The Tragic Fate of USS Indianapolis: Beyond Captain McVay’s Blame

The USS Indianapolis, a renowned heavy cruiser of the United States Navy, met a tragic end on July 30, 1945, after being torpedoed by a Japanese submarine while delivering components for the atomic bomb to Tinian. Out of the 1196 crew members aboard, a staggering 883 were lost. While the ship faced the unthinkable, the fate of Captain Charles B. McVay III, its commanding officer, has been a subject of much debate and regret.

Blame and Legal Proceedings

In the aftermath of the sinking, Captain McVay faced significant scrutiny and responsibility. At the time, the standard evasive maneuver against enemy submarines was a zigzag pattern. However, McVay was charged with negligence for failing to follow this procedure. As a result, he was court-martialed in 1945 and found guilty, leading to a reduction in rank. This harsh judgment left an indelible mark on McVay and eventually contributed to his untimely death.

Arguments for Fairness and Exoneration

Over the years, many have argued that Captain McVay was unfairly blamed. Several factors contributed to the sinking, including poor communication and the failure to provide adequate protection for the ship. The families of the crew members who perished largely accepted the court-martial, sending angry and threatening letters to Captain McVay, which pushed him to the brink. In 2000, Congress passed a resolution exonerating McVay, acknowledging his unjust blame for the tragedy.

Human Error and War-time Challenges

While the blame has been transferred to Captain McVay, it is essential to recognize that in the chaotic environment of war, errors are often made. The captain of the Japanese submarine that torpedoed the Indianapolis, Lieutenant Noritsugu Miura, stands as testimony to this. He admitted in an interview that if any American submarine had seen the Indianapolis, they would have done the same.

Survivors' Account and Legacy

The survivors of the sinking lived with the haunting memories of the event. Captain McVay, after surviving the initial attack, was haunted by the loss of so many of his crew. The account of the sharks feeding on the survivors after the ship sunk is simply horrifying. Such experiences left a lasting trauma on anyone who lived through it.

Captain McVay's crew and the captain of the Japanese submarine that tormented him for decades worked tirelessly to have him exonerated. This fight finally came to fruition under President Clinton, bringing some solace to those who reflected on the tragic event and its aftermath.