USS INDIANAPOLIS (CA–35): GALLANTRY, SACRIFICE AND A DECISIVE MISSION TO END WWII.

SEC. 1052. USS INDIANAPOLIS (CA–35): GALLANTRY, SACRIFICE AND A DECISIVE MISSION TO END WWII. (a) Findings.— Congress makes the following findings: (1) The USS INDIANAPOLIS served the people of the United States with valor and distinction throughout World War II in action against enemy forces in the Pacific Theater of Operations from 7 December 1941 to 29 July 1945. (2) The fast and powerful heavy cruiser with its courageous and capable crew, compiled an impressive combat record during her victorious forays across the battle-torn reaches of the Pacific, receiving in the process ten hard-earned Battle Stars from the Aleutians to Okinawa. 108 STAT. 2845 (3) This mighty ship repeatedly proved herself a swift, hard-hitting weapon of our Pacific Fleet, rendering invaluable service in anti-shipping, shore bombardments, anti-air and invasion support roles, and serving with honor and great distinction as Fifth Fleet Flagship under Admiral Raymond Spruance, USN, and Third Fleet Flagship under Admiral William F. Halsey, USN. (4) This gallant ship, owing to her superior speed and record of accomplishment, transported the world’s first operational atomic bomb to the Island of Tinian, accomplishing her mission at a record average speed of 29 knots. (5) Following the accomplishment of her mission, the INDIANAPOLIS departed Tinian for Guam and, thereafter, embarked from Guam for the Leyte Gulf where she was to join with the fleet assembling for the invasion of Japan. (6) At 0014 hours on 30 July 1945, the USS INDIANAPOLIS was sunk by enemy torpedo action. (7) Of the approximately 900 members of her crew of 1,198 officers and men who survived the initial torpedo attack, only 319 were eventually rescued because, as a result of the ship’s communication ability having been destroyed in the attack, the sinking of the USS INDIANAPOLIS was not discovered for five fateful days, during which the survivors suffered incessant shark attacks, starvation, desperate thirst, and exposure. (8) From her participation in the earliest offensive actions in the Pacific in World War II to becoming the last capital ship lost in that conflict, the USS INDIANAPOLIS and her crew left an indelible imprint on our nation’s struggle to eventual victory. (9) This selfless and outstanding performance of duty reflects great credit upon the ship and her crew, thus upholding the very highest traditions of the United States Navy. (b) Recognition and Commendation.— Congress, acting on behalf of the grateful people of the United States, hereby— (1) recognizes the invaluable contributions of the USS INDIANAPOLIS to the ending of World War II; and (2) on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of her tragic sinking, and the dedication of her National Memorial in Indianapolis on July 30th, 1995, commends this gallant ship and her crew for selfless and heroic service to the United States of America.