OFFICIAL LEGACY SITE:
ENDORSED BY USS INDIANAPOLIS SURVIVORS, FAMILIES OF LOST AT SEA & RESCUE CREW MEMBERS
Legacy
USS INDIANAPOLIS (CA-35) LEGACY ORGANIZATION
Learn more about who we are, and what we've been up to by watching the video below!
PROJECT 888
The Education Committee of the USS Indianapolis CA-35 Legacy Organization is creating an archive of men lost-at-sea: in the March 1945 Kamikaze attack, the sinking of Indianapolis on July 30, 1945, and the final ordeal in the water. By sharing photos and information, you honor their service and sacrifice, and keep the Indianapolis story alive.
Biographical information may be submitted by a family member and by anyone interested in honoring one or more of these 888 fallen crew members.
The facts of the Indianapolis story are known … now we want to hear the stories of these men.
Share their hopes and dreams; talents, loves, and friendships; and quotes from last letters home. Share how their loss impacted their family and friends.
Biographical information is needed for all 888 lost-at-sea crew members. For more information on this project and how you can get involved, click here.
WELCOME ABOARD!
We’re so glad you’ve dropped by to learn more about…
- President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “ship of state”
- Admiral Spruance’s 5th Fleet flagship in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II
- Recipient of ten Battle Stars and Navy Unit Commendation
…the legendary heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis (CA-35).
This is the homepage of the USS Indianapolis Legacy Organization, the official auxiliary group serving the crew and families of one of the greatest ships in US Navy history.
On July 30, 1945, a Japanese submarine struck Indy with two torpedoes, triggering the worst sea disaster in the history of the United States Navy—and a story of heroism and sacrifice that still captivates millions.
Legacy’s mission is to keep Indy’s history alive and to share it with future generations. Our programs include projects that directly serve Indy families, and we also offer education and outreach programs for schools, libraries, veterans’ groups, service organizations, museums, and media. We encourage you to check out the video
above to learn more about USS Indianapolis; rich history and her legacy.
Legacy’s members include family and friends of the CA-35 crew; rescue and recovery crews; officers and crew of Indy’s namesake vessels; as well as historians, filmmakers, playwrights, actors, educators, and those whose hearts have been simply captured by Indy’s epic story.
My journey with the survivors of USS Indianapolis began in the mid-1990s while serving as captain of the submarine bearing the same name. At that time, I was pulled into the orbit of the survivors during their effort to clear their captain’s name. The fact that Captain Charles B. McVay, III was the only Navy commanding officer ever court-martialed for having his ship sunk by enemy action never sat right with them. I was one of the draftees into their exoneration effort, which succeeded in May 2001 when I had the honor of entering the exoneration language into Captain McVay’s service record. Two and a half decades later, I’m still in Indy’s orbit. We invite you to join us and also promise you this: once Indianapolis captures your heart, she never lets go!
-- Captain William Toti, USN (Ret)
Chair, USS Indianapolis Legacy Organization and Honorary Survivor
Former Commanding Officer, USS Indianapolis (SSN-697)
Former Commodore, Submarine Squadron 3, Pearl Harbor, HI
Former Commanding Officer, Fleet Antisubmarine Warfare Command, Norfolk
More from Bill...
To find information regarding the Legacy Organization, please see the answers to our Frequently Asked Questions - click here.
Information on how to join as a member can be found on our Membership page.
Stay up-to-date on the latest with Indy! Find the archive of our "3 Minute Email Series" by clicking here.
Help support the USS Indianapolis Legacy!
An Important Note from Survivor & Chairman Harold Bray
Survivor & Chairman of the USS Indianapolis Survivor's Organization, Harold Bray, speaks on behalf of his shipmates about the future of the Indianapolis story and officially endorsing the CA-35 Legacy as the only organization charged with carrying the torch and representing the voice of the USS Indianapolis story for generations to come.
Read Harold's message HERE, & learn more about the USS Indianapolis CA-35 Legacy organization!
Legacy Organization Honors Lost-at-Sea Crew & deceased Survivors with Flags
For more information on our Flag Program, click HERE.
