World War II: A Japanese submarine sinks the USS Indianapolis

On July 30, 1945, a Japanese submarine delivered a devastating blow to the United States Navy by sinking the USS Indianapolis in one of the most tragic incidents of World War II. This event resulted in the loss of 883 seamen, making it the worst single loss in the history of the US Navy. The sinking of the USS Indianapolis left a lasting impact on the nation and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during this tumultuous time.

The USS Indianapolis, a Portland-class heavy cruiser, played a vital role in the Pacific Theater of World War II. It had previously participated in several major battles, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Battle of Okinawa. However, on July 30, 1945, its fate took a tragic turn as it was hit by two torpedoes fired by the Japanese submarine I-58.

The attack on the USS Indianapolis occurred shortly after the ship had completed a top-secret mission. It had just delivered components for the atomic bomb “Little Boy” to the island of Tinian, which would later be dropped on Hiroshima. Following the delivery, the ship was en route to the Philippines when it was attacked and sunk in the Philippine Sea.

As the USS Indianapolis went down, chaos ensued among the crew. Many sailors were blown into the water from the explosion, while others found themselves trapped inside the sinking ship. With little time to react, the survivors were left stranded in open water, where they faced a new battle for survival.

Unfortunately, due to a series of communication failures and oversights, the Navy was not immediately aware of the USS Indianapolis’ sinking. It was not until four days later, on August 2, that a routine patrol plane spotted the survivors in the water. By that time, many had already succumbed to injuries, exposure, or shark attacks.

The shocking loss of life in the sinking of the USS Indianapolis highlighted the dangers faced by sailors during wartime and the horrifying conditions they endured. The survivors faced extreme heat, dehydration, exhaustion, and the constant threat of shark attacks. Only 316 crew members ultimately made it out alive, making this event one of the most tragic in US naval history.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, questions were raised about the failure of communication that led to the delayed rescue efforts. The sinking of the USS Indianapolis ultimately led to changes in Navy protocols regarding communication and rescue procedures, in an effort to prevent such incidents from happening again.

Decades after the sinking, the story of the USS Indianapolis gained renewed attention when it was featured in the 1975 film “Jaws.” The monologue delivered by actor Robert Shaw, who portrayed a character who survived the sinking, further captured the horror and tragedy of that fateful day in July 1945.

Over the years, efforts have been made to honor and commemorate the crew of the USS Indianapolis. In 2018, a team of researchers located the wreckage of the ship, providing some closure to the families of those who were lost. Memorials and ceremonies are held annually to remember the brave sailors who gave their lives in service to their country.

The sinking of the USS Indianapolis remains a poignant chapter in the history of the United States Navy. It serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II and the enduring resilience of those who fought for freedom. The tragic loss of life in this event will forever be etched in the memory of the nation, ensuring that the bravery and dedication of these sailors will never be forgotten.