Navy Department Communique No. 24

January 5, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué on the naval situation based on reports received up to noon (e. s. t.) today:

Far East.
The U. S. S. Heron, a small seaplane tender, while engaged in action with enemy planes over a period of 7 hours sustained 1 direct bomb hit and 3 very near misses. The Heron was attacked by a total of 10 four-engined flying boats and 5 twin-engined landplane bombers. Forty-six 100-pound bombs were dropped by the enemy planes and 3 torpedoes were launched at her sides. Due to very skillful handling, the ship most courageously fought against overwhelming odds, and destroyed 1 four-engined flying boat, badly damaged at least 1 other and probably more. The ship though receiving damage from one bomb that found its mark managed to reach port safely. The Commander in Chief of the Asiatic Fleet, Thomas S. Hart, in accordance with an order of the Secretary of the Navy has awarded the Navy Cross to the Commanding Officer, Lt. William Leverette Kabler, and recommended that he be advanced immediately to the rank of lieutenant commander. Further recommendations regarding other personnel will be made at a later date.
It has been ascertained from late information that the patients and staff at the Naval Hospital, Canacao, near Cavite, were evacuated to Manila prior to the occupation of that city by the enemy.

Atlantic Area.
The merchant ship Marconi flying the Panamanian flag but reported to be of Italian ownership was captured and brought into Cristobal Canal Zone, and turned over to the courts for adjudication.
The submarine situation in the Atlantic area and off the West Coast of the United States remains unchanged.
The Hawaiian area was quiet.