USS INDIANAPOLIS CA-35 FINAL CREW - LOST AT SEA & KILLED IN ACTION - THEIR STORIES

Only 316 men survived the sinking of USS Indianapolis on July 30, 1945. Of the 1,195 men on board, 879 died from injuries or the effects of days drifting in shark infested waters of the Pacific. Many had no life jackets. Food and fresh water was available to only a few.

As they struggled to survive in the water, the men believed help would soon arrive. The Navy did not know the ship had been sunk. The needless deaths of many of these men resulted in a permanent stain on the Navy.

We honor and are keeping alive the memories of the 879 crew members who died. A biography of each crew member tells their stories. Included are photos, official Navy documents, news articles, personal letters and more.

We honor, also, nine crew members who were killed March 31, 1945 when a kamikaze plane struck Indianapolis, thus the number and name Project888.

Historical details related to the sinking, including the men's ordeal in shark infested water, reveal their struggle to survive. The impact on the families of the men lost at sea is told in letters written to Captain Charles McVay.

Resources, including videos, are available for learning more about the service and sinking of the ship. Materials for studying and teaching the story of USS Indianapolis in your community are free to download. Also, read about upcoming events as well as past events of interest.

This site was developed by the Education Committee of the Official USS Indianapolis Legacy Organization.

If you have additional biographical information and/or photos to submit, please contact us.