Giles G. McCoy is remembered as one of the Founders of the USS Indianapolis Survivors Organization, and its leader for thirty-five years. McCoy also led a thirty five year effort to get the Memorial built and the ship's Captain, Charles B. McVay's name and reputation restored, by having the Navy reverse a military court marshal's finding of guilty of hazarding his vessel, (the USS Indianapolis) by failing to zigzag the ship.    

McCoy lived and worked most of his adult life to achieve both goals. McCoy passed away on April 30. Both goals reached.       

The Memorial Service was requested by Betty McCoy, Giles' widow, and the McCoy family.   Working together, CDR Pat Finneran, USN, SgtMaj Santos Magana, USMC and Ms. Marcia Mackey made the necessary arrangements with the Indiana World War Memorials Commission, J. Stewart Goodwin, Brigadier General, IN ANG Executive Director.     

Primary speakers were the Mayor of Indianapolis, Gregory A. Ballard, himself a retired Marine LtCol., Mr. Tom Applegate, Indiana Director of Veterans Affairs, who read a personal message from Governor Mitchell E. Daniels.  

CAPT Don Steel, USN delivered his own eulogy and also read that of CAPT. Jim Holds, USN. Both having served as presidents of the Memorial Organization.  In addition, CDR Finneran read personal messages from Senator Richard G. Lugar and former Congressman Andrew Jacobs, Jr.

Douglas Stanton author of "In Harm's Way" and "The Horse Soldiers" spoke of his remembrances of working with "Doc" McCoy.

Life long friend and co-worker to build the memorial survivor Mike Kuryla spoke of his fond memories of his friend.

Captain Ronald F. Reimer, USNR led the Invocation and the Benediction.     

In the picture below, Giles' wife was presented with the Flag of the United State of America which flew over the USS Indianapolis Memorial, and his grandson, a United States Marine, was presented with the Marine Corps flag which also few over the Memorial.

SgtMaj Magana and his wife Julie who lead the Young Marines of Central Indiana, arranged to have the Indianapolis Young Marines provide both military and logistic support. CDR. Charles R. Ridings, CO, NOSC Indianapolis, provided navy and marine personnel to assist in the program. 

It was a loving and fitting tribute to this great American hero and friend.