US Marine Corps - The Black Vault

58 Anzpbibi~ns Came To Conquer
That this domination of the Michigan did not impress all in the steerage
can be judged by the following “45 year after” recollection.
As far as Turner goes, I draw a complete blank. I can’t remember him at
all {not even] what his job was.zl
The following letters, one personal the other oflicial, tell more of the
World War I story. The official one also bears the pencil notation “NO dice”
and the initials “IWT.”
DEAR ADMIRAL:
USS. Arizona,
Navy Yard, New York, N.Y.,
September 30, 1919.
Replying to your letter of September 29, 1919, it gives me pleasure to
state that I served under your command in command of the U.S. S. Michigan
from June 20, 1918 until September 7, 1918, when I was detached and
ordered to command the U. S,S. Arizona, During this time the Mic/rigm was
operating in Chesapeake Bay preparing for and going through with the various
forms of target practice. It will be noted that the ship was very successful
at Short Range Battle Practice and won the ship control “E”. About August 1,
1918 the MicAigan was ordered to the Navy Yard, League Island for overhaul
and made the passage at night, in company with the U.S. S. Loz/i.riana,escorted
by one destroyer, as the enemy’s submarines were then operating off the coast.
The Michigan remained at the Navy Yard for overhaul until I was detached.
While the Micbigun was in a very eficient condition while I was in command,
I cannot help but feel that the credit is due to my predecessor, Captain
C. B. Brittain, U. S. Navy, to the Executive Officer, Commander George J.
Meyers, U. S. Navy, and to the Gunnery Officer, Lieutenant Commander
Richmond K. Turner, U. S. Navy. I found the ship in a fine condition and
merely carried on.
I am,
Very sincerely yours,
(signed) J. H. DAYTON,
CaPtai?z,U.S. Navy.
Rear Admiral J. H. Glennon, U. S.N.,
Commandant Third Naval District
CBB/HO
UNITED STATESATLANTICFLEET
U.S.S. Pennsylvania, Flagship
Navy Yard, New York, N.Y. 3 October 1919.
From: Rear Admiral C. B. Brittain, U, S. Navy
To: Bureau of Navigation (BOARD OF AWARDS)
a Mr. Peyton S. Cochran, to GCD, letter, 2 Mar, 1964. Cochran was an ensign in the Mirbigatz
June 1918 to September 1918.