USS Indianapolis CA-35
Lost At Sea

Name: Willie Wodrew MIKESKA
Rank / Rating: S2-Seaman Second Class
Service #: 842 29 45
DOB: Jan 01, 1920
From: Round Rock, TX
Parents: Mr and Mrs Joe Mikeska
Went Aboard: December 21, 1943
Age When Ship Went Down: 25 years, 6 months, 29 days
Spouse: Elizabeth Viola Blad Mikeska
Children: Dorothy Ann Mikeska
Grandchildren:
Bio Submitted By: Jay M Messer and Patricia Stephens (Admin)
Date Posted: Jul 30, 2025

Willie W. Mikeska was 21 years old and living in Robstown, Nueces Co., TX., when he registered for the draft on July 1, 1941. He was born in Bartlett, TX.

Willie W Mikeska joined the Navy on October 2, 1943 at San Antonio, TX. His basic training was at the Naval Training Station in San Diego, CA where his rate was advanced from AS (Apprentice Seaman) to S2c (Seaman 2nd class) on November 9, 1943. Willie reported aboard USS Indianapolis on December 21, 1943. Willie was one of the 20 men who were injured during the Kamikaze attack of on March 31, 1945, during battle action at Okinawa. He was awarded a Purple Heart on Apr 3rd during an on board ceremony by Admiral Raymond Spruance. He lost his life at sea on July 30, 1945, when Indianapolis was sunk by torpedoes from Japanese submarine I-58. He had married Elizabeth Viola Mikeska. They had one daughter, Dorothy. Elizabeth died March 23, 2007, a widow still grieving at age 87. His name is inscribed on the Tablets of the Missing in the Manila American Cemetery, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Philippines. He was awarded the Purple Heart, posthumously, his second award.