To this day, there are many questions regarding the sinking of the U.S.S. Indianapolis. The story is more than the two torpedoes that smashed into the side of the ship, bringing it down in less than twelve minutes. As a nation, we learn about the Indianapolis through the words and experiences of the ship's survivors, and every survivor has a different tale. For me, it was the story of Captain Charles B. McVay III that has left a lasting memory.

Tthere appears to be no acceptable argument in favor of the actions of the United States Navy. Like a good captain, McVay went down with his ship. Yet he did it twice, and that is simply not fair.

Here is a quick review of the charges brought upon Captain McVay. There clearly show that his record should be overturned and cleared.

Evidence to Acquit

• The Indianapolis was unaware of top secret ULTRA intelligence which plotted the I-58 on a collision course with the Indianapolis.
• The orders given to McVay at Guam told him to zigzag at his own discretion, and yet he was found guilty on "failure to zigzag during good visibility."
• No ship has ever made the journey from Guam to the Philipines without the aide of a destroyer escort.
• Japanese Commander Mochitsura Hashimoto has repeatedly stated the Indianapolis would have been sunk whether it was zigazagging or not.
• When a prosecution witness, Navy submariner named Glynn Donaho was asked by McVay's defense counsel whether "it would have been more or less difficult for you to attain the proper firing position" if the Indianapolis had been zigzagging under the conditions which existed that night. His answer was, "No, not as long as I could see the target."

Unanswered Questions

• There has never been a Navy directive stating one must zigzag in limited visibility.
• Why was the Indianapolis not informed of the sinking of the U.S.S. Underhill four days earlier?
• Why was no escort provided?

This exhibit was researched and designed by Ed Pincar.

This exhibit and museum were created during an introductory seminar on the Asia-Pacific War, taught at Wake Forest University during the spring semester 2002.

The material and opinions are those of their respective authors and do not represent the views of the University or the Department of History.