USS Indianapolis CA-35
Lost At Sea

Name: William Charles PUCKETT
Rank / Rating: S2-Seaman Second Class
Service #: 314 70 63
DOB: Jan 11, 1928
From: Van Dyke, MI
Parents: M. Ira Puckett and Frances Lee Puckett
Went Aboard: May 12, 1945
Age When Ship Went Down: 17 years, 6 months, 19 days
Spouse:
Children:
Grandchildren:
Bio Submitted By: Admin
Date Posted: Jul 30, 2025

Muster Roll for USS Indianapolis CA35, Report ending 5/31/45, William was received from Camp Shumaker, boarding USS Indianapolis CA-35 on May 12, 1945. From information on Find-a-Grave, of his mother, Frances Lee Puckett, William had three siblings: Nathan "Nate" 1925-1999 Ray (no dates provided) Connie 1937- 2022 MICHIGAN MEMORIAL PLAQUE See photographs (posted below) to view a copy of a memorial plaque that was dedicated circa 1946 to honor seventy-two (72) State of Michigan men who served on USS Indianapolis CA-35 and who were Lost At Sea. William Charles Puckett's name is listed on the plaque! Per the caption on one of the photos, the plaque was originally planned in 1946 for display at a proposed Detroit Civic Center. The plaque was initially displayed at the Detroit Naval Post VFW #233. However, the plaque had vanished for decades, fueling rumors of theft, being melted for scrap, or hidden away in a private basement. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Jeff Ortiz (nephew of LAS Y3 Orlando Ortiz) and Joni Deaver (cousin of LAS sailor S2c Charles Roof Jr.), this priceless piece of history has been re-discovered in the Detroit Historical Society storage basement in Michigan. One of the photos shows Jeff Ortiz and Ralph McNabb (nephew of LAS F2 Thomas McNabb, Jr) standing behind the very dusty plaque as it was found.