Brophy, Thomas D'Arcy, Jr. ENS

THOMAS D'A BROPHY
247 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK

September 21, 1945

Dear Captain McVay:

I have just learned that Admiral Allen has arranged an appointment with you for Mrs. Brophy and me in Washington Next Tuesday afternoon, September 25th at three o'clock.

I greatly appreciate your kindness in seeing us, although I realize that in all probability you did not know our son, who was perhaps the newest Ensign aboard. He joined the ship in San Francisco following graduation from Columbia Midshipman's School about May 1st, where he was one of seven in his class to be presented with the sword upon being commissioned.

He loved the Indianapolis. Although one of the newest of your officers, you would have been happy had you known the depth of his affection for the ship and his admiration of all connected with it.

There probably is not much you can say to us and I appreciate how difficult it must be for you to meet the families of the men lost in this disaster, but I assure you that it is a consolation to their families, and particularly to the mothers, to have you take time to see and comfort them.

Sincerely,
(Note: illegible signature)

Captain Charles B. McVay, III, USN
2126 Connecticut Avenue
Washington, D. C.

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

Mr. Thomas D. Brophy
247 Park Avenue
New York, New York