Project 888
Name: Thomas D BROPHY Jr.
Rank / Rating: ENS-EnsignService #: 439117 DOB: Jun 15, 1924 From: Scarsdale, NY Parents: Thomas and Jessie Brophy Went Aboard: May 15, 1945 Age When Ship Went Down: 21 years, 1 months, 15 days Spouse: Children: Grandchildren: Bio Submitted By: Marilyn Northcutt Henry |
 BROPHY, Thomas D Jr. |
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Thomas D'Arcy Brophy Jr was the son of Thomas and Jessie Brophy. He was their oldest child and only son. He had two sisters, Cynthia and Joan.
He was commissioned Ensign on April 26, 1945 at Columbia University midshipmen's school and was one of seven honor men to receive the navy sword.
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 In response to his parent’s request Captain McVay met personally with Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Brophy to respond to questions concerning the death of their only son.
On the Brophy’s letter of request McVay wrote:
"met September 28th from 15:00- 18:30 gave as much information as I could"
Captain McVay wrote the following letter to the parents after their meeting:
Pers-8249-adc
October 5, 1945
Dear Mr. Brophy,
It was indeed a privilege to meet and talk with Mrs. Brophy and you. I know how difficult it is at first, for total strangers to meet and discuss a subject which has affected all so deeply, but it is also a common bond which allows a frankness that might otherwise not be possible.
I have again made a thorough check of all queries I had each survivor fill out and can find nothing to indicate that your son was among those who remained in the water after the ship went down. I can therefore only believe what I told you, that he must have gone down with the ship.
The list of survivors was released by the Office of Public Information of the Navy Department last Friday and a copy of this has gone forward to you.
Again please let me express my sympathy to you both. I know that you will feel free to call upon me at any future time for such information as you may wish and believe I can help you obtain.
Very sincerely,
CHAS. B. McVay, III
Captain, U. S. Navy
Additionally, Brophy Sr. had a distinguished career as an advertising executive and leader in public affairs. At the outbreak of World War II, the elder Brophy was one of the organizers of the USO and served as director of the Executive Committee of the National War Fund and was one of the founders of the American Heritage Foundation.
Thomas Brophy Jr. had only been aboard Indianapolis 45 days before losing his life. His family received his Purple Heart award.
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