In death, WWII survivor joins shipmates - sandstorm warning

[darrels joy]

In death, WWII survivor joins shipmates

Sailor spreads ashes of grandfather who survived USS Indianapolis tragedy
The Associated Press
updated 2:26 p.m. PT, Fri., Oct. 31, 2008


YOKOSUKA, Japan - When the submarine USS Ohio surfaced at sea and Machinist Mate 1st Class Jason Witty emerged from the hatch to look around, he saw calm, blue water under a peaceful sky — perfect for the solemn task he was about to perform.

On the map, the Ohio was afloat in just another indistinguishable expanse of the Pacific Ocean. As Witty stood on deck holding a silver pitcher, the vessel was alone.

Just like the ill-fated USS Indianapolis, 63 years earlier.

The pitcher contained the ashes of Witty's grandfather, Boatswain Mate 2nd Class Eugene Morgan, who had survived the sinking of the Indianapolis — one of the worst tragedies for the U.S. Navy in World War II.

Morgan had died of a heart attack in June at age 87, just before Witty went to sea, and among his last wishes was the desire to be rejoined with his shipmates at roughly the same spot in the Pacific where the Indianapolis went down.

Witty, sitting in a wardroom of the Ohio at this Japanese port, recounted the Oct. 2 burial at sea, saying he had never participated in one before.
He had sheepishly asked one of the officers if his grandfather's wish could be granted. The request went up the chain of command to Capt. Dennis Carpenter, who quickly approved.

"I thought it would be an honor," Carpenter said. "And I wanted to make sure that we did it right. Sometimes on a submarine at sea, you just can't go topside. But everything seemed to be on our side."

Secret mission in the Pacific

In July 1945, the Indianapolis had just completed a secret mission to the tiny island of Tinian, carrying components for a new weapon — the atomic bomb. It would later be dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, in the world's first nuclear attack.

Because of its cargo, the Indianapolis had sailed to Tinian unescorted. Now, with that mission done, the cruiser was making its way back to Leyte, in the Philippines, with a crew of 1,196 aboard, including Eugene Morgan. Early on July 30, when the ship was still near the Marianas Islands, a Japanese I-58 submarine found the Indianapolis and launched six torpedoes, two ripping through its starboard side.

It took only 12 minutes for the Indianapolis to sink in the deadliest disaster at sea in U.S. naval history.

Morgan was asleep when the ship exploded into chaos.

"He was in his skivvies," Witty said. "He was tossed from his rack. There were fires. He got topside and the boat started to capsize."

Morgan jumped off the port side of the ship and slid down into the black sea.

"At some point, he found some food floating on the surface and swam toward it," Witty said. "But on the way, he was attacked by a shark."


Scars from the attack

It swam away before going in for the kill. For the rest of his life, Morgan carried scars on his backside from the attack.

Many of his shipmates weren't so fortunate. Morgan could hear their screams as they were attacked.

By the time help arrived five days later, 879 sailors were dead — from drowning, sharks, dehydration, or from injuries suffered in the attack itself. Morgan was one of only 317 to survive, floating on makeshift rafts, wreckage or clinging to each other.

The tragedy inspired the famous monologue in the movie "Jaws," in which the seasoned shark hunter played by Robert Shaw tells of the horrors of floating in the shark-infested waters while awaiting rescue.

Morgan was eventually saved when Navy seaplanes landed in the water and started to pluck out survivors. Some were hallucinating — they thought they were under attack by the Japanese again — and others were hysterical. Ships also arrived to assist in the rescue.

Only one more U.S. ship would be sunk before Japan's surrender in August 1945.

The Indianapolis itself has never been found.

Kept experience to himself

Morgan, a Seattle firefighter after the war, kept the experience to himself for more than four decades.

Witty, of Puyallup, Wash., joined the Navy right out of high school. Two years later, his grandfather opened up.

"I knew that he was in the war, in the Navy, but he never really talked about it until after my grandmother died," Witty said. "One day I just got up the courage and he told me the story."

Once the door was open, Morgan began talking about the tragedy every chance he got. He was a frequent visitor at local schools and historical groups and took part in documentaries to make sure that the story of the Indianapolis would not be forgotten.

"I was worried that he would have bad feelings for me, being a submariner," Witty said. "It was a sub that sank his ship. But he never held that against me."


Morgan's burial at sea, on Oct. 2, was simple but somber.

Scripture was read, along with a eulogy written by another of Morgan's grandsons, Steven Wilson. The order was given for the firing detail to ready their rifles, and three shots rang out.

Turning to face the sea, Witty held the silver pitcher wrapped in a blue cloth over the side of the deck and spread the ashes to the wind.
"Just going to that spot on the chart, what went through my mind was what they must have gone through," Witty recalled. "They knew they were by themselves."


Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27476998/

[82Rigger]

Thank you, Joy, for posting this.

May God be your navigator, Bosun's Mate Morgan, and as you sail on eternal patrol with your shipmates of the Indianapolis may you aways have fair winds and following seas.

[Boats]

The old WWII Boy's and Gal's are thinning out. Not too many left. I salute them all past present and those who will live abit longer. The Indy was a sad day and such a terrible ordeal. I can't imagine how they felt being on that water in those circumstances. Yet some 317 survivors made it to tell the tale. I can only imagine the nightmares long after that experience.

I never had a fear of water - but fish bait for sharks now that's another story. Mr. Witty will now join his comrades - it must have been something he looked forward to - to be with them all once again. My wife wanted to put my ashes in the ocean when I go - but I told her that we have lived together so long together that our ashes will be put side by side - we've been together so long now we should remain together long after we are gone.

I can relate to a "Boatswain" plenty of hard work but we knew our ships better than most. I think back and remember the good - the bad - and the ugly of 12 years but wouldn't trade it for anything.

Rest In Peace Old Sailor - And Thanks Again for your service and sacrafice to our Country.

[namvet]

the Hiroshima bomb had inscribed on it from the crew of the Indy to Hirohito. along with many other obsene messages. it may still be the biggest shark attack on record. the Indy was lost in a vacuum during her change of command going to leyete. the Navy never reported movements of combat ships. so her sinking and overdue reports were never made. after this all ships were kept track of. including filing departure and arrival msgs.
............there have been attempts to locate the wreck. and I hope they find her.
the real story here is the court martial of her CO after the war. Charles McVay. the trial was a kangaroo court.

http://www.ussindianapolis.org/