NEVER FORGET
OFFICIAL SITE: ENDORSED BY USS INDIANAPOLIS SURVIVORS, FAMILIES OF LOST AT SEA & RESCUE CREW MEMBERS
77th ANNIVERSARY USS INDIANAPOLIS REUNION
May 17-20, 2022
Fredericksburg, TX
You’re Invited!
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with a special thanks to
The National Museum of the Pacific War
A Denim and Diamond Celebration
in honor of USS Indianapolis (CA-35)
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Tuesday, May 17 to Friday, May 20, 2022
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Fredericksburg, Texas
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What:
When
Where
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
For inquiries about last minute availability, please email us admin@ussindianapolis.com
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Join us in Texas Hill Country in Spring 2022 as we gather in-person to honor USS Indianapolis (CA-35) in the hometown of Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander of the entire Pacific Fleet in World War II. The event brings focus to the 1,195 men who sailed on the fatal voyage, including the 316 who survived and the 879 who perished. We will also honor the nine crewmen who were killed by a kamikaze attack just prior to the Battle of Okinawa on March 31, 1945. The devastating attack damaged Indy so severely that she ultimately returned to Mare Island for repairs, setting in motion the chain of events that would lead to her role in delivering the components of the first atomic bomb to Tinian, and ultimately to her tragic demise.
Explore more of Indy’s legacy at the National Museum of the Pacific War. Learn about the pivotal role USS Indianapolis played as flagship of the Fifth Fleet and the final sailing crew’s role in bringing an end to WWII. Fredericksburg’s world class museum offers us a chance to step back in time and appreciate what the men of Indianapolis accomplished
All are welcome…
Bring the family! Activities for all ages!
An educational opportunity you won’t want to miss!
Casual attire, boots, and hats welcome!
Legacy Organization Board of Officers (2021-22)
Chairperson – Lynn Vincent
Vice Chairperson – Richard (Dick) Macke
Treasurer – Bonnie Buckett
Secretary – Brian Fruits
Member at Large – Karen Thelen Corby
Please direct your questions
to the Reunion Co-chairs at admin@ussindianapolis.com
with the subject line
“REUNION”
2022 Reunion Highlights Include:
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Tuesday, May 17: Informal Welcome Reception (late afternoon)
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Wednesday, May 18: VIP 2-day museum pass (valid Wednesday and Thursday); a special re-enactment at the Museum’s Combat Zone of the Battle at Okinawa; Finish off a great day with a special Dessert Get-together
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Thursday, May 19: Featured rescue presentation at the Memorial Wall; “A Denim and Diamond Celebration” themed Texas-style BBQ with Games, Music & Dancing
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Thursday, May 19: Special pre-BBQ event for Legacy Organization current members
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Friday, May 20 – Morning gathering; Close of event.
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Throughout the reunion we will offer:
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Informative World War II displays
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Featured presentations of the Legacy Organization’s current activities including:
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Student membership projects
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“Project 888” and the quest to compile the stories of the 879 Lost-at-Sea crew members and the 9 crew members killed in action in Okinawa on March 31, 1945
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“Heroes in the Shadows”: the untold story of the 28 African American members of Indy’s final sailing crew
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Educational offerings for all ages
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USS Indy merchandise store
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Lots of opportunities to reconnect with each other and build new friendships!
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Plus, free time for exploring Fredericksburg’s unique opportunities in a group or on your own
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED
A Note About the Registration Fees
The registration fee includes scheduled reunion programs, VIP museum fees, a set of two keepsake personalized dog tags, and the BBQ banquet dinner and entertainment. All participants must register and pay in advance. For those who wish to attend the daytime programs and skip the BBQ, there is a reduced fee.
Please note that hotel reservations are separate from event registration. Breakfasts are included at the very convenient hotels we have selected. The hotels are located across the street from each other and are a short walk to the museum where most of the activities will take place. Lunch on Wednesday and Thursday are on your own, as is dinner on Wednesday. A dessert buffet will be held on Wednesday evening.
For Those Coming by Air
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Fredericksburg is located about 70 miles from the major airports in Austin and San Antonio. For many, San Antonio Airport is preferred because it is simply easier to get in and out of from an on-ground transportation viewpoint. There are several transportation options from the airport, including rental car, private shuttle, group shuttle and public transportation. A list of options will be posted on our website for you to consider and contact directly to meet your needs.
CONVENIENT HOTELS – AFFORDABLE RATES
Hotel accommodations are the attendee’s responsibility
IMPORTANT: Call the hotels directly for reservations.
The group rate is not available online.
Stay close to all the action! We have secured room blocks for our group for a limited time. Reserve your room at one of the following convenient hotels, located across the street from each other and just a short walk to the Nimitz Museum. Currently we have both hotels completely blocked for our group. Don’t delay! Our blocks may decrease on February 1, 2022, depending on interest.
Lodging is in high demand in Fredericksburg. These hotels are the CLOSEST hotels to the National Museum of the Pacific War. The hotel block at Fredericksburg Inn and Suites expires March 17, 2022. The block at the Inn on Barons Creek expires on April 17, 2022.
ONCE THE HOTEL BLOCKS EXPIRE, THE HOTELS WILL OPEN RESERVATIONS TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
MISSING THESE DEADLINES MAY CAUSE DIFFICULTY IN FINDING ACCOMMODATIONS AT THIS PRICE
WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE TO ALL OF THE ACTIVITIES.
