USS Indianapolis CA-35
Lost At Sea

Name: Harold Edward MEIER
Rank / Rating: S2-Seaman Second Class
Service #: 381 78 20
DOB: Dec 28, 1926
From: Los Angeles, CA
Parents: Soellner and Mary Meier
Went Aboard: Apr 20, 1943
Age When Ship Went Down: 18 years, 7 months, 2 days
Spouse:
Children:
Grandchildren:
Bio Submitted By: Donna Georgino (Niece)
Date Posted: Jul 30, 2025

Harold "Buddy" Meier was born in Sonora, California in December 1926 to Mary and Soellner Meier. Buddy was the big brother to three younger sisters.

When he was 15 years old and living in El Sereno, California he convinced his mother to allow him to drop out of school and lie about his age to join the Navy. He reported for duty shortly after turning 16 years old on January 8, 1943. He did his training in San Diego, California and was assigned to the USS Indianapolis. At the time of the sinking he was a seaman second class. Because his mother had a hard time talking about the disaster and his sister were young at the time, not much is known about his job on the ship or what happened when the torpedoes hit. Although he never had the opportunity to get married and have children, Buddy Meier has many nieces and nephews who are proud of his sacrifice and will always remember him.