Evening journal., 1917-11-26
British Hi0OE ORS TOR
j. S. MEN Declined
Two DeStroyers Command
ers Offered Decorations for
Sinking Submarines
LAWS BARRIER,
SAYS DANIELS

WASHINGTON, Nov. 26.-An offer by
The British Admiralty TO decorate GER
tain officers an Omen Of two American
desroyers for their services in COM
batting German submarines has been
declined. Secretary Daniels has an
nounccd, because the laws Of this coun-
try prevent soldiers and sailors re-
ceivlng decorations from foreign gov
arnments.
Lieutenant Commanders Charles A.
Blakely and George +. Neal were to
be nominated for the distinguished
service order; 1t. Frank Lofiin end En-
sign Henry n. Fallon for distinguished
service cross, ana Quortermaster w.
II. Justice and Chief Machinist Mate r.
G. McNaughton for the distinguished
service medal.
The names Of the ships to which
the officers and men are attached were
withheld for military reasons.
The British Admlraltys desire to
decorate the men was transmitted
through the British AMBASSADOR to the
state Department and referred 10y it to
The Navy Department.
The Heroes Work.
IN the case Of one destroyer" said
a statement issued by Secretary Daniels,
the admiralty advises that the vessel
was conveying a merchantmen when
The periscope Of a submarine was
sighted at a distance of about 500 yards.
The destroyer Immediately increased
sped and headed toward the submarine
which submerged. but reappearcd sho g.
affassttarI fnntsnTfur fft Tho 0upDeffo
direction. The U-boat next passed close
on the starboard side Of the destroyer
which released a depth charge prob
ably casing serious damage, II not de-
ltruction TO the submarine.
"praising the excellent organization.
prepar edness and discipline on board
NE destroyer as we'll as the quick de-
risOu Of the officers Of the watch, the
British commando in chief proposed
20 recommend Lieutenant Commander
3lakelv, the commanding officer for
appointment 10 the distinguished SER
vice order, and Ensign Henry ~ Fallen
Tor award OF The distinguished service
.rnr-'f
"The other destroyer was one OF
number esc0rting troop ships and was
,ruising in station formation when the
wave OF perlscope was sighted 1900
yards of the port bow by the quarter
master Of the watch on duty He re-
ported 20 the officers Of the watch, who
Immediately sounded general quarters.
The executive officer of the destroyer
vas the FIRST officer 10 reach the bridge,
being closely followed by the command
ng officer. The executive officer rang
lor fun speed ahead IN reaching the
bridge and altered the dcsiroyer's course
10 head for the periscope.
"The commanding officer then took
command on the ship and Unanswered
Ter so as 10 gain a favorable position
or dropping a depth charge, directing
he executive officer TO drop the charge
when he deemed 10 proper to do so The
,harge was dropped, It is estimated,
when the destroyer was about twenty
ave yards, directly ahead Of the peri
scope and in the direction Of the sub
marines advance.
After the Explosion.
after the explosion OF the charge
iebris was seen TO rise 10 the surface.
accompanied by large bubbles and dis
,oloration Of the water
For their services In this engagement
ne British commander-in-chief made
be following recommendations:
Lieutenant Commander Neal, for tho
distinguished service order because IL
Vas considered that the efficient way
he attack was launched was due y his
prompt and decisive action and The vigil
ant lookout maintained on the de-
frOyer.
Lieutenant Loftin, for the distinguish
ID service cross for the way he handled
he situation in a prompt and decisive
manner after arriving on the bridge.
Ouartermaster, drst class, Justice, and
Chief Machlnist Mate McNaughion, for
.he distinguished service medal.