Indiana daily times., 1921-04-29
ARTICLE 16.

ARTICLE 16.
Facing death and danger, men Of
the Navy displayed the dash and dar-
ing. the courage and quick action
that are the best traditions of the
service.
There were heroes in the ranks,
as well as on the bridge, and scores
of them performed deeds that de-
serve to go down in history.
There were several cases in which
plain American sailors saved ships
from damage or destruction. But
there are few stories of the war more
thrilling than that of John Macken-
zie, chief boatswain's mate, and the
Remlik.
The Remlik, an armed yacht taken
from its luxurious career at the begin
ming Of the war and converted into
submarine fighter, was at its duty on
patroI off the coast Of France. A ter
rife storm was raging and the Remlik
was having all 1t could do to hold Its
own in the heavy weather.
U-BOAT sIGHTEDi
STATIONS MANNED.
Suddenly there was a cry from the
lookout:
submarine. 400 yards of starboard. -
General quarters alarm was sounded
and all stations were manned. Two peri
scopes had been sighted. The after-gun'
crew stayed at its post, trying to get 4
shot at the U-bOat in spite Of the fact
I-oo rfrrer %
sci.
Before they could fire. however, the
submarine submerged.
Then followed one Of the queerest stu
ations that could arise at sea The Rem
Hk and the submarine were both so
tossed about by wind and wave that
neither could use its weapons against
the other.
The RemIik's gunners kept their guns
trained in the general direction IL which
they suspected the C-bOat was lying; the
U-boat presently bObbed up again, but
at once submerged as the guns turned
toward it; twice more It pOked its peri
scopes above the surface, only TO with
draw them, as a scared snail withdraws
its horns when the guns swung into line
for a trial shot.
On board the Remlik there was an in
tense eagerness to drop a depth bomb.
BOMB BREAKS LOOSE
ROLLS on DECK.
Could this have been done the U-boat
would have Joined those which never re
turned TO Germany, but as long as it
was impossible for the Remik to make
more than two knots, it was impossible
to drop a depth bomb without running
the danger of almost as much damage to
herself as to the enemy.
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Of this encounter John Mackenzie did no
more than his duty, which was neither
more nor less than anybody else did.
But the greater danger was yet to
come.
The depth bombs which the Remlik
crew had itched 10 drop in the U-boats
neighborhOod were kept in boxes lashed
near the stern Of the boat. They were
big bulky things. filed with high ex-
pIoslve-safe enough while held in leash,
but deadly if the two pins that held the
firing mechanism were removed.
The waves breaking over the ships
stern tore one Of the boxes loose, toppled
it over, rolling the bomb out OF it. The
box went overheard, but the bomb slid
and sIoshed and rolled about on the
deck.
THE safety pins come out"' some one
shouted
Every man Of the crew realized the dan
ger. for every shift OF the bomb threat
ened destruction and death.
MACKENZIE CAPTURES
THE ROLLING DEATH.
To venture into that part Of the ship,
with the waves dashing over 1t, meant to
risk being carried overheard. The man
who ventured into it with sudden death
srssT cid 10 At av-nT
lurch risked his life
But Mackenzie did not hesitate an In
slant.
''TH get It," he shouted.
The next moment he had flung himself
down into the flooded rear deck and on
all fours, was reaching for the plunginG
cylinder.
He had his arms almost about it wheu
it broke away. He lunged for it again
but the dip of the ship spoiled his try
and once more it escaped him. Waiting
for what seemed better chance, he made
4 third attempt to grab it. This time
Just as he appeared TO have his hands
upon it, the Remlik gave 4 roll that flung
the huge charge back upon him. almost
crushing him. He barely saved himself
but turning quickly, fell upon the bomb
and held il. Upending 1t in a mOmen-
tarly steamer interval ne sat upon IL
sat calmly until lines could be run tC
him with which he lashed it down.
SAVES SHIP
AND CREW.
In recommending thar the medal ot
honor, the highest decoration Americs
has to give, should be conferred upon
Mackenzie the commanding officer of the
Remlik said:
Mackenzie. in acting as he did, ex.
posed his life and prevented the probable
loss Of the ship and entire crew. Had
this depth charge exploded on the quar-
ter deck with the sea wind that existed
at the time, there is no doubt that the
ship would have been lost"
Among the destrOyers OF the United
States Navy you Will find the John Paul
Continued on Page Four.)
WEATHER