Description:

World War II
various, various
USS Indianapolis Survivors Signed Photograph Pairing
Signed photograph
A fine pair of fine souvenir photos signed by survivors of the USS INDIANAPOLIS. Both pieces are in fine condition. Please see details below.

1. A souvenir sheet measuring 8.5" x 14" and bearing an image of the ship at top, signed by 16 survivors with most adding rank.

2. A souvenir photograph measuring 10" x 8" b/w, signed by three survivors of the attack.

The sinking of the USS INDIANAPOLIS is considered one of the worst and most controversial tragedies of World War II. Unbeknownst to the officers and crew, the "Indy" undertook a top-secret mission to carry enriched uranium and other parts required to assemble the world's first nuclear weapon to scientists on Tinian Island. Following the delivery of these items on July 26, 1945, she went on to Guam, leaving there -- unescorted and alone -- on July 28 toward her rendezvous with the fleet in the Philippines.

At 0015 hours on July 30, the heavy cruiser was struck by two Japanese Type 95 torpedoes fired from the submarine I-58. The first torpedo blew the bow off of the ship, while the second struck nearly amidships near the powder magazine. The resulting explosion literally split the ship to the keel, knocking out all power and causing her to sink by the bow in just 12 minutes. Due to the mission's top-secret classification, the United States Navy command were not aware of the sinking until three and a half days later. Of the original crew of 1,195, only 319 men who managed to survive the explosion itself were sent adrift, many without lifeboats, life jackets or measurable supplies. A scant 56 would survive the four day and five night ordeal in open water battling off shark attacks and enduring dehydration, desquamation, and delirium.

The tragedy would result in the court martial of the INDIANAPOLIS' captain Charles B. McVay, III on the counts of failing to order his men to abandon ship, and hazarding the ship. He was, however exonerated because he had not been informed by higher powers that a Japanese sub was operating in the vicinity. He returned to active duty, but the subsequent guilt about the tragedy and personal blame expressed to him by some victims' families took its toll, and he committed suicide in 1968.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 11"
  • Medium: Signed photograph

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September 18, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000