The USS Indianapolis: A Tragic Incident in World War II History
The USS Indianapolis (CA-35) was a Portland-class heavy cruiser that served in the United States Navy during World War II. The ship’s story is a somber one, marked by tragic events that would become infamous in naval history. Specifically, the USS Indianapolis became known for being torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese submarine on July 30, 1945, resulting in one of the worst maritime disasters in United States history. In this article, we will examine the events surrounding the loss of the USS Indianapolis, including the estimated number of soldiers who lost their lives.
Background:
The USS Indianapolis was part of the US Navy’s Pacific Fleet, participating in several key battles, including the Battle of Iwo Jima and the Battle of Okinawa. Before its ill-fated mission, the ship had returned to the United States to undergo repairs and refueling. On July 28, 1945, the USS Indianapolis set sail from the Philippine Islands with a crew of approximately 1,196 sailors, including 126 African Americans who made up nearly 10% of the ship’s complement.
**The Incident:**
On July 30, 1945, while en route to the Philippines to deliver nuclear components for the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, the USS Indianapolis was spotted and attacked by **Japanese I-58-class submarine**, I-58, just before 2:48 AM. The submarine torpedoed the USS Indianapolis **twice**, causing a massive explosion that split the ship in half. Water poured in at an incredible rate, sinking the vessel within 12 minutes of the attack.
**Panic and Chaos:**
As the USS Indianapolis listed and sank, panic spread among the crew. Those who survived the initial disaster were left in the ocean, fighting for their lives as the ship’s stern settled into the depths. Men were separated from each other, and the sound of screams and cries for help filled the night air.
**Rescue Efforts:**
After being alerted by a passing patrol plane at 1:00 PM on July 31, the USS Bass (ARS-16) and a US Navy rescue plane flew to the location, joining the USS Bass at dawn on August 1, 1945. Initially, only 154 survivors were recovered from the water; the rest, an **estimated 879 soldiers**, had perished in the disaster.
**Aftermath:**
The sinking of the USS Indianapolis was one of the most tragic incidents in naval history, resulting in more than 75% of the crew being killed or wounded. The ship’s logs and records were recovered, bearing witness to the horrific event. The tragedy led to significant changes in the way the Navy handled emergency procedures, with a focus on quick mobilization and coordination during wartime.
**Numbers: The Final Toll:**
Estimates of the number of casualties vary, but **almost 900** sailors from the USS Indianapolis lost their lives in the disaster, making it one of the deadliest maritime incidents in World War II.
**Chronology of Events:**
Here is a table summarizing the key events surrounding the sinking of the USS Indianapolis:
| Date | Event |
| — | — |
| July 28, 1945 | USS Indianapolis departs Philippine Islands |
| July 30, 1945 | USS Indianapolis attacked and sunk by Japanese submarine |
| July 31, 1945 | Airplane spots survivors in ocean |
| August 1, 1945 | USS Bass (ARS-16) and rescue plane arrive on scene |
| August 4, 1945 | Final 154 survivors rescued |
**Conclusion:**
The sinking of the USS Indianapolis remains a devastating reminder of the sacrifices made by American soldiers during World War II. The events surrounding the ship’s ill-fated voyage have left an indelible mark on naval history, underscoring the importance of preparedness and emergency protocols. As we remember this tragic incident, we also honor the memories of **almost 900** American sailors who gave their lives in service to their country.
**Significant Lessons Learned:**
• Communication breakdowns between the Japanese submarine and US naval intelligence led to the USS Indianapolis being caught off guard.
• The initial lack of response to the ship’s distress signals hampered efforts to rescue survivors.
• The tragedy led to an overhaul of naval emergency protocols, including more efficient alert systems and increased coordination among rescue teams.
• This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness in maintaining the safety of our forces.
**Table: Survivor Statistics**
| Demographics | Number of Survivors |
| — | — |
| White | 128 |
| African American | 6 |
| Other | 20 |
| Total | 154 |
**Important Notes:**
• **126 African Americans** were part of the USS Indianapolis’s original crew, accounting for roughly 10% of the ship’s total complement.
• **Only 12** of the ship’s African American sailors survived, highlighting the significant disparities faced by African Americans during the war.
• The survivors of the USS Indianapolis **received no commendations for their bravery** due to the Navy’s bureaucratic process, which prioritized decorations for more high-profile heroes.
The sinking of the USS Indianapolis remains a harrowing reminder of the consequences of war and the human cost of naval operations during World War II. **Almost 900** brave sailors lost their lives on that fateful night in July 1945.
