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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Edward N. Hurley, Chairman, United States Shipping Board, to Major General John J. Pershing, Commander, American Expeditionary Forces

CABLEGRAM RECEIVED  05206     August <5, 1918.> EWC1

Origin OPNAV WASHINGTON.                Ser. No. 9476

     Sigcode.

Simsadus.2

9476.     For General Pershing. The splendid achievements of your troops the past month have been backed to the utmost by American ship builders. Today first launching at fabricated yard merchant Ship Building Corporation at Bristol, Penn. Tomorrow Alameda ship yard California launching 12000 ton steel steamer “INVINCIBLE” built 24 working days. Keel laid July 4th on ship way that launched. DEFIANT 40 working days. INVINCIBLE will join our bridge of boats under steam in September. On Monday Hog Island3 launching its first Hull. Four big fabricating ship yards on Atlantic now in production and strongest friendly rivalry between Atlantic and Pacific to put tonnage behind the American Spear Head in France Signed Hurley. 18005 9476.

BENSON.4     

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Document reference: “16-3-5” and in columner fashion: “J/K/H/1/2/3/4/5/6.” Date is confirmed by time/date stamp.

Footnote 1: Initials of the transcriber.

Footnote 2: VAdm. William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters.

Footnote 3: Hog Island was the largest shipyard in the United States and was located in Chester, Pennsylvania.

Footnote 4: Adm. William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations.

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