Stimson, David ENS
435904

Chaplin's Office
39th Field Hospital
APO 696
c/o P.M. NY, NY

28 August - 1945

Commanding Officer
USS Indianapolis
San Francisco

Dear Sir
I hope you will not mind my writing you. I am the father of Ensign David Stimson of Turret No. #3 reported missing in action 30 July. He was only very recently assigned to your command - June 15th
I believe, and very possibly you will have had no occasion to remember him, other than from his just presenting himself to you.
Mrs Stimson and I have both been blessed with more than human strength to carry us through all this, and both of us know that "all is well with the child."
But naturally we are hungry for any scraps of information about him from survivors who might have known him. It was his first assignment (having received his commission March 29th) and we would love to know more about what his duties were, and how well he "took hold" - any scraps of information would be treasured. He had been an unsure and blundering lad, but two years of Navy V-12 had done wonders for him. We do not want a glossed-over account or meaningless tribute. Doubtless some of his first experiences and mistakes would be amusing - and should not be shifted back by any false solemnity. How could we procure a list of survivors and their addresses?
I am thankful that you were spared and hope that your injuries are not serious. All the members of the new **** have been remembered in my prayers.

Faithfully yours
William B. Stimson
Chaplain

Pers-8249-LK

STIMSON, David, Ensign, USNR, 435904

October 29, 1945

Dear Chaplain Stimson,

Your letter of August 28th concerning your son, Ensign David Stimson, United States Naval Reserve, just reached me here in the Bureau of Naval Personnel where I have been on temporary duty since my return from Guam last month.

I am sorry that there is nothing I can add to my letter of September 28th which I trust you have received though I note it was addressed to Spartanburg, South Carolina.

I do remember your boy as the Executive Officer picked him for one of the turrets which we considered a most responsible job and one which when I was a junior officer was highly desirable. He was a fine young officer and was considered well above the average by the Gunnery Officer in whose department he served.

The list of survivors which you requested will be sent you under separate cover.

With renewed sympathy,

Very sincerely,

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

Chaplain William B. Stimson, 0429499
39th Field Hospital
APO 696
c/o Postmaster
New York, New York