Medal commemorating German submarines off America. Obverse: A telegraph pole surmounted by a double-faced head, its mouths emitting messages. Inscription: 'U 53 Reuter Gezeter.' (Reuter screeches.) Legend: 'DEUTSCHE : U : BOOTE IN AMERICA 7 . OKT . 1916.' Reverse: Two men arm in arm with their backs turned standing on the beach, (President Poincare and Uncle Sam) an excited soldier faces them. A submarine shown in the distance, the American flag (right) - the British and French warn America of the dangers of the submarine. Legend: 'RAENKE-SCHMIEDE BEI DER ARBEIT.' (Conspiritors at work.) U53 was sent across the Atlantic to attack British patrols off the coast of the USA. After entering Newport Harbour for an overhaul on 7 October, she put back to sea to discover that the British forces had dispersed. Her commander went on to attack merchant vessels just outside US waters leading to an outcry in the American press.