Hammen, Robert PhoM 3/c

Linkwood, Md
September 6th, 1945.

Captain Charles Butler McVay 3rd
U.S.N. Base Hospital #18.
Navy 926. c/o F.P.O.
San Francisco, CA.

Dear Sir;

Our older son, Lt. (jg) Carl S Hammen of L.S.T. 918 c/o F.P.O. San Francisco, Calif. has referred us to you for any further information about Robert Hammen. PhoM 3/c, a member of your crew on the ill-fated U.S.S. Indianapolis.
The Navy notified us by telegram on August 13th, 1945 that "Bobby" was missing in action on July 30th, 1945, and has since, by letter, repeated that statement.
Many questions of course, have arisen to perplex us, but we have restrained ourselves from annoying you with them until now, because you also, have been through a terrible ordeal, from which we trust, you are by now, somewhat recovered?

Among those questions are the following-

1. Was the photo lab in the line of entry of the torpedo, if that caused the trouble.
2. Where might "Bobby" have been at the time of the mishap, if he were on watch?
3. Were any of the following known survivors-
Tracy- Chief, Commissary Steward.
Sedivi- PhoM 1 or 2/c
Potter- Gunners, mate, 2/c & mail clerk.
Mickelson-BM 1/c also mail clerk.
4. If any of the above survived, might we have their present or home address?
5. Would it be possible for survivors still to be found in other places besides Guam and Pelelieu?

We are still hoping for better news as "Bobby" was a fine boy, and since the cessation of hostilities, feel that there is more possibility, unless his position at the time of the sinking precluded any chance of survival. In which case we must steal ourselves to accept the worst, and be thankful his suffering was short.

Thank you for any information you may be able to impart and our best wishes for your continued improvement.

Respectfully yours,
Bertha I. and Roy M. Hammen
(Parents)

(MR. & MRS. R.M. HAMMEN LINKWOOD, MD.)

Pers-8249-adc

October 5th, 1945,

My dear Mr. and Mrs. Hammen,

Your letter of September 6, concerning your son, Robert, reached me a few days ago here in the Bureau of Naval Personnel where it was forwarded from Base Hospital #18.
My letter to you relating the story of the sinking should have reached you by now, so I will just answer the questions in your letter.
The photographic laboratory was aft and the explosions, though forward, were of such intensity that all parts of the ship were severely affected. It is believed that your son was asleep when the explosions occurred, and that he went down with his ship.
Neither Tracy, Sedivi, nor Potter are among the survivors. Mickilson was not aboard. He has been transferred sometime in April.
I do not believe anyone could reach the nearest land which was three hundred miles away from where the ship went down.

Again, I want to express my deep sympathy.

Very sincerely,
CHAS. B. McVAY, III
Captain, U.S. Navy.

Mr. and Mrs RM Hammond.
Linkwood, Maryland.