Chapter II: Preface: By Secretary Daniels

The record of the _U.S.S. Leviathan_, queen of the troop transport fleet which made possible the successful participation of the United States in the war with Germany, is a record of consistent service and remarkable efficiency which upholds the best and noblest traditions of the United States naval service. The nation owes and gladly gives a great meed of praise to every officer and man, regular and reserve alike, who shared in the hardships, the dangers and the successes of the _Leviathan’s_ great wartime service.

The potential strength of the 98,000 fighting men the _Leviathan_ carried to the shores of France can never be estimated. We know that when the night was blackest, when the fortunes of the world hung in the balance and the eyes of all nations were turned toward the western continent, that the great _Leviathan_ with her tremendous troop-carrying capacity was ready and that, trip after trip, without failures or accidents, the great transport plowed her way across the Atlantic, scornful alike of the submarine’s stilettos of the sea and the wrath of the elements, carrying to the shores of our nearly exhausted allies those inestimably precious cargoes of men who turned the tide and saved the day.

Although the _Leviathan_ did not participate in any great naval engagement, although the battle flags never flew proudly at her mast-heads as she swept into the tempest of a modern naval engagement, her achievement in carrying across the sea more than three divisions of American soldiers entitles the gallant ship’s name to a place forever in the hall of American naval fame.

I cannot but feel a thrill of admiration for the efficiency, loyalty and devotion to duty of the officers and men of the _Leviathan_ who repaired the damage wrought by the Germans, quickly and skillfully organized the ship for service at sea and who, week after week and month after month, “carried on” regardless of the lurking menace beneath the waves, in the face of an enemy who would have made any sacrifice to add the giant _Leviathan_ to his list of victims.

On March 15, 1919, Mrs. Daniels and myself had the pleasure of going aboard the _Leviathan_ with a party of naval officers who were accompanying me to Europe on important public business. The remembrance of this voyage will ever be among the most cherished memories of all the members of our party. The never-failing courtesy and kindness of both officers and men, the thoughtful consideration with which we were treated, will always cause us to remember the U.S.S. Leviathan with the warmest personal regard.

With all good wishes for the future for the crew of the _Leviathan_ and the hope that the ship’s great work, so wonderfully carried out thus far, may be as successfully completed.

Roster of Officers

Cruiser and Transport Force United States Atlantic Fleet

Vice-Admiral ALBERT GLEAVES, United States Navy Commander Cruiser and Transport Force, U. S. Atlantic Fleet

U. S. S. Leviathan

CAPTAINS

Oman, Joseph W., Capt., U.S.N.
Bryan, Henry F., Capt., U.S.N.
Phelps, William W., Capt., U.S.N.
Durell, Edward H., Capt., U.S.N.

NOTE: Captain J. W. Oman, U.S.N., assumed command on July 23, 1917, being relieved by Captain Henry F. Bryan, U.S.N., on March 3, 1918, who in turn was relieved by Captain W. W. Phelps, U.S.N., on Sept. 21, 1918, who in turn was relieved by Captain Edward H. Durell, U.S.N., on April 4, 1919, and who now is in command.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Jeffers, William N., Comdr., U.S.N.
Blackburn, John H., Comdr., U.S.N.
Staton, Adolphus, Comdr., U.S.N.

NAVIGATORS

Mannock, Frank D., Lieut.-Comdr., U.S.N.
Cunningham, Harold A., Lieut.-Comdr., U.S.N.R.F.

GUNNERY OFFICERS

Osborne, Charles F., Lieut.-Comdr, U.S.N.
Boucher, Creed H., Lieut., U.S.N.
Bateman, Arnold H., Lieut., U.S.N.

FIRST LIEUTENANTS

Ford, James W., Lieut.-Comdr., U.S.N.
Haltnorth, Oliver J., Lieut., U.S.N.
Malloy, William E., Lieut., U.S.N.

