Brian Porter is an artist and had the great honor to create a Bronze bust of Father Thomas Conway, who did not survive the USS Indianapolis tragedy, for the Buffalo Naval and Military Park in Buffalo, NY.
Attached is a photo of the work from the dedication ceremony in the Summer of 2006. The memorial and it stands on site at the park today.
Father Conway was from the Western, NY area and has roots in this community. The artist states that he is very proud of his work and he feels it embodies the ideals of the entire crew.
Father Conway is shown in a stoic pose slightly turned clutching a life vest in one hand and crew member dog tags in his left. This was symbolic of his physical guidance he brought while in the water with the sailors and the spiritual guidance he provided throughout his life.
A special thanks to Brian Porter for this incredibly touching memorial to such an honorable gentleman - Father Conway.