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Project 888

USS Indianapolis CA-35

Lost At Sea

Charles Walter ROOF Jr.
Name: Charles Walter ROOF Jr.
Project 888 Rank / Rating: S2-Seaman Second Class
Service #: 314 70 80
DOB: Aug 26, 1927
From: Detroit, MI
Parents: Mr and Mrs Charles W. Roof, Sr.
Went Aboard: May 12, 1945
Age When Ship Went Down: 17 years, 11 months, 4 days
Spouse:
Children:
Grandchildren:
Bio Submitted By: Admin

Charles Walter ROOF, S2-Seaman Second Class

ROOF, Charles W Jr.
Seaman Second Class Charles Walter Roof, Jr was born on August 26, 1927 to parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Walter Roof, Sr. Charles Jr. went aboard USS Indianapolis CA-35 on May 12, 1945 just weeks before the ship's departure on July 16, 1945 for the fateful sinking on July 30, 1945. The families of State of Michigan sailors who were Lost at Sea contributed to the manufacture of a Memorial Plaque that was planned for placement at a proposed Detroit Civic Center building. Charles Walter Roof, Sr. (LAS Roof, Jr.'s father) was the LAS Family's representative who presented the Memorial Plaque to the Chairman of the Plaque Committee. The Chairman represented the Detroit Naval Post VFW #233.
Project 888MICHIGAN 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. Charles Walter ROOF, Jr.'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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