The USS Indianapolis Survivor’s Fund
C/o The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation
Suite 300
250 East Front St.
Traverse City, MI 49684
To the Friends of the USS Indianapolis -
I have just finished reading “In Harm’s Way” by Doug Stanton and was so moved and enlightened by this powerful and detailed retelling of the tragedy of the Indianapolis. This is definitely a chapter of WWII, of individual sacrifice and governmental failure/betrayal , that should be in the reading and realization of every American ( as addendum to the “People’s History of the US”, perhaps.) If only our leaders ,military and political , were so much more careful about putting the lives of Americans “in harm’s way” and in accepting responsibility when tragic mistakes are made! I will surely pass along the story of the Captain and crew to all I can. My Dad, Pat, who passed away in 2002 ,was a young artilleryman in the Pacific poised for the invasion of Japan. He likely would not have survived if the atomic bombs had not forced the Japanese government to surrender and I would not be alive to write this. He never spoke much about his experiences in the War, but when I asked how the people of Japan reacted to him and his fellow soldiers during the occupation he said that like himself they were just relieved that the long and horrible war was over and wanted to reclaim their lives with their families...I have been so fortunate to be his son and to live in peace- while many in my generation have not. All of us are ever at the mercy of our leaders in all lands and at all times : perhaps in the future they may truly be wiser and more compassionate. I have the greatest respect and gratitude for, and wish peace to the survivors and families of the Indianapolis. Please accept this small donation in memory of my beloved Dad and WWII veteran, Pat Cotter.
Sincerely,
Mike Cotter, RN
5 Post Island Road
Quincy, Ma. 02169
April 14,2005
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