Jenny, Charles Irvin LT
151984
San Diego, Calif.
11 October 1945
Capt. Charles. B. McVay, III
Washington, D.C.
Dear Capt. McVay:
Mrs. Jenney, my sister, has asked me to write you in regards to her son, Charles I. Jenny, who was lost when the Indianapolis went down. She is ill and unable to write.
My sister has received word from the Navy Dept. that there is no hope that Charles might have survived, but she hoped that you might give her some information regarding him which would be of comfort to her.
I realize this is difficult, but assure you that anything you can do will be appreciated. Mrs. Jenney's address is:
Mrs. C. I. Jenney
3793-43rd St.
San Diego 5, California
I hope that you have fully recovered from your terrible experience.
Sincerely
Mrs. E. A. Coull
4796 Brighton Ave.
San Diego 7, Calif.
Pers-8249-ade
Jenney, Charles
October 16, 1945
My dear Mrs. Jenney,
Today I received a letter from your sister, Mrs. Coull, asking me to give you any further details I could concerning your son, Charles.
I regret exceedingly that the only information I have is contained in my letter of October 5, 1945, which I trust you have by this time received. It is regrettable indeed that due to the rapidity with which the INDIANAPOLIS sank coupled with the fact that it occurred in the middle of the night made it impossible to take any records off the ship. The only information we have comes from piecing together meagre bits from survivors. I can understand fully the desires families have for more facts, but I am sure you know how difficult it is to piece together a coherent story of the disaster.
I knew your son quite well and considered his one of the highest type officers under my command. As you know, he was in charge of our Combat Information Center which is one of the most important, if not the most important, assignment on modern Men of War.
I can only tell you how grieved I was to learn Charles was not among the survivors. His loss will be felt not only by his fellow officers but by the Navy as a whole.
Again may I extend my sympathy to you.
Very sincerely,
CHAS. B. McVAY, III
Captain, U. S. Navy
Mrs. C. I. Jenney
3793-43rd St.
San Diego 5, California
