Josephus Daniels

“ Young, without fame, in the hour of dire peril he thought not of himself, but of others. We have given Corky the distinction that goes alone to those who put devotion to duty above love of life. The destroyer Cork, like the useful hero for whom it is named, will be game to the last. ”

“ The story of the deeds of heroism performed by men of the navy in this war will glow with a light that never was on sea or land. Men who live valiantly and die nobly have a strength and a courage from the eternal Father. ”

“ Two of these young heroes have recently received high honor. One a graduate of Annapolis, the other an enlisted man. There is no rank in sacrifice. Many years ago when the first destroyers were built, they were given the names of John Paul Jones and Perry and Farragut and Decatur. All illustrious names, not born to die. The custom is continued. Two of the latest destroyers were named Cork and Ingram.
The torpedoing of the Jacob Jones gave us more than one naval hero, some of them spared for future achievement. ”