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 Seventy
two years ago the USS Indianapolis sank, losing most of its crew in
one of the one of the worst Naval disasters the world has ever seen.
To pay tribute to one veteran, Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors from the
Defense Information Systems Agency Pacific (DISA PAC) gathered to
have breakfast with one of the survivors of the Indianapolis at the
Wright Brother’s Caf� on Hickam, April 21.
Retired U.S. Navy
Capt. John Woolston (left), was an engineer assigned to the
Indianapolis when it sank, but his history with it began several
years before.
“The Indianapolis was the first Navy ship I
ever walked on,” said Woolston. “I was about 10 years old when my buddy’s brother in
law was an officer on the ship. He took us over and showed us
around.”
The tour made an impression on Woolston. After
finishing midshipman’s school at Cornell University, he would set
foot onto the Indianapolis as an Ensign.
“I had the opportunity to replay my entrance from 15 years
before,” said Woolston. “I walked up the gangway, saluted the flag,
and said, ‘Ensign Woolston reporting for duty.’”
A few
months later they set sail, setting a record for crossing from San
Francisco to Pearl Harbor and from Pearl Harbor to Tinian Island,
while carrying parts and uranium for the atomic bomb ‘Little Boy’.
After successfully delivering its cargo, the Indianapolis headed
towards Japan to support the upcoming invasion. But the vessel never
made it.
“That night, I was on watch in the Damage Control
Center,” said Woolston. “I was relieved of duty and went up to the
main deck to the galley. I ordered a sandwich and a cup coffee and
sat down when I heard a bang and the ship shook.”
On July 30,
1945 at 12:05 a.m., the Indianapolis was torpedoed by a Japanese
submarine.
“Next thing I saw was two whirling caterpillars of flames jump
through the door, filling the room with fire,” added Woolston. “I
jumped over the serving counter, went into the galley and me and the
steward on watch opened up the port. We stuck our heads out until we
got our breath back.”
The ship took on water immediately.
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April 21, 2017 - Retired U.S. Navy Capt. John Woolston, survivor of
the USS Indianapolis, shares his story with members from the Defense
Information Systems Agency Pacific (DISA PAC) at the Wright
Brother’s Caf� on Hickam. The service members held the breakfast to
learn about leadership lessons from Woolston’s experiences. (U.S.
Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Heather Redman)
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“After a few moments, the ship was already at a
30-degree angle,” said Woolston. “I climbed up and could see
the entire bow was underwater.”
Within 12 minutes,
the Indianapolis sank into the Philippine Sea. Of the 1,196
men on board, 900 abandoned the ship and only 317 men
survived and were rescued four days later.
After his rescue, Woolston went on to serve a total of 31
years on active duty, sharing his story with hundreds of
service men and women throughout Hawaii.
Though this
tragic event occurred decades ago, DISA PAC leaders wanted
to make sure Woolston knows today’s service members are
proud of the actions the young ensign embodied years ago.
“We just want to take a moment to thank Capt.
Woolston for taking some time to meet with us,” said U.S.
Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Huro, DISA PAC deputy chief of
plans and services division. “It’s not often we get was an
honor and privilege to be able to listen to his story.”
By U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Heather Redman
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2017
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