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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels to Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

File No. 39-3-8    

CABLEGRAM RECEIVED  <August 16, 1918.>

     Origin Opnav Washington (Secnav)        Ser. No. 9992

Ref’d to       Date                Action, Notes and Initials.

  C-S          17 Aug

     31 ADR

CONFIDENTIAL.

Simsadus

9992 In view of action already taken presumably before the President’s request reached the King1 there is nothing to be done and of course in this delicate matter decoration could not be returned. I take it that no other will be given except might be awarded for distinguished and courageous conduct in battle. Am writing.    20116. 9992

BENSON        

930 AM Aug 17th. 1918   

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Document reference in columnar fashion: “1/3/J.” The handwritten date is confirmed by the time/date stamp at the end of the cable. This cable was sent on Daniels’ behalf by Adm. William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations (or someone on his staff).

Footnote 1: King George V of the United Kingdom bestowed several decorations on American commanders in July and August 1918, against the wishes President Woodrow Wilson and the Navy Department. See: Sims to Benson, 10 August 1918.