Name: Dwain Frederick MAGRAY
Rank / Rating: S2-Seaman Second Class
Service #: 307 29 74
DOB: Oct 04, 1927
From: Crystal Falls, Michigan
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Frederic Hamilton
Went Aboard: May 12, 1945
Age When Ship Went Down: 17 years, 9 months, 26 days
Spouse:
Children:
Grandchildren:
Bio Submitted By: Admin
Date Posted:

Seaman Second Class Magray, fraternal twin of Donald Frederick, was born October 4, 1927, in Crystal Falls, Michigan to Mr. and Mrs. Frederic Hamilton Magray. Dwain lived most of his 17 years in Milwaukee, WI.

Being very patriotic, he joined the Navy in February 1945. Dwain trained at USNTC (United States Naval Training Center), Great Lakes, Illinois. He came home on leave April 12, 1945, the day President Roosevelt died. He was then sent to San Diego and subsequently on to Mare Island, California. He was assigned aboard USS Indianapolis. It was a memorable experience for Dwain, being on such a beautiful ship; how happy he was being aboard. Sadly, his first mission on Indianapolis was also his last mission. Dwain went down with the ship on which he was so proud to serve. Indianapolis was sunk by the enemy on July 30, 1945, in the Pacific Ocean after delivering components for the atomic bomb. Dwain received multiple medals: Asiatic Pacific Campaign, World War II Victory Medals, American Campaign and the Purple Heart. Dwain’s memory lives on forever with his name inscribed on the national monument, dedicated to USS Indianapolis August 2, 1995, in Indianapolis, IN. also, in the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines, Dwain’s name is inscribed on the Tablets of the Missing who gave their lives in the service of their country and who rest in honored glory, known but God. Dwain’s twin brother also had a tragic death in November 1991. Dwain was fondly remembered by a brother, Marvin, of Alaska and sisters Margene Weitz of Greenbay, Wisconsin, Yvonne Magray Niles of Michigan, Dolly Bernau of Houston, Minnesota, and Toody Nelson of Anchorage, Alaska.

Dwain Frederick Magray Oct 4, 1927 to July 30, 1945 A poem written by his family You left us suddenly without a goodbye. You left us memories which will never die. A million times we think of you, A million times we have cried. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place, no one could ever fill. It broke our hearts to lose you, for parts of us went with you, the day God took you home

The brother I lost on the USS Indianapolis, Dwain F Magray, was a twin brother to Donald F Magray. Donald couldn't get on the ship with Dwain due to a cold, so he joined the Army. That had to be very difficult on both of them, to be separated, for the first time in their life. They had both begged my parents to sign for them because they wanted to serve their country in time of need. Dwain got on the USS Indianapolis in San Francisco. I remember him wondering why he had to wait so long to be able to board the ship. Unknown to all Americans then, it was because the military was ready to put on board the components of the atomic bomb. Our family found out much later. It always seemed strange to me. How could the ship that just delivered the components for the atomic bomb be hit by torpedoes and sunk. But I guess that's war! My brother, Dwain, was only on the ship a couple of weeks when it was hit by torpedoes and sunk. He was not one of the survivors. His picture hangs on my office wall along with a picture of the USS Indianapolis. "FREEDOM LIVES AND THROUGH IT, HE LIVES IN A WAY THAT HUMBLES THE UNDERTAKINGS OF MOST MEN." THESE ARE THE WORDS OF PRESIDENT HARRY TRUMAN 1945.