My Dad served in the U. S. Marines during WW2. He was in the Pacific and survived several notable battles-one being Tarawa. He was one of the servicemen that was exposed to the nuclear blast/ test, the Trinity Project. The cancer that ended his life due to the exposure finally caught up with him and he passed in 1997. My Dad loved this country and was a civilian employee at Boca Chica Air Base and at the Orlando Naval Training Center. He did not speak of his combat experiences very often. But he did share a couple stories and one in particular that had a survivor of the USS Indianapolis in it. My Dad said he met a sailor that was a survivor stateside after the bombs were dropped. He said they had compared there experiences and how it was curious how their paths had crossed. The USS Indianapolis was part of the naval bombardment of Tarawa and at Iwo Jima. My Dad was at both engagements. After a time they shook hands and carried on. Fast forward 33 years to 1978 and Key West, Florida. My Dad had a love of the sea and fishing and was in the keys to visit friends and fish. Down at the charter boat docks he saw a gentlemen with a USS Indianapolis cap on his head. Dad approached him and to their amazement they were the guys had had met and bonded so many years ago. Dad did not cry often but in telling me this story he became emotional. I could tell the mutual respect and admiration that existed between these two survivors. I do not know the sailors name but I know this-Dad went to his grave so proud and happy that they had a chance to reconnect. Who would think it could be possible? I am so proud of my Father and all who served in WW2. The Greatest Generation is great for a reason! I am so proud to be an American and thank you to all serve our great nation. God bless the USS Indianapolis. I love and miss you Dad. Bob Papin
SurvivorsDaughter said
Oct 18, 2016
Such a great story!!! Thanks so much for sharing that. And yes, they truly were the greatest generation! And God bless your dad for his service, and the suffering he endured following.
Maria Eck Bullard
Daughter of USS Indianapolis Survivor Harold Eck
Chairman, USS Indianapolis Second Watch Organization
MARTIBMD said
Feb 5, 2017
My dad, Joseph Lewis Bornstein(1928-1994), was also a Marine that landed on Iwo Jima. He was 15.5 years old when he joined in 1943 and 16 years old when he landed on Iwo--turned 17 two weeks after being on the island as a matter of fact. I cannot fathom what our brave fathers endured there. I am so moved by reading about the USS Indianapolis! Your post reminded of my father who I miss every day. I have to tell you a little story. My father (and brother) were very proud to be Marines. One day my dad was hailing the Navy tremendously. He said "if it wasn't for the Navy, we never would have won WWII." I said " dad, what are you talking about? You're a Marine!" He said "that's right. If it wasn't for the Navy bringing us over there, we wouldn't have been able to kick the enemies butts!" Thank you USS Indianapolis men for helping my dad while he was on that Sulfur hell hole. I wouldn't be here if you hadn't done such a marvelous job. I am so proud to be the daughter of a vet.
Marti Bornstein, MD
Bstowedaughter said
Aug 2, 2017
My daddy was bertis stowe he was one of the survivors when the ship went down....he was proud to surve his country....but had nightmares about what happened after the ship went down...
SurvivorsDaughter said
Sep 12, 2017
Welcome to the family! Feel free to look up our Facebook Group USS Indianapolis CA-35 Second Watch. Second Watch Organization was set up in the 1980s by the survivors themselves to assure that the memory of their story would live on through their children. We are comprised of family and friends of the entire final sailing crew. So please look for us! And also, shoot me a quick email at IndySecondWatch@yahoo.com and give me your hero's name and I will add you to our mailing list and database! Its an amazing legacy that we share and its in our hands to perpetuate the memory now!
My Dad served in the U. S. Marines during WW2. He was in the Pacific and survived several notable battles-one being Tarawa. He was one of the servicemen that was exposed to the nuclear blast/ test, the Trinity Project. The cancer that ended his life due to the exposure finally caught up with him and he passed in 1997. My Dad loved this country and was a civilian employee at Boca Chica Air Base and at the Orlando Naval Training Center. He did not speak of his combat experiences very often. But he did share a couple stories and one in particular that had a survivor of the USS Indianapolis in it. My Dad said he met a sailor that was a survivor stateside after the bombs were dropped. He said they had compared there experiences and how it was curious how their paths had crossed. The USS Indianapolis was part of the naval bombardment of Tarawa and at Iwo Jima. My Dad was at both engagements. After a time they shook hands and carried on. Fast forward 33 years to 1978 and Key West, Florida. My Dad had a love of the sea and fishing and was in the keys to visit friends and fish. Down at the charter boat docks he saw a gentlemen with a USS Indianapolis cap on his head. Dad approached him and to their amazement they were the guys had had met and bonded so many years ago. Dad did not cry often but in telling me this story he became emotional. I could tell the mutual respect and admiration that existed between these two survivors. I do not know the sailors name but I know this-Dad went to his grave so proud and happy that they had a chance to reconnect. Who would think it could be possible? I am so proud of my Father and all who served in WW2. The Greatest Generation is great for a reason! I am so proud to be an American and thank you to all serve our great nation. God bless the USS Indianapolis. I love and miss you Dad. Bob Papin
Maria Eck Bullard
Daughter of USS Indianapolis Survivor Harold Eck
Chairman, USS Indianapolis Second Watch Organization