Evening star., 1942-01-11
Keorny
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NS>Ss1Iy
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have an excellent influence upon
the service as whole. The rapid
recovery from shock of the explo-
sion and the efficient efforts to
overcome damage to communica-
tions seems indicative of firm lead
ership and commendable spirit
within the ships company. For this
the commanding officer (Comdr.
Davis must be given full credit as
the ship was placed in commission
under his command. My personal
observation has been that he has
gained the respect and admiration
of his crew. I can therefore sin
cerely recommend him for suitable
award"
Other Citations Given.
1t. Esslinger's citation read: For
extraordinary heroism, as engineer
officer of the Kearny, in keeping
the engineering plant in operation
under the most difficult circum-
stances and with total disregard
for his personal safety"
McDaniels citation said: For ex-
traordinary heroism as chief ma
chinist's mate in charge Of the for
ward engine room His knowl-
edge, leadership, quick action under
most difficult circumstances in max
ing the engine room safe contrib
uted greatly to enable the vessel to
make port"
Official letters Of commendation
from Secretary of the Navy Knox
went to the Kearny's executive off,
Ger, 1t. Eugene Sylvester Sarsfield,
Brooklyn, N. Y, and Ensign Reu-
ben Noel Perley, jr., Riverside, Calf,
who was in charge of the repair
party
1t Sarsfield was commended be-
cause of leadership. personal cour-
age under very trying conditions and
ingenuity in solving the many prob
lens presented, indicating outstand-
ing superior qualities most desired
In a Naval officer"
Ensign's Ingenuity Praised.
Ensign Perley was commended for
"his untiring effort, total disregard
of personal safety and leadership,
enabling his vessel to recover from
the effect of the torpedo and make
port" The ensign's ingenuity in
snoring bulkheadS and clearing
wreckage was credit" 1t was said,
and his performance was above and
beyond the call of duty"
Those commended and advanced
In rank by Admiral Ingersoll were:
Robert Henry Paddock of Sau-
QUOT, N. Y, promoted from phar-
macists's mate first class to chief
pharmacists mate for keeping alive
the wounded and mentally shocked"
until the ships arrival in port. Ply
sicians in port highly praised his
work"
Alfred John Booth of Clifton
Heights. Pa, raised from quarter
master (third class, to quartermas-
ter (second class for remaining at
his steering station and shifting to
hand steering although "alone and
trapped if the ship went down.
Muscoe Coleman Holland of Edge
water, N. j., advanced from seaman
(first class to coxSwain for running
to the aid of Booth with complete
disregard of his personal safety"
knowing Booth was alone and un-
able to get out of the steering COM
partment.
Indianan Promoted.
Harold Charles Barnard of Linton,
Ind, promoted from shipfitter Cthird
class to shipfitter Second class for
checking all water tight compart-
ments" although stunned by the
explosion and uncertain if the ship
would remain af1oat.
Samuel Robert Kurtz of Erie, Pa,
promoted from torpedoman lthird
class to torpedoman Second class)
for his display Of calmness and
courage on the bridge although he
suffered compound fractures OF both
legs and severe loss of blood.
Admiral Ingersoll reported that
Henry j. Leenknecht, chief yoeman.
of Whippany, N. j., at the risk OF
his life went to the rescue of Kurtz
ION the starboard wing of the bridge,
which had been almost completely
shot away" Kurtz, temporarily
blinded and with both legs broken,
was crawling overheard when res
cued by Leenknecht."
Admiral Ingersoll also commended
Harold Edler McDougal. chief quar-
termaster, Seattle, Wash; Clarence
Edward Mann, chief torpedoman,
Marshalltown, Iowa. and Benjamin
John Van Blake, sailmaker's mate,
LIST class, Norfolk, Va.
Has Reputation for Luck.
In announcing the awards, the
::..avy made public excerpts from
Comdr. Danis' official report, which
gave details of the actions "above
and beyond the call Of duty" Of
the honored men. The commander
had his own words Of praise for
eight other officers and II enlisted
men of the Kearny's company.
y 1t. Comdr. DAMS, who has been
oelected for promotion to command