See below article from the Florida newspaper regarding a special honor bestowed on Survivor Giles McCoy.   Giles was instrumental in organizing the first Survivors Reunion in the 1960s and was the original chairman of the USS Indianapolis Organization and served for many years.  Giles and his wife Betty now reside on the east coast of Florida.  Monday Nov 17th was proclaimed "Giles McCoy Day" in Flagler Country Florida!!!

Decrees include honor for USS Indianapolis survivor

It was a day of proclamations in Flagler County on Monday.

In addition to honoring outgoing county commissioners Jim O'Connell and Jim Darby, county commissioners approved proclamations honoring Flagler County resident and USS Indianapolis survivor Giles McCoy, as well as the staff of outgoing Supervisor of Elections Peggy Rae Border.

McCoy, who became a doctor after his World War II service in the U.S. Marine Corps, was honored by the commission for his service to the nation. In his honor, the commission proclaimed Nov. 17, 2008, Giles McCoy Day in the county. He is credited with helping to save shipmates from the ill-fated voyage of the Indianapolis, which was sunk in shark-infested waters after delivering the atomic bombs used to end the war in the Pacific against Japan in 1945.

Flagler County resident Dan Hughes read a letter honoring McCoy from U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw. It extolled McCoy's dedication and bravery.

Calling McCoy a "pillar in our Florida community and one of our local heroes," Crenshaw honored McCoy with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.

"Through you our country's strength is resolute," Crenshaw said in his letter. "Free people everywhere have you to thank."

At the conclusion of the presentation to McCoy, his fellow Marines in the audience stood and sang the Marine Corps hymn.