Sassman, Gordo W. COX
360 62 33

Austin Texas

September 19, 1945
Capt Charles McVay,
5th Division, USS Indianapolis,

Dear Capt. McVay,

I am writing this with the hope that you may know something of the disappearance of Gordon Wallace Sassman, Cox., aboard the Cruiser Indianapolis which was sunk July 30, 1945.
We have been notified that he is missing but of course no details were given.
Having read of your part in the rescue of some of the survivors, I thought it possible you might know something of Gordon's last hours. I am seeking this information for his mother who is my sister. Mrs Sassman is a widow and Gordon was her only child.
I have very little hope for his safety but if you can give me any information, however sad, concerning him or the name and address of some one who could, I shall be most grateful.

Let me sincerely congratulate you and your family on your escape.

Gratefully yours
Mrs. H.C. Piland
1007 Maufrais Street
Austin, Texas

Pers-8249-LK
SASSMAN, Gordon Wallace, Cox, USN, 360 62 33

October 30, 1945

My dear Mrs. Piland,

Your kind letter of September 19th concerning your nephew, Gordon Wallace Sassman, Coxswain, U.S. Navy, has just reached me here in the Bureau of Naval Personnel where I have been on temporary duty since my return from Guam the middle of last month.

I regret I can add nothing to my letter of October 1st to your sister which I trust has reached her after your letter to me was written.

It is difficult I know for you to understand why we can not furnish more information. However, when it is realized the ship sank in the middle of the night in a very short time and that no records what soever were saved that may explain our difficulty in piecing together a coherent story.

May I again express my heartfelt sympathy.

Very sincerely,

CHAS. B. MCVAY, III
Captain, U.S. Navy

Mrs. H. C. Piland
1007 Maufrais Street
Austin, Texas