Inn on Barons Creek
92 Rooms Available
The Inn on Barons Creek is a 3-story hotel, with an elevator and rooms accessible from indoor corridors. Standard room rates start at $139/night (plus 13% state & local tax). Complimentary breakfast bar is included. Many of the rooms can accommodate up to 4 persons in a room. There are several options available on a first call/first-served basis, ranging from double queens, single king, upgraded rooms, and ADA accessible rooms. The hotel is located at 308 W. Washington Street, Fredericksburg, TX.
Call directly at (830) 990-9202 and ask for the “USS Indianapolis” Block.
Fredericksburg Inn & Suites
100 Rooms Available
Fredericksburg Inn and Suites is a 2-story open-air inn. Room rates start at $139/night (plus 13% state & local tax). A free self-serve breakfast is included. Many of the rooms can accommodate up to 4 persons in a room. Rooms are a mixture of first and second floor rooms. The hotel is located at 201 S. Washington Street, Fredericksburg, TX.
PLEASE NOTE THAT SECOND-STORY ROOMS ARE ACCESSIBLE BY STAIRS ONLY.
Call directly at (830) 997-0202 and ask for the
“USS Indianapolis Reunion 2022” Block.
NEED TRANSPORTATION TO OR FROM THE AIRPORT?
REMEMBERING USS INDIANAPOLIS CA-35
Brick Legacy​
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Our friends at the National Museum of the Pacific War have invited us to make a lasting impression and be a part of their Brick Legacy. As part of our celebration, they are offering a 20% discount. Each commemorative brick will be placed on the Museum’s Walk of Honor.
Consider leaving your permanent mark. Three lines can tell a story and are a lasting tribute to any one person, group, unit, or ship. The fee for the Brick Legacy is reduced to $160. It includes three lines of text/20 spaces in each line (including blank spaces). Price includes brick engraving and a mailed certificate once the brick has been laid.
For more information, call (830) 997-8600, ext. 220, or email tributes@nimitzfoundation.org. The Admiral Nimitz Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Tribute donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
To register for our Reunion online, click here!​
In Memoriam​
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Sadly, in 2021 & early 2022 we said farewell to Survivors James Smith, Edgar Harrell, Richard (Dick) Thelen, Adolfo Celaya, and Granville Crane, as well as Survivor spouses Dorothy (Dottie) Buckett, Mary O’Donnell, Dorothy Riggins, and Joan Lebow. We hold these beloved members of the USS Indianapolis CA-35 Survivors Organization dear in our hearts. Rest in Peace. Your story will not be forgotten.
Remembering Our Rescuers​
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Rescue Ships Recovery Ships Aircraft Medical
USS Bassett APD-73 USS Aylwin DD-355 PV-1 Ventura-Pilot Lt. Chuck Gwinn USS Hollandia
USS Cecil J Doyle DE-368. USS Cockrell DE-366 PBY – Pilot Lt. Adrian Marks USS Tranquility AH-14
USS Dufilho DE-423 USS French DE-367 PBY – R. Alcorn Samar Medical
USS Madison DD-425 USS Helm DD-388 PBM – S. Worthington Peleliu Medical
USS Ralph Talbot DD-390 B17s – 3rd ER Squadron Guam Medical Unit 18
THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS TO DO IN FREDERICKSBURG!​
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We have purposefully scheduled free time to allow you to explore Fredericksburg and its unique draw. Below are some recommendations which can be done on your own or with a group. These experiences are NOT included in the cost of the reunion event. If you are interested in any of these activities, please indicate so on your registration form, and our Reunion team we'll reach out with more infornation.
o Wildseed Farms -- Walk on trails through fields of wildflowers, enjoy a bite to eat, grab a drink at the beer garden or winery, plus shopping!
o Learn the history of Fredericksburg on a Trolley Tour.
o Pioneer Museum - Tour the buildings on their 3 acre grounds and learn the history behind the German pioneers of the Texas Hill Country
BECOME A MEMBER OF
USS INDIANAPOLIS CA-35
LEGACY ORGANIZATION
The mission of the USS Indianapolis CA-35 Legacy Organization is to promote and perpetuate the memory of all who served USS Indianapolis CA-35. Our vision is to keep the legacy of the USS Indianapolis CA-35 crew and ship alive. ​Preserve the opportunity to hold reunions that honor and memorialize the men of USS Indianapolis CA-35.
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Our objectives are to:
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Provide resources that will inform others about the services and sacrifices of the men of USS Indianapolis CA-35.
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Promote the story of USS Indianapolis CA-35 with the growing Indy “family” in mind, recognizing the unique contributions already being made on behalf of the Indy legacy, and coordinating efforts to promote and perpetuate the story.
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Focus on Outreach and Communication using an engaging website which is maintained and updated regularly.
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To become a member, please click "Become a Member" to complete our membership application:
HELP SUPPORT THE LEGACY OF
USS INDIANAPOLIS CA-35
If you would like to help support the USS Indianapolis CA-35 reunions, or other programs and services, that keep the story alive and relevant, please consider making a charitable gift to honor these great veterans. Funds will assist with reunions, educational resources, and miscellaneous expenses at the discretion of the organization. Charitable donations to the nonprofit USS Indianapolis CA-35 Legacy Organization (Tax EIN 82-5498677) are tax-deductible.
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Donations are payable to:
USS Indianapolis CA-35 Legacy Organization
P.O. Box 16042
Chattanooga, TN 37416
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To donate online, please click the "Donate" button below. Thank you!
