I would love to have copies for the archives of the USS Indianapolis Second Watch. Please email me off the board at BullardMBullard@aol.com THANKS!

I too would love copies  thanks lots nascor@charter.net  Grandaughter of Archie Kilgore  f2

I would consider it a privilege to receive copies of all this material. Please let me know how I can become a lucky recipient. Thank you.
Tony Siegle
rockytony@aol.com

I amy have a story of interest to you.  My Dad Chief Machinsts Mate Herman Easter of the USS Cecil J. Doyle MAY have met your dad.  As you know, the Doyle was the first rescue ship on the scene.  Before they started picking up survivors, the ship's Dr. instructed the men in command of each rescue boat on triage, explaining briefly that all would be in very bad shape but that these fellows would have to try to quickly determine the severity of the injuries.  Most of the survivors would be taken to the Doyle's mess hall where the Pharmicists Mates [modernly they are called "hospital corpsmen]would treat them. Those burned or severely wounded would go to the officers wardroom where the Chief Pharmicists Mate would treat them. The really bad cases, incuding those in delerium would go, probably to sickbay where the Dr. would treat them.

One of the guys dad pulled out of the water was a US Army Major who seemed, realtively, given the situation, in better shape than most.  Upon entering the boat, the Major began talking about the fact that the war would be over in a few weeks.  Now at the time just about everyone figured the war would last until 1947 or 1948 and the American forces were gearing up for the invasion of Japan.  Dad asked the Major how the end of the war was going to happen.  The Major told him they had just dropped off a bomb in Tinian that would end the war.

"One bomb? Just one bomb?"

"Yes, one bomb. Its going to destroy a whole city and the Japanese will surrender."

Dad was, of course, convinced that this Major was out of head.  Upon arrival at the Doyle, Dad escorted the Major, who was actually able to walk more or less, to the Dr.  He sat him in a chair and asked him to tell the Dr. the story.

The major did just that and the Dr. sedated him, chuckling that "This was exactly what I was talking about, Chief, you will hear the godamndist stories."

Shortly afterwards the Major's predictions turned out to be true, except it took two bombs to end the war.

I hope your Dad survived the ordeal and led a long and productive life.

As an aside, Dad told me once that the Chief Pharmicists Mate was a noted hoarder and something of a kleptomaniac.  He had stockpiled a HUGE amount of medical supplies and plasma which no doubt saved the lives of many of the Indianaplolis survivors.

Correction: It would appear that Major Furman stayed on Tinian when the Indianapolis left for her final voyage and was obviouslt not the mysterious Major Dad pulled from the water.  

I came across a letter from a crewman on the Indianapolis by the name of Lowel Speers, dated March 8, 1945, written to his sister, Mrs. D.N. Garmen, 2517-59th Street, Sacremento, CA. Your Website indicates he was killed in the incident. I thought perhaps if there are any family members extant they might like to have the letter. Martin Sullivan Brookings, Oregon