THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.
WASHINGTON.

September 19, 1917.

My dear Ensign Davison:

I have learned with a great deal of interest that, acting under orders from Admiral Usher, Commandant of the Naval District, you took an armed seaplane across Long Island scouting for a submarine, and that this is the first time that an armed seaplane has been sent out in this country to hunt an enemy submarine.

I want to extend to you my very cordial congratulations. You have undertaken successfully a service which involved a very considerable amount of hazard and have exhibited a spirit which we expect our young men to show if we are to win the great struggle in which we are now engaged. It is a most encouraging thing that whenever young Americans have an opportunity they measure up to the high standards of daring and bravery which has always been characteristic of us as a nation.

Ensign H. P. Davison, Jr.,
c/o Mr. Henry P. Davison,
American Red Cross Hqrs.,
Washington, D. C.