We did use the former Vaterland with such success that during all the war she was never touched by the enemy; but the fears entertained of attack on this biggest transport afloat were justified. On the fourth voyage, when in sight of the coast, May 30, 1918, the Leviathan recorded her first encounter with a submarine, following being the entry in the ship's log:
12:29 p. m.—Sighted submarine pursuing us on our port quarter about 1,500 yards distant. Ordered full speed, 165 revolutions. Opened fire with Number Six and Number Eight guns, three shots. Stopped zigzagging. Changed course 12:40 p. m.
12:59 p. m.—Submarine appeared again. Opened fire with Number Six and Number Eight guns. Nine shots.
1:19 p. m.—Submarine appeared again. Opened fire with Number Six and Number Eight guns. Seven shots.
1:34 p. m.—Threw in maneuvering combination. Standard speed 112 revolutions.
1:45 p. m.—Entering harbor at various courses and speeds.
Of this attack, the Leviathan History says:
The coolness of our commanding officer, Captain H. F. Bryan, and the splendid coördination of the entire crew were so perfect, that only three distinct orders were issued in this moment of peril as follows: 1. Hold your course. 2. Open fire on submarine, port quarter. 3. Sound General Alarm.
Every shot fired was greeted by cheers and shouts of encouragement from the enthusiastic soldiers on the decks, who crowded to favorable positions to witness the accurate firing of our gun-crews. The Army nurses left their luncheon to take a peek at the "fun," and their calmness and enthusiasm in the face of a deadly menace were an inspiration to the sailors manning the big guns.
Sailing the afternoon of June 1st, accompanied by the destroyers Nicholson and Wadsworth, at 7:16 o'clock a periscope wake was sighted on the starboard quarter. "Full speed ahead!" was rung, and the Leviathan sprang forward, a cloud of black smoke pouring from her funnels. Her guns began firing, and from the signal bridge floated the green-and-white submarine warning flag. The destroyers turned quickly and charged down the wake, laying a barrage of depth-bombs which shook the Leviathan, by that time nearly two miles away. The Nicholson's blinker lights flashed: