USS Indianapolis CA-35
Lost At Sea

Name: William George CAIRO
Rank / Rating: BUG1-Bugler First Class
Service #: 951 96 36
DOB: Feb 02, 1926
From: Detroit, MI
Parents:
Went Aboard: 1945
Age When Ship Went Down: 19 years, 5 months, 28 days
Spouse:
Children:
Grandchildren:
Bio Submitted By: Admin
Date Posted: Jul 30, 2025

Bugler Second Class Cairo was born in Detroit, MI on February 2, 1926. He was the youngest of 11 children. Four brothers were in the US Army and William enlisted in the Navy Reserve in July 1943 when he was 17 years old. He went to boot camp at USNTC (United States Naval Training Center), Great Lakes, Illinois. Graduated from camp in 1943, Company 69.

He was called for active duty on March 29, 1944. He boarded Indianapolis in 1945 and was 2/c Bugler on the ship. William was confirmed KIA (Killed In Action) on July 30, 1945, when the ship sunk at sea. 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 George CAIRO'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.