I watched the Discovery Channel show about the U.S.S. Indianapolis tonight. I browsed their website during the show and browsed yours after. I was apalled to see your Skipper was court-martialed and convicted. Admiral Nimitz was obviously coerced into filing the oriiginal action by his superiors and thankfully reversed the outcome to the best of his ability when he became The Man instead of The Old Man. It appeared to me that the U.S. Navy, concerned with grouping battle forces able to invade Japan (should the attack by Enola Gay not be sufficient to persuade the Japanese to surrender), was more concerned with the arrival of and the organizing of those ships able to create the devastation needed to ensure victory. Your ship, having already delivered its precious and dangerous cargo was no longer a priority. A huge mistake, considering the obvious ability, gallantry and courage of your crew. I sincerely hope our Armed Forces have aquired the knowledge that every chopper crew, pilot, flight line crew, every grunt platoon, every Coast Guard Boat, every ship with swabbies, tank, howitzer line, and piece of equipment we use to defend the best country in the world is worth keeping track of and keeping safe. I realize there is no such thing as "safety in war" but you boys were neglected and your Captain made a scapegoat. Thank you, gentlemen and your families and your lost comrades and families for helping win the big one. Without you, I and my family probably wouldn't be here now.
It appeared to me that the U.S. Navy, concerned with grouping battle forces able to invade Japan (should the attack by Enola Gay not be sufficient to persuade the Japanese to surrender), was more concerned with the arrival of and the organizing of those ships able to create the devastation needed to ensure victory.
Your ship, having already delivered its precious and dangerous cargo was no longer a priority.
A huge mistake, considering the obvious ability, gallantry and courage of your crew.
I sincerely hope our Armed Forces have aquired the knowledge that every chopper crew, pilot, flight line crew, every grunt platoon, every Coast Guard Boat, every ship with swabbies, tank, howitzer line, and piece of equipment we use to defend the best country in the world is worth keeping track of and keeping safe.
I realize there is no such thing as "safety in war" but you boys were neglected and your Captain made a scapegoat.
Thank you, gentlemen and your families and your lost comrades and families for helping win the big one. Without you, I and my family probably wouldn't be here now.