SENIOR ENGINEER OFFICER

Woodward, Vaughn V., Comdr., U.S.N.

COMMUNICATION OFFICERS

Gahagen, Allen J., Lieut., (j. g.), U.S.N.
Bense, Frederick, Lieut., (j. g.), U.S.N.
Katzmarek, John E., Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.

SENIOR MEDICAL OFFICERS

Snyder, John J., Comdr., (M. C.), U.S.N.
Asserson, Frederick A., Comdr., (M. C.), U.S.N.
May, Henry A., Lieut.-Comdr., (M. C.), U.S.N.
Vaughn, George T., Lieut.-Comdr., (M. C.), U.S.N.

SENIOR SUPPLY OFFICERS

Schafer, George C., Lieut.-Comdr., (P. C.), U.S.N.
Simonpietri, William L. F., Lieut.-Comdr., (P. C), U.S.N.
Farwell, Neal B., Lieut.-Comdr., (P. C.), U.S.N.
Edwards, Eaton C., Lieut.-Comdr., (P. C.), U.S.N.

_CAPT. W. W. PHELPS_

_CAPT. J. W. OMAN_

_CAPT. E. H. DURELL_]

WATCH AND DIVISION OFFICERS

Jones, John, Lieut.-Comdr., U.S.N.R.F.
Foster, John, Lieut.-Comdr., U.S.N.R.F.
Beebe, John L., Lieut., U.S.N.R.F.
Hankison, Otto L., Lieut., U.S.N.R.F.
Willey, James H., Lieut., U.S.N.R.F.
Davidson, Harold, Lieut., U.S.N.R.F.
Burtis, William H., Lieut., U.S.N.
Dorsey, Arthur B., Lieut., U.S.N.
Swift, John T., Lieut., U.S.N.
Hemby, Cleveland, Lieut., U.S.N.R.F.
Jones, Edward E., Lieut., U.S.N.R.F.
Leonard, Arthur T., Lieut., U.S.N.
Skead, Robert G., Lieut., U.S.N.R.F.
Lovell, Douglas G., Lieut., U.S.N.
Wright, F. G., Lieut., U.S.N.R.F.
Millard-Turner, R., Lieut., (j. g.), U.S.N.R.F.
Wainwright, Stuyvesant, Lieut., (j. g.), U.S.N.R.F.
Hilliard, Charles C., Lieut., (j. g.), U.S.N.R.F.
Harper, Fred K., Lieut., (j. g.), U.S.N.R.F.
Wyatt, Thomas H., Lieut., (j. g.), U.S.N.R.F.
Alexander, Albert E., Lieut., (j. g.), U.S.N.R.F.
Harding, Arthur E., Lieut., (j. g.), U.S.N.R.F.
Foss, Albion F., Lieut., (j. g.), U.S.N.R.F.
Towes, George V., Lieut., (j. g.), U.S.N.R.F.
Cummins, David E., Lieut., (j. g.), U.S.N.
Whitney, Rintoul T., Lieut., (j. g.), U.S.N.R.F.
Nordstrom, Isador, Lieut., (j. g.), U.S.N.
Estey, Edward, Lieut., (j. g.), U.S.N.
Morrill, Stanley, Lieut., (j. g.), U.S.N.R.F.
Grant, Deloss A., Lieut., (j. g.), U.S.N.R.F.
Nichols, Spencer V., Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Fagan, George, Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Fales, De Coursey, Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Evans, John Clement, Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Ditmars, John R., Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Knight, Rufus H., Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
LeClerq, Frederick D. K., Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Palin, Milburn R., Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Mann, Harry A., Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Allen, William S., Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Barcus, James S., Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Thompson, Edward H., Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Rapkin, Alfred C, Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Seaman, Elbert C, Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Howe, Paul F., Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Ferguson, John, Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Meagher, John F., Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Singleton, Louis P., Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Leiper, John A., Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Gaynor, Thomas A., Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Gay, Nelson, Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Froehlich, Sylvan L., Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Vars, Addison F., Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Armiger, William J., Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Milan, Daniel F., Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Lequin, Maurice L., Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Deacon, Joseph G., Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Haines, Rowland B., Ensign, U.S.N.
Hammond, Carlton M., Ensign, U.S.N.
Johnston, George 0., Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Arnold, Leslie J., Ensign, U.S.N.
Schildhauer, Clarence H., Ensign, U.S.N.
Schoeffel, M. F., Ensign, U.S.N.
Sherlock, Archibald J., Ensign, U.S.N.
Rowedder, Herbert B., Ensign, U.S.N.
Hackett, Paul B., Ensign, U.S.N.
Fitzsimmons, George R., Ensign, U.S.N.
Ewbank, Henry L., Ensign, U.S.N.
Denison, Ross E., Ensign, U.S.N.
Croasdale, Ernest S., Ensign, U.S.N.
Cox, Christopher C., Ensign, U.S.N.
Carlon, Charles B., Ensign, U.S.N.
Beardsley, Ralph A., Ensign, U.S.N.

