South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-11-24
OFFER To
HONOR j. s. MEN
Laws of U. S., however, Com
pei Daniels to Decline Rec
OgnitiOn OF Bravery.

" Aoffl-NNrlON, 10Y. An OF
fer by the British admiralty TO dec
crate certain officers and men Of
two American destroyers for their
services in combating German sub
marines has been declined. Sec'y
Daniels announced Friday be-
cause the laws of this country pre-
vent soldiers and sailors from re-
ceiving decorations from foreign
governments.
Lieut. Commanders Charles A.
Blakley and George r. Neal were
Ia be nominated for the distinguish
ed service order; Lieut.. Frank Loft
in, and Ensign Henry y. Fallon for
the distinguished service cross, and
Quartermaster w. II. Justice and
Chief Machinist Mate r. G. Nc
Naughton for the distinguished ser
vice medal. The names of the ships
TO which the officers and men are
attacked were withheld for military
reasons.
The British admiralty's desire 10
decorate the men was transmitted
through the British ambassador to
the state department and referred
by it 10 the navy department.
Attacks Submarine. -
I'm the case Of one destroyer"
said a statement issued by Sec'y
Daniels. the admiralty advises
that the vessel was conveying a
merchantmen when the periscope
Of a submarine was sighted at
distance of about 500 yards.
The destroyer Immediately in
creased speed and headed toward
the submarine which submerged.
but reappeared shortly afterward,
travelling in the opposite direction.
The U-boat next passed close on the
starbOard side of the destroyer
which released a 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 COMMANDMENT
chief proposed to recommend Lieut..
Commander Blakley, the command
ing officer, for appointment to The
distinguished order and Ensign
Henry n. FallOn for award of the
distinguished service cross.
Outmaneuvers U-Boat.
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 quarIermaster of the watch
on duty. lie reported to the Off
GERS 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
handing officer. The executive Of
icer 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 ma
neuvered her so as to rain a favor
able position for dropping a depth
charge, directing the executive Off
Ger to drop the charge when he
deemed ii proper 10 do so. The
charge was dropped, it is estimated.
when the destroyer was about %
yards directly ahead of the peri
scope and in the direction Of the
submarines advance.
Evidently Sunk.
After the explosion of the charge
debris was seen 10 rise TO the sur
face accompanied by large bubbles
and discoloration of the water.
For their services in this engage
ment the British commander-in-
chief made the following recon-
mendations:
Lieut. Commander Neal. for the
distinguished service order because
it was considered that the efficient
way the attack was launched was
due to his prompt and decisive ac-
ton and the vigilant lookout main
tanned on the destroyer.
Lieut. Loftin for the distinguish
ed service cross for the way he
handled the situation i'm prompt
and decisive manner after arriving
on the bridge.
"Quartermaster. first class, Justice
and Chief Machinist Mate McNaugh-
ton. for the distinguished service