Capt. Charles Butler McVay

emwitmer · Newbie

Capt. Charles Butler McVay

BobbysNiece · Member

My uncle, Bobby Kollinger was in Capt. McVay's command on the Indianapolis. I want you to know that even though the firstborn of their family was lost in the tragedy, no blame was ever placed at the feet of Capt. McVay. I personally feel that the Navy's using Capt. McVay as the scapegoat for THEIR mistakes was the most dishonorable and aggregious manner to try to "right" their wrongs. My heart will always go out to Capt. McVay and what he must have endured after going through the sinking and then a courtmartial. I've got other words I'd like to use, but they aren't suitable for this forum. God bless you. Terri Williams

stradfot · Newbie

Elizabeth,

My father served under your great uncle, CMMR McVay aboard the USS-Kaweah, AO-15, a tanker, on his first sea duty in 1940-41, until the ship was given to the British. He remembered that upon taking command, guns were mounted even though we weren't at war. A German U-Boat came up once and the guns were uncovered and the Kaweah went on without further incident. My father (CPT USN, retired), is still upset at McVay's treatment and is still sorry that 1) there was a court marshal in the first place, and 2) it took so long to clear his name that it was post-humous. I'll have to ask him if he remembers any more the next chance I get.

Todd Stradford, Jr.

btlrnova · Newbie

Elizabeth,
My connection to the Indianapolis disaster is that I was stationed on Sanar at the time survicers were brought in to our hospital and treated before being floewn out for further treatment. However I have been active in a family group, The Butler Society.I am curious to knoe how the name Butler entered into the McVay name. I presume it might have been a wife of a McVay and her family name carried forward. Perhaps you can enlighten me on this.
William A. Butler