_COMMANDER A. STATON_

_GEO. T. VAUGHAN, U.C. LT. COMDR, RESERVE FORCE, U.S.N._

_JOHN J. SNYDER COMDR, MEDICAL CORPS, U.S.N._]

ENGINEERING OFFICERS

Woodward, Vaughn V., Comdr., U.S.N.
Watson, James P., Lieut., U.S.N.R.F.
Krez, Conrad A., Lieut., U.S.N.
Jones, Richard H., Lieut., U.S.N.
Keating, Thomas E., Lieut., U.S.N.R.F.
Schluter, Wilhelm H. F., Lieut., U.S.N.
Edwards, Henry I., Lieut., U.S.N.
Lau, Walter, Lieut., U.S.N.
Parker, John C., Lieut., U.S.N.
Miller, L. Dee, Lieut., U.S.N.R.F.
Watt, Frank S., Lieut., U.S.N.R.F.
Keeser, George, Lieut., U.S.N.
Kirk, Colin, Lieut., U.S.N.R.F.
Althiser, Edwin, Lieut., (j. g.), U.S.N.R.F.
Looney, William C., Lieut., (j. g.), U.S.N.R.F.
Andrews, Ellwood W., Lieut., (j. g.), U.S.N.
Bright, Roscoe C., Lieut., (j. g.), U.S.N.
Cadmus, Charles E., Ensign, U.S.N.R.F.
Leventhal, Lewis F., Ensign, U.S.N.
Graeff, Warren L., Ensign, U.S.N.
Ferry, Jr., John M., Ensign, U.S.N.
Hannon, Frank, Machinist, U.S.N.
Dundon, William A., Machinist, U.S.N.R.F.
Wilson, Tom C., Machinist, U.S.N.
Brockie, William J., Machinist, U.S.N.
Fagan, John J., Machinist, U.S.N.
Glaser, Alfred W., Machinist, U.S.N.R.F.
Hagerman, Oliver S., Machinist, U.S.N.R.F.
Jensen, Joseph, Machinist, U.S.N.R.F.
Wilson, Arthur L., Machinist, U.S.N.R.F.

_LT. W. E. MALLOY_

_LT. H. B. JUDKINS, (J. G.) AASST. PAYMASTER N.R.F._

_LT. F. S. WATT._]

