The USS Indianapolis: The Revolutionary Mission that Changed the World through Reaction and Reform

Mackenzie Nelson Junior Division Individual Website http://42405431.nhd.weebly.com

Process Paper My great grandfather, Frank Nelson, ran away from home when he was 16, lied about his age so he could join the United States Navy, and eventually served aboard the U.S.S. Indianapolis. In 1945, he was among the 316 men who survived after that ship was torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese submarine; 881 other men died. Ive grown up hearing about this ship that sank, its court-marshaled captain, and sharks attacking men during the 4 days, 5 nights (108 hours) it took for help to finally reach them. When I heard I was expected to do a project for National History Day, I immediately knew that I wanting to focus on events leading up to and following the sinking of the U.S.S. Indianapolis. I also knew that these events fit the theme of Revolution, Reaction, and Reform in History perfectly. Most of my research consists of interviews and archival documents that I had access to either through my family or living survivors of the Indianapolis sinking. Since my greatgrandfather passed away in 1988, I interviewed my grandfather, David Nelson, to find out biographical information about him. I met with Troy Nunley locally and traveled to Indianapolis to visit the memorial and museum there, as well as to interview James and Mary ODonnell. Mr. ODonnell, like my great-grandfather and Mr. Nunley, survived the sinking of the Indianapolis. Mrs. ODonnell endured heart-breaking telegrams reporting that her husband may have died at sea. I was able to access a personal library and six-inch archival binder that holds photography, government documents, personal letters, and telegraphs related to the Indianapolis collected and inherited by my grandfather. I wanted to be able to work on my project anywhere, share the finished product with interested survivors and relatives and be able to display primary sources such as video clips,

documents, letters, and photos. Creating a website seemed the best way to accomplish these goals. I wanted to best convey the story of the USS Indianapolis to the world, so I constructed a Story Tab to do so. At the top of my website I included some basic pictures that people can use to understand the significance of my topic. I shared my website with Mrs. ODonnell, who then shared my work with her children! My website is a living testimony to the descendents of those who gave their lives and service to our country. The story of the USS Indianapolis has elements that are related to all three themes of this year's competition: Revolution, Reaction and Reform. The Indianapolis was involved in a revolutionary moment in time because it carried the atomic bomb that changed the world. Many different reactions occurred following the Indianapolis being torpedoed. These reactions include the court-martial of its captain and the fight of survivors to clear his name. Their efforts resulted in procedural and strategic Naval reform. Some believe the sinking of the Indianapolis, after delivering the atomic bomb, is tragic irony. I'm just happy that my great-grandfather survived his ordeal.