Project 888
Name: Orlando Robert ORTIZ
Rank / Rating: Y3-Yeoman Third ClassService #: 951 66 62 DOB: Apr 12, 1925 From: Denver, Colorado Parents: Reinaldo and Genevieve Ortiz Went Aboard: April 25, 1944 Age When Ship Went Down: 20 years, 3 months, 18 days Spouse: Children: Grandchildren: Bio Submitted By: Admin |
 ORTIZ, Orlando R |
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Yeoman Third Class Ortiz was born April 12, 1925, in Denver, Colorado. He graduated from Northeastern High School, lived with parents Reinaldo and Genevieve at 6434 Craig St., Detroit, Michigan.
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 Bobby, 18, enlisted February 4, 1944, in the United State Navy, graduated from Camp Bennion, Farragut, Idaho, and began service on USS Indianapolis six weeks later on April 25, 1944.
At the Chaplain’s suggestion, he studied bookkeeping, with unfulfilled ambitions of attending college and becoming a Certified Public Accountant.
Veteran of five major sea battles, Bobby served aboard ship as Yeoman 3/c until it was sunk by the enemy July 30, 1945. Family received his Purple Heart posthumously.
A bright, energetic teenager, Bob dearly loved his Family: Papa, Mama, Brother Joe, Step-Brother Ray, and Sisters: Genevieve, Ernestine, Viola Pearl, Eleanore, and Rebecca (Rosalie died in 1931, John in 1932).
Every one wrote often, as did Bob, sharing insights into his love of Family, deepening Catholic faith, Navy life, and maturation into manhood. He loved receiving letters and saved all, as did his family. Following are some of Bob’s written thoughts:
Navy insights: Camp Bennion: “Heaven can wait; this is paradise” at the ship’s service, where he could eat a sundae, soda, delicious apple, one large and two small candy bars for only 45 cents! As a 'new boot', (slang for 'new recruit'), other seamen played pranks by having him search the ship looking for Charlie Noble, (a galley stack)! More slang: boots/leggings; stomach-mixers/cooks; slave-driver/CPO, Outside all envelopes: SMRLH (Sailor’s Mail, Rush Like Heck!).
Family Insights: Grateful to: Papa for being a great man and father; Mama for constant love and special packages-“a little candy, a little fruit” was always dandy; Genevieve, the smartest sister, although handicapped, typed fastest and best, in his eyes a success; Ernestine, divine dancing partner, whom he asked to learn the tango and teach him; Pearl, humorous letter-writer, comedian, and good bowler...”Sis Pearl, better get used to a low voice, because I’ve got one now instead of that squeaky alto...I’m sure it’s not a sore throat!” Joe, Marine Brother-Buddy, at 17, heavy-whiskered, muscular, with boxer’s legs...what a BIG surprise when Bob’s name was announced to report to an Officer on deck...Joe was standing there to hug him and share dinner that special day; Army-Buddy and Step-Brother Ray always kept in touch; younger Sister Nora helped him find out about school, and baby Sister Becky wrote like a gig girl and was a great helper at home.
His family writes. “Adios Bobby, loving Sailor Son, Brother..."
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.
Orlando Robert ORTIZ'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.
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