MEDICAL OFFICERS

Halsey, William H., Lieut.-Comdr, U.S.N.
Porter, John E., Lieut., U.S.N.
Hudson, Erastus M., Lieut., U.S.N.
Braff, Max M., Lieut., U.S.N.
Carroll, Frank J., Lieut., U.S.N.
Rathbun, Walter L., Lieut., U.S.N.R.F.
Crofutt, Edward F., Lieut., U.S.N.R.F.
Hulbert, Harold S., Lieut., U.S.N.
Dunlap, Albert K., Lieut., U.S.N.
Howell, Harry M., Lieut., U.S.N.
Kennedy, Patrick F., Lieut., U.S.N.
Lorentz, Jr., Robert, Lieut., U.S.N.
Weston, Albert T., Lieut., U.S.N.R.F.
Strauss, Spencer G., Lieut., U.S.N.
Ziesel, Carl S., Lieut., (j. g.), U.S.N.
Sheppard, Thomas T., Lieut., (j. g.), U.S.N.R.F.
Campbell, Carl I., Chief Phar., U.S.N.
Martin, Robert, Phar., U.S.N.
Benton, William M., Phar., U.S.N.
Redman, Foster B., Phar., U.S.N.

SUPPLY OFFICERS

Hoffman, Leonard G., Lieut., (P. C.), U.S.N.
Erickson, Edward B., Lieut., (P. C.), U.S.N.
Nuber, Horace D., Lieut., (P. C.), U.S.N.
Barker, Edwin F., Lieut., (P. C.), U.S.N.
Soars, Charles A., Lieut., (P. C.), U.S.N.
Gunnell, Vaughn J., Lieut., (P. C.), U.S.N.
Alexander, Edward J., Lieut., (P. C.), U.S.N.
Judkins, Holland B., Lieut., (j. g.), (P. C.), U.S.N.R.F.
Carter, William J., Lieut., (j. g.), (P. C.), U.S.N.
Coulbourn, Theodore S., Lieut., (j. g.), (P. C.), U.S.N.
Baker, Jr., James M., Lieut., (j. g.), (P. C.), U.S.N.R.F.
Bishop, Stuart A., Lieut., (j. g.), U.S.N.R.F.
Foster, Leroy B., Lieut., (j. g.), (P. C), U.S.N.
Thomas, Wilmer J., Ensign, (P. C.), U.S.N.R.F.
Shuler, John W., Ensign, (P. C.), U.S.N.R.F.
O’Shaughnessy, Louis B., Ensign, (P. C.), U.S.N.R.F.
Barber, Jr., William A., Ensign, (P. C.), U.S.N.R.F.
Ast, Raymond J., Ensign, (P. C.), U.S.N.R.F.
Amberg, Edward J., Ensign, (P. C.), U.S.N.R.F.
Harris, Lester L., Ensign, (P. C.), U.S.N.R.F.
Billingsley, Joe K., Ensign, (P. C.), U.S.N.R.F.
Miller, Charles H., Ensign, (P. C.), U.S.N.R.F.
Stephans, Frederick J., Ensign, (P. C.), U.S.N.R.F.
Wrigley, Edmund J., Ensign, (P. C.), U.S.N.R.F.
Waters, Clifford W., Ensign, (P. C.), U.S.N.
Roberts, Jr., Jack B., Ensign, (P. C.), U.S.N.R.F.
Schad, Theodore S., Ensign, (P. C.), U.S.N.R.F.
Fisk, Harvey E., Ensign, (P. C.), U.S.N.R.F.
Fenstemaker, Marvin C, Ensign, (P. C.), U.S.N.R.F.
Ingram, Herbert R., Ensign, (P. C.), U.S.N.R.F.
Stafford, Archibald A., Ensign, (P. C.), U.S.N.R.F.
Smith, Walter E., Pay Clerk, U.S.N.R.F.
Poggi, Godfrey F., Pay Clerk, U.S.N.R.F.
Luskin, Abraham, Pay Clerk, U.S.N.R.F.

CHAPLAIN

McDonald, Eugene E., Capt., U.S.N.

SPECIAL DUTY

Minuse, A. W., Lieut. Const. Corps.
Jack, John H., Ass’t Naval Const. Lieut.

