Remember, most gracious Virgin Mother, Star of the Sea, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy aid and sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, we fly to thee, Virgin of Virgins, our Mother, to thee we come; before thee we stand, sinful and sorrowful. Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petition; but in thy clemency hear and answer us. Amen.
Lord, save us waking, watch us sleeping that we may wake with Christ and rest in peace.
Visit, we beseech Thee, O Lord, our distant homes and families; Thine angels guard them with Thy peace and benediction. Bless this ship we beseech Thee and drive far from it all the snares of the enemy; guide it upon a tranquil course unto the wished-for-haven—guard our Captain, his officers and crew, and the soldier-troops and passengers committed to their care; let Thy holy angels dwell hereon to keep us in peace and let Thy blessings be always upon us. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord.
Into Thy hands, O Lord, we commend ourselves.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, this night to keep us without harm.
May the Lord Almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. May the Almighty and merciful Lord, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost bless and preserve us all. Amen.
The ship pursued her course steadily during the night watches and the men relieved one another at midnight and at 4 A. M. The morning sun broke clear and clean over the eastern horizon and discovered to us that our gallant destroyers had left us during the darkness, proceeding by pre-arranged plan to a similar duty of escorting an east-bound transport loaded with troops. Our voyage continued without further excitement at a speed of twenty and a half knots. We arrived in New York the morning of June 8th and made fast to the dock with little difficulty. No sooner had our gangplank touched the dock than our mail clerk was seen heavily laden with eagerly-sought-for mail.
Fifth Trip Overseas
Eight days was ample time to give half the crew a five-day leave, and five days’ leave gave many of the boys who lived within traveling distance of New York, an opportunity to see home again for a few days. It was at this time that the one-third fare rate was put into effect for soldiers and sailors on furlough and it is needless to say this greatly assisted many boys who did not have the full fare to reach home.