I had a chance to visit the recently opened USS Indianapolis display at the Indiana War museum. Very interesting display, but (IMHO) poorly lighted and cramped. At one time, I believe there was a drive to open a seperate museum for the USS Indianapolis, but I don't know what the current status of that effort is.

Here are a few photos of the displays. If you are in the Indianapolis area, it is well worth a stop downtown to view this display and the rest of the museum. Admission is free!

Well, that is all for now. If you decide to visit, here is one recommendation, take a tripod for your camera. The displays are very close and it is easy to wash out the photo with your flash. If you don't use a flash, it is dark enough that the lens has to remain open for a long time to let in enough light and you get some blurry shots.

Hopefully these photos gave you a little taste of the display!

You know, I made an assumption taht everyone knows the history of the Indy. But just in case, here is a little info on her:

The world's first operational atomic bomb was delivered by the Indianapolis, (CA-35) to the island of Tinian on 26 July 1945. The Indianapolis then reported to CINCPAC (Commander-In-Chief, Pacific) Headquarters at Guam for further orders. She was directed to join the battleship USS Idaho (BB-42) at Leyte Gulf in the Philippines to prepare for the invasion of Japan. The Indianapolis, unescorted, departed Guam on a course of 262 degrees making about 17 knots.

At 14 minutes past midnight, on 30 July 1945, midway between Guam and Leyte Gulf, she was hit by two torpedoes out of six fired by the I-58, a Japanese submarine. The first blew away the bow, the second struck near midship on the starboard side adjacent to a fuel tank and a powder magazine. The resulting explosion split the ship to the keel, knocking out all electric power. Within minutes she went down rapidly by the bow, rolling to starboard.

Of the 1,196 aboard, about 900 made it into the water in the twelve minutes before she sank. Few life rafts were released. Most survivors wore the standard kapok life jacket. Shark attacks began with sunrise of the first day and continued until the men were physically removed from the water, almost five days later.


To learn more about the USS Indianapolis, visit: http://www.ussindianapolis.org/story.htm

Tragic event. I saw the story on the History Channel before. But, great photos Beast and thanks for taking the time to share them.

Troy

Nice museum and the story of the USS Indy is indeed a tragic one. Every time I think about those poor sailors trying to survive through the shark attacks....

- Jeff

A very informative post,great pics as well...I actually first heard of it while at the movie JAWS,and then more info from my father on the way home..Thanks for taking the time to share.

I'm surprised that they would attempt to stand up the PH certificate like that......

-Ski

I used to have a Purple Heart document for one of the civilians attached to the Indianapolis that was onboard when she went down. There were other civilians onboard and they were headed to P.I. with the crew to observe the results of the bomb. Strange that a civilian would be awarded a military medal, but what else would they give them I guess.

Nice display none the less and I'll check it out if I'm ever in the area.