Was there ever an investigation into the Commodore who received the message, shortly after midnight on July 30, 1945, of an SOS from the USS Indianapolis by Clair B. Young, Yeoman USNR. The message identified the ship, it's location and it's condition. It was read by the Commodore and his answer was "No Reply at this time, if any further messages are received, notify me immediately." Have many SOS's needed to be received before something is done. I saw where someone commented that maybe Mr. Young had the date wrong but how do you forget such a memorable tragedy! Mr. Young also wrote that he smelled a strong odor of alcohol in the room. I'm sure everyone would not have been rescued even if he had taken the time to do his duty to his fellow Sailors and Marines but maybe, just maybe, my Uncle would have had a better chance.
dcannapolis said
Sep 26, 2013
Yes, he was found to be in no way responsible as the ship was under the purview of the Pacific Fleet Commander, not the Leyte Base Commander. It was not for him, rightly or wrongly, to second guess fleet command direction and control. He went on to complete his assignment, and, later, (at the end of the war) was the Commander of the Crane, Indiana Naval Ordinance facility. He was also was my grandfather...... If he indeed had had a few, it was well after business hours (even in wartime) and his direction was clear to subordinates, if in the grand scheme and 70 years later, questionable.
Was there ever an investigation into the Commodore who received the message, shortly after midnight on July 30, 1945, of an SOS from the USS Indianapolis by Clair B. Young, Yeoman USNR. The message identified the ship, it's location and it's condition. It was read by the Commodore and his answer was "No Reply at this time, if any further messages are received, notify me immediately." Have many SOS's needed to be received before something is done. I saw where someone commented that maybe Mr. Young had the date wrong but how do you forget such a memorable tragedy! Mr. Young also wrote that he smelled a strong odor of alcohol in the room. I'm sure everyone would not have been rescued even if he had taken the time to do his duty to his fellow Sailors and Marines but maybe, just maybe, my Uncle would have had a better chance.
Yes, he was found to be in no way responsible as the ship was under the purview of the Pacific Fleet Commander, not the Leyte Base Commander. It was not for him, rightly or wrongly, to second guess fleet command direction and control. He went on to complete his assignment, and, later, (at the end of the war) was the Commander of the Crane, Indiana Naval Ordinance facility. He was also was my grandfather...... If he indeed had had a few, it was well after business hours (even in wartime) and his direction was clear to subordinates, if in the grand scheme and 70 years later, questionable.