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Charles entered the Navy in February 1945. He was a Navy seaman aboard the USS Indianapolis. This was his first trip at sea. He was 18. On July 26, 1945, after completing a mission to deliver the components of the atomic bomb to the island of Tinian, the USS Indianapolis was on its way back to the Philippines. On July 30, the USS Indianapolis was struck by multiple Japanese torpedoes, and sunk. At least 3 SOS calls were ignored. 4 days later, after being accidentally found, 880 men perished, in shark infested water. Charles, along with 25 -30 Detroit men were part of the 880 who perished. Only 318 men survived. It was the worst Naval disaster in history. His body was never recovered. He was an only child. I am his 2nd cousin, I am hoping to find a photograph of Charles to add to his memorial. |
