Captain Charles McVay: The tragic final victim of the USS Indianapolis

"Love to prove that, wouldn't ya? Get your name into the Stern Pinball hall of fame!"

The USS Indianapolis (CA 35), a heavy cruiser, was struck by two Japanese torpedoes in the early hours of July 30, 1945, sinking in less than fifteen minutes. Tragically, several hundred Sailors and Marines perished with the ship, while the remaining survivors endured four days adrift at sea with scant supplies until a chance patrol plane sighting led to their rescue by the Navy. Of the 1,196 men on board, less than a third survived the harrowing ordeal. For Captain Charles McVay III, the commanding officer, the weight of leadership was evident in his words and actions in the aftermath of the catastrophe.

McVay's experience serves as a solemn reminder of the immense responsibility of command, the psychological burdens borne by combat veterans, and the enduring scars of war. Over twenty-eight years later, on November 6, 1968, McVay tragically took his own life, a decision likely influenced by the emotional toll of losing his crew and ship.

As captain, McVay fulfilled the solemn duty of notifying the families of his crew's fate, conveying the tragic circumstances and offering what comfort he could in letters sent in September 1945. Among the bereaved was Carmellia Neu, whose persistent inquiries reflected the anguish of many families seeking closure amidst uncertainty. McVay grappled with his own survival guilt, acknowledging the weight of living while so many perished, and the daunting prospect of facing grieving families.

Despite enduring his own inner turmoil, McVay demonstrated commendable leadership during the ordeal, overseeing the rationing of meager supplies and providing guidance to the survivors until their rescue. His subsequent court-martial, however, cast a shadow over his career. While acquitted of certain charges, he was found guilty of negligence, a decision that ended his prospects for further advancement in the Navy.

Nicholas Cage played Charles McVay in USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage (2016)

The handling of McVay's case remains contentious, with questions surrounding the fairness of his conviction and the motives behind it. While legally upheld, many view the verdict as unjust, a sentiment echoed by fellow naval officers and survivors of the Indianapolis. The belated acknowledgment of McVay's exoneration by Congress in 2001 offers some solace, though it cannot fully redress the injustice he endured.

In remembering Captain McVay, it is essential to honor his service, his leadership amidst tragedy, and the burdens he carried until the end of his days. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of command and the profound impact of war on those who bear its scars.

Learn more here: https://www.ussindianapolis.com/research

Words by Ross Williams

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