Voyage of Death I (USS Indianapolis)

Intro.: A Moment in Time with Dan Roberts.

Content: Captain Charles B. McVay, III was a graduate of the Naval Academy, the son of an Admiral. On short notice, he received orders to carry the nuclear cargo while directing the final stages of repair to damage inflicted on the Indianapolis in a nearly fatal kamikaze attack off Okinawa Island earlier that year. The ship was ready but the crew was filled with a large number of inexperienced new men. McVay wanted more time to train but the Navy needed a bomb delivered and his fast cruiser was available.