WARRANT OFFICERS

Smith, Charles W., Boatswain, U.S.N.R.F.
Coghlan, Daniel, Boatswain, U.S.N.R.F.
O’Donnell, Joseph A., Elec. Gunner, U.S.N.R.F.
Heinz, Earnest D., Elec. Gunner, U.S.N.
Rector, Frank L., Boatswain, U.S.N.
Cole, Raymond, Gunner, U.S.N.
Hudgins, Earle P., Carpenter, U.S.N.
Britt, Benjamin B., Carpenter, U.S.N.
Waterston, Fred C., Boatswain, U.S.N.
Johnston, William, Boatswain, U.S.N.
Williams, James F., Gunner, U.S.N.
Bruns, Harry, Gunner, U.S.N.
Bergman, Milton, Elec. Gunner, U.S.N.
Braunwarth, Albert, Boatswain, U.S.N.R.F.
Banks, Earl F., Carpenter, U.S.N.R.F.
Maune, James J. Carpenter, U.S.N.
McLeod, Daniel, Carpenter, U.S.N.
Shannon, Charles R., Elec. Gunner, U.S.N.R.F.
Reimann, Carl, Gunner, U.S.N.
Ohmer, August, Carpenter, U.S.N.

_CHIEF PHARMACIST C. I. CAMPBELL_

_LT. E. E. JONES_

_PAY CLERK C. W. WATERS_

_PILOT W. S. McLAUGHLIN_

_LT. D. A. GRANT_

_LT. STANLEY MORRILL_]

SHIP’S HISTORY COMMITTEE

_Medical Department_

Juhnke, Walter A. C.P.M.
Maloney, Leo G. P.M., 1c

_Engineering Department_

Gish, G. B. C.Y.
Lusk, J. R. MM., 1c

_Navigation Department_

Mallay, Jules Bugler
Herrman, Sidney Q.M., 2c

_Gunnery Department_

Collup, Floyd I. C.G.M.
Martin, Wesley G.M. 3c
Armstrong, G. A. C.E.R.

_Deck Department_

Devers, D. F. B.M., 1c

_Supply Department_

Flowers, Frank L. C.C.S.
Nelson, James Y., 1c

_Construction Department_

Hankison, L. A. C.C.M.
Sherrill, H. C. C.M., 1c

_Yeoman to Committee_

Fitzgerald, J. J. Y., 1c
Prescott, John W. Sea.

Chaplain E. E. McDonald U.S.N.

_Photos by_

Ensign Herbert A. Rowedder, U.S.N.

_GUNNER H. BURNS_

_MACHINIST W. A. DUNDON_

_BOATSWAIN FRED. C. WATTERSON_

_BOATSWAIN W. JOHNSON_

CARPENTER E. P. HUDGINS]

Executive Order

_Whereas_, the following Joint Resolution adopted by Congress was approved by the President May 12, 1917:

“Joint Resolution Authorizing the President to take over for the United States the possession and title of any vessel within its jurisdiction, which at the time of coming therein was owned in whole or in part by any corporation, citizen, or subject of any nation with which the United States may be at war, or was under register of any nation and for other purposes.”

RESOLVED, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled: That the President be, and he is hereby, authorized to take over to the United States the immediate possession and title of any vessel within the jurisdiction thereof, including the Canal Zone, and all territories and insular possessions of the United States, except the American Virgin Islands, which at the time of coming into such jurisdiction was owned in whole or in part by any corporation, citizen, or subject of any nation with which the United States may be at war when such vessel shall be taken, or was flying the flag of or was under register of any such nation or any political subdivision or municipality thereof; and, through the United States Shipping Board, or any department or agency of the Government, to operate, lease, charter, and equip such vessel in any service of the United States, or in any commerce, foreign or coastwise.

Sec. 2. That the Secretary of the Navy be, and he is hereby, authorized and directed to appoint, subject to the approval of the President, a board of survey, whose duty it shall be to ascertain the actual value of the vessel, its equipment, appurtenances and all property contained therein, at the time of its taking, and to make a written report of their findings to the Secretary of the Navy, who shall preserve such report with the records of his department. These findings shall be considered as competent evidence in all proceedings on any claim for compensation.

