen to rise to the sur
face, accompanied by large bubbles
and discoloration Of the water.
For their services in this en-
gagement the British commander-in-
chief made the following recon-
mendation:
Lieutenant Commander Neal for
the distinguished service order be-
cause 1t was considered that the eff
f'cient way the attack was launched
was due to the prompt and decisive
action and the vigilant lookout
maintained on the destroyer.
Lieutenant Loftin for the dis-|