_2nd Division, 6th Marines, 83rd Company_
He was acting as battalion runner. The Germans were counter-attacking
around Jaulny; but Corporal McKaig with truest heroism carried the
messages through the most dense enemy artillery and machine-gun fire.]
“We continue slowly and cautiously until 4.30 when we find ourselves
at the bow of the _Viribus Unitis_, the last of the six ships that are
drawn up in line. At about 100 meters from the ship’s bow the motor is
stopped, and I move to the head of our apparatus and prepare the first
weapon of offense. The time for the explosion must be calculated from
4.30 a.m., and the mine is so regulated that it will go off four
hours from that time. This, however, is changed before finally sinking
the mine.
“It takes from 4.30 until 4.45 to detach the mine from our propelling
apparatus. Meanwhile the current carries us along parallel to the right
side of the ship at a distance of sixty meters. We have drifted too far
toward the stern so, by using our arms as in swimming, and by putting
the propeller very gently into action, we succeed in turning our
apparatus and in getting back toward the bow of the ship near the lower
boom, at a distance of about twenty-five meters from the right side.
After another slight change of position toward the rear, on account of
the current, I detach the mine, and, swimming, push it before me until
it touches the hull.