_And whereas_, the following vessels were, at the time of coming into the jurisdiction of the United States, owned in whole or in part by a corporation, citizen or subject of the Empire of Germany, a nation with which the United States is now at war, or were flying the flag of or under the register of the Empire of Germany, or of a political subdivision or municipality thereof:

_Vaterland_
_Amerika_
_Kaiser Wilhelm II_
_President Grant_
_Pennsylvania_
_Rhaetia_
_Wittekind_
_Armenia_
_Adamsturm_
_Willehad_
_Serapis_
_Allemannia_
_Nassovia_
_Maia_
_Neptun_
_O. J. D. Ahlers_
_Prinz Waldemar_
_Loongmoon_
_Governeur Jaeschke_
_Darvel_
_Princess Alice_
_Wiegand_
_Bochum_
_Carl Diedrichsen_
_Coblenz_
_Esslingen_
_Lyeemoon_
_Pongtong_
_Sachsen_
_Suevia_
_Steinbeck_
_Elsass_
_Indra_
_Arnoldus Vinnen_
_Ottawa_
_Grunewald_
_Sachsenwald_
_Staatssekretar Solf_
_Aroa_ (Lighter)
_George Washington_
_Kronprizessin Cecile_
_President Lincoln_
_Cincinnati_
_Bulgaria_
_Prinzess Irene_
_Hamburg_
_Neckar_
_Bohemia_
_Grosser Kurfurst_
_Barbarossa_
_Friedrich der Grosse_
_Rhein_
_Konig Wilhelm II_
_Köln_
_Prinz Oskar_
_Ockenfels_
_Arcadia_
_Pisa_
_Prinz Joachim_
_Harburg_
_Portonia_
_Clara Mennig_
_Pommern_
_Setos_
_Holsatia_
_Staatssekretar Kraetke_
_Borneo_
_Marudu_
_Tsintau_
_Andalusia_
_Camilla Rickmers_
_Clara Jebsen_
_Elmshorm_
_Johanne_
_Mark_
_Rajah_
_Sambia_
_Tubingen_
_Dalbek_
_Magdeburg_
_Matador_
_Kurt_
_Andromeda_
_Prinz Sigismund_
_Savoia_
_Arni_ (Lighter)
_Argus_ (Lighter)

IT IS, THEREFORE, ordered that through the United States Shipping Board there be taken over to the United States the possession and title of the aforementioned vessels. The United States Shipping Board is further hereby authorized to repair, equip and man the said vessels; to operate, lease or charter the same in any service of the United States, or in any commerce, foreign or coastwise; and to do and perform any and all things that may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of the Joint Resolution above set forth.

WOODROW WILSON.

The White House, June 30, 1917. (No. 2651)

Copy of Order

UNITED STATES SHIPPING BOARD

Washington, D. C, July 11, 1917.

Mr. Anthony V. Lynch, New York, N. Y.

_Sir_: The President has issued an Executive Order authorizing
the United States Shipping Board, on behalf of the United
States, to take possession and title to the _Vaterland_, now
lying or shortly to arrive at Hoboken, New Jersey, and you are
hereby authorized and appointed by the United States Shipping
Board as its agent to take possession of said vessel as
contemplated in said Executive Order. Proceed aboard of said
vessel at once and take possession of her in the name of the
United States Shipping Board for and on behalf of the United
States of America, affixing this Order on some conspicuous
part of the ship, and leaving a true copy in its place when
the original is removed. You are instructed thereupon to make
Return, under oath, upon this Original Order of your action in
the premises.

Very truly yours,

UNITED STATES SHIPPING BOARD,

(Signed) JOHN A. DONALD,
_Commissioner_.

_To the United States Shipping Board_:

I hereby certify that I have complied with the instruction
contained in the foregoing Order.

(Signed) ANTHONY V. LYNCH.

July 14th, 1917.