The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1920-01-05

/ WASHINGTON, D. c., Sunday, -Secrc-
tary Daniels replied today to attacks on
his awards OF navy decorations in a let
ter to Chairman Page, OF the Senate Naval
Committee, which, with the House Naval
Committee, probably will investigate the
whole row brought about by the refusal OF
Rear Admiral Sims and other officers TO
accept decorations awarded to them.
The complaint Of the officers was that
in some instances Secretary Daniels had
changed the recommendations OF the Off
ciaI board which sat on the cases. bestow-
ing higher decorations than the officers
thought merited In some cases and lower
ones in others
Mr.. Daniels refers to his first comrnu-
nication to Chairman Page, in which he
set forth the principles that the highest
distinction should be conferred upon Off
GERS and men who had come in contact
with the enemy and had by courage and
judgment under attack, exemplified the
highest traditions of the service, and that
the Distinguished Service Medal should be
awarded only TO those officers on shore
duty who, in the language OF the act Of
Congress, had distinguished themselves
''by exceptionally meritorious service to
the government in duty OF great re
sponsibility
| Loss OF ship No Bar.
''T stated that the service worthy OF the
highest distinction is that rendered afloat
in the presence of the enemy, and that
the Distinguished Service Medal should
be awarded to the captain or every ship
struck by the mines or torpedoes OF the
enemy IL his conduct was meritoriouS In
the hour that tests courage and leader
ship. do not think the American peo-
he, n IN he de- ,
that the Distinguished Service Medal
should not be given to the captain of O
ship who bears himself courageously in
the supreme hour for which all other
hours in his naval career were but pre-
paratory if his ship is lost by submarine
or mine attack.
Ten commanding officers of ships tor
pedoed and sunk or put out of action were
selected as worthy of receiving the Dis
tinguished Service Medal. These awards,
as I stated in my previous letter. were
made without exception to every com
manding officer whose ship felt the blow
OF the enemy except one who was court
martialed and who, though fully acquitted,
has no recommendation from any superior
officer for recognition of any character.
Admiral Wilson stated officially that the
failure OF Captain Hasbrouck to return
to his ship at daylight with a salvage
party was an offence more serious than
an error OF Judgment and Admiral
Gleaves stated officially that though the
court fully acquitted. him. my own opinion
| is such that cannot recommend him for
the award. either for medal or q cross.
However. because OF his previous service
in the transportation OF troops and with
/ out reference to his action after his ship
was torpedoed Captain Hasbrouck was
selected by my direction for a naval cross
the same as was awarded to commanding
officers Of other transports. Captain
\ Hasbrouck writes he does not desire tc
accept this medal.
! instructions have been given for thS
. Hest investigation with the view o.
further awards to other officers and mer
[ on these and any other ships who rem
!, deered meritorious service by reason o.
. attack OF enemy ships. Some OF thes,
, would have been announced before nov
. except for the reconvening OF the Board o
Awards 10 consider all meritorious servic,
and make further recommendations. Lat
) and incomplete reports have necesSaril,
J delayed full justice 10 all who deserved
recognition But, though postponed, il viii
: be given. and the highest houors should
go to those who felt the shock Of tn
enemy successfully or otherwise wher
. courage and good Judgment were shown
. ashore in places OF less responsi
biity."
II Must Recognize Courage.
e I'VE cannot give too much honor 20 IN
? commanding officers OF surface ship.
y which were able to sink or destroy a sub
marine. The truth must also be recog
nized, however, that the courage, skill
, determination, resourcefulncss, foresigh
and judgment OF officers whose ships wer,
ltorpedoed and suddenly sunk are put C
quite as severe a test as in the cases Of
commanding officers of surface ships
which see and sink the enemy"
Incorporated In the letter were the
records OF all OF the officers who lost their
vessels, including Commander D. w. Bag.
LEY, nephew OF Mrs. Daniels and Com
mander Percy ". Foote, the Secretary's
personal aid, about whom much Of the
controversy has centred.
Il when we shall have forgotten the dis.
tinguished and honorable service OF ablC
and devoted officers ashore. who will
worthily wear the Distinguished Service
Medal" says the Score tary, in conclusion
"the splendid courage OF the men whC
met tho shock OF the submarine stilettoes
unafraid and demonstrated initiative, valo-
and wisdom under such circumstances a.