“Daniel Davis and Samuel Hickey step three paces to the front,” commanded the executive officer.
They did so, wonderingly.
The ship’s commander stepped out before them.
“I have here,” he began, “a communication from the Secretary of the Navy, which I will read. It is as follows:
“‘It is hereby ordered that Ordinary Seaman Daniel Davis and Ordinary Seaman Samuel Hickey, at present assigned to the battleship ‘Long Island,’ do present themselves at the executive mansion in Washington, on the morning of July twenty-ninth, at eleven o’clock. It is desired to show proper recognition for their joint deed of heroism in rescuing, from three fathoms of water, the ship’s diver, William Kester. The President is desirous of seeing these young men in person. It will be his pleasure to express to them the gratitude of the government for their splendid achievement. The men will report in blue dress.’”
The Battleship Boys, even now, did not fully understand what was expected of them, but they were proud in the thought that they had done something to merit the praise of their superior officers.
Dan and Sam are Commended for Their Bravery.