USS Indianapolis CA-35
Lost At Sea

Name: John Robert RABB
Rank / Rating: SC1-Ship's Cook First Class
Service #: 630 10 74
DOB: Nov 13, 1923
From: Eagleton, AR
Parents:
Went Aboard: Apr 13, 1942
Age When Ship Went Down: 21 years, 8 months, 17 days
Spouse: Mena C. Rabb
Children: (Sons) Harry P., John Robert, William Roy, Charles Lee, Richard Gary (Daughters) Franis T. and Mary Anne
Grandchildren:
Bio Submitted By: Marilyn N. Henry
Date Posted: Jul 30, 2025

The 1940 US Census shows John with his parents, brothers and sisters, living at 508 4th Street, Mena, Arkansas.

John enlisted in US Navy Reserve on Feb 24, 1942 in Little Rock, Arkansas (Note: Draft Registration Card not located) US Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency reports that John’s remains are un-accounted for (unrecoverable). The State Summary of War Casualties (Arkansas) U.S. Navy 1946 lists John Rabb as deceased. A Cenotaph is located at Pinecrest Memorial Park Cemetery, Mena, Arkansas. Having boarded USS Indianapolis CA 35 on April 13, 1942, John would have been on board for nine of the ten major battles in which Indianapolis was awarded ten battle stars. Each family whose son was lost at sea in the tragic sinking of Indianapolis on July 30, 1945, received two telegrams. The first advised of the son's missing. The second was an announcement of his presumed death in the tragic sinking of Indianapolis. It was my honor to gather this Information on John Robert Rabb for his family. Marilyn N. Henry, Chair Project 888