SENSE OF CONGRESS CONCERNING PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION FOR CREW OF THE U.S.S. INDIANAPOLIS.

SEC. 565. SENSE OF CONGRESS CONCERNING PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION FOR CREW OF THE U.S.S. INDIANAPOLIS. (a) Findings.—Congress reaffirms the findings made in section 1052(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 113 STAT. 6221995 (Public Law 103–337; 108 Stat. 2844) that the heavy cruiser U.S.S. INDIANAPOLIS (CA–35)— (1) 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 December 7, 1941 to July 29, 1945; (2) with her courageous and capable crew, compiled an impressive combat record during the war in the Pacific, receiving in the process 10 battle stars in actions from the Aleutians to Okinawa; (3) rendered invaluable service in anti-shipping, shore bombardment, anti-air, and invasion support roles and serving as flagship for the Fifth Fleet under Admiral Raymond Spruance and flagship for the Third Fleet under Admiral William F. Halsey; and (4) transported the world’s first operational atomic bomb from the United States to the Island of Tinian, accomplishing that mission at a record average speed of 29 knots. (b) Further Findings.—Congress further finds that— (1) from participation in the earliest offensive actions in the Pacific during World War II to her pivotal role in delivering the weapon that brought the war to an end, the U.S.S. INDIANAPOLIS and her crew left an indelible imprint on the Nation’s struggle to eventual victory in the war in the Pacific; and (2) the selfless, courageous, and outstanding performance of duty by that ship and her crew throughout the war in the Pacific reflects great credit upon the ship and her crew, thus upholding the very highest traditions of the United States Navy. (c) Sense of Congress.—(1) It is the sense of Congress that the President should award a Presidential Unit Citation to the crew of the U.S.S. INDIANAPOLIS (CA–35) in recognition of the courage and skill displayed by the members of the crew of that vessel throughout World War II. (2) A citation described in paragraph (1) may be awarded without regard to any provision of law or regulation prescribing a time limitation that is otherwise applicable with respect to recommendation for, or the award of, such a citation.