History of the U.S.S. Leviathan, cruiser and transport forces, United States Atlantic fleet / Compiled from the ship's log and data gathered by the history committee on board the ship

by U.S.S. Leviathan History Committee

Personnel

The personnel of the gun crews, lookouts, etc., showed excellent qualities and sense of duty during the period of the war. In all attacks by submarines, and false alarms, every man performed his duties as he had been taught at drill, showing no undue excitement, always on the job and ready for more.

The letter from 6-inch gun crew No. 2 quoted below is an example that well shows the spirit of the men.

U. S. S. Leviathan,
April 26, 1918.

From Number Two Gun Crew
To Commanding Officer,
Via Executive Officer.

Subject: Request to be transferred with 6″ Naval Gun to Western Front.

1. It is respectfully requested that the Number Two Gun Crew be transferred with a 6″ Naval Gun to the Western Front to aid American Artillery.

2. The entire crew of Number Two gun are very desirous of a six months’ tryout to prove their ability, and if the service rendered is satisfactory, it is recommended that more gun crews from U. S. Naval ships be transferred to the Western Front; the transfer to be voluntary.

3. This is being done in the French and British Navies, and is proving very successful.

(Signed) P. R. Bradley,
Gun Captain No. 2 Gun.

First Endorsement

U. S. S. Leviathan,
April 29, 1919.

From Gunnery Officer
To Commanding Officer,
Via Executive Officer.

1. Forwarded. Recommended that if the ship is required to furnish a gun crew for the proposed Naval Artillery Brigade, this request be favorably considered. The spirit of the gun crew is especially to be commended.

(Signed) A. H. Bateman,
Lieutenant, U. S. N.

The American Artillery referred to was the U. S. Naval Brigade. They served on the Western Front under the command of Admiral Plunkett, United States Navy, and did great credit to themselves and the naval service.