USS Indianapolis (CA-35) Bronze Medal

The USS Indianapolis, commanded by Captain Charles Butler McVay III, carried 1,195 personnel when it set sail for the island of Tinian on July 16, 1945, to deliver components of the atomic bomb ‘‘Little Boy’’. After completing that mission, minutes after midnight on July 30, 1945, the ship was hit by two torpedoes from a Japanese submarine and sank quickly. After four days in the water, survivors were spotted and a rescue mission was executed. Only 316 men of the crew of 1,195 survived the ordeal and the survivors endured severe burns, exposure to the elements, extreme dehydration and shark attacks. The sacrifice, perseverance, and bravery of the crew of the USS Indianapolis should never be forgotten.

OBVERSE: The design depicts the USS Indianapolis with her 10 battle stars. Interspersed among a border of rivets are the inscriptions “USS INDIANAPOLIS CA-35” and her dates of service, “1932 – 1945”.

REVERSE: This design depicts a group of survivors clinging to a raft and offering support to each other during their ordeal. They have spotted either a plane or the spotlight from the USS Cecil J. Doyle, giving them a renewed sense of hope for their rescue. Sadly help came too late for so many of the crew. Inscriptions are “1195 SAILED,” “316 SURVIVED,” and “ACT OF CONGRESS 2018”.