Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
On June 13, 2026, the last living survivor of the sinking of the cruiser USS Indianapolis (CA 35), Harold Bray, turned 99 years old. A Japanese submarine torpedoed the ship shortly after midnight on July 29, 1945. Indianapolis sank in just 12 minutes, leaving approximately 900 sailors, including the 18-year-old Bray, stranded in the water. Five days later, US Navy ships finally rescued Bray and his shipmates, only 316 of whom survived the harrowing ordeal. After Bray left the Navy, he moved to Benicia, California, where he has lived with his family for more than seven decades. He has spoken about his ordeal numerous times and has become a well-known fixture in his community. The Naval History and Heritage Command wishes Harold Bray a Happy Birthday and thanks him for his service!
On June 13, 2026, the last living survivor of the sinking of the cruiser USS Indianapolis (CA 35), Harold Bray, turned 99 years old. A Japanese submarine torpedoed the ship shortly after midnight on July 29, 1945. Indianapolis sank in just 12 minutes, leaving approximately 900 sailors, including the 18-year-old Bray, stranded in the water. Five days later, US Navy ships finally rescued Bray and his shipmates, only 316 of whom survived the harrowing ordeal. After Bray left the Navy, he moved to Benicia, California, where he has lived with his family for more than seven decades. He has spoken about his ordeal numerous times and has become a well-known fixture in his community. The Naval History and Heritage Command wishes Harold Bray a Happy Birthday and thanks him for his service!
