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Steve Butler | profile | all galleries >> Galleries >> USS Indianapolis Survivors and USS Bassett Crewmen 1944-45 tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

USS Indianapolis Survivors and USS Bassett Crewmen 1944-45

This is a collection of pictures that recently surfaced that were taken on board the USS Bassett shortly (not shortly enough) after the sinking of the USS Indianapolis in WW2 in August of 1945. They were scanned and e-mailed to me in hopes that I could improve and print them. I did print copies of them and sent them back to New York for them to be sent to survivors of the USS Indianapolis and crewmembers of the USS Bassett. I also uploaded them to this sight so others could enjoy them as well. I wish I had more to post but this is all I have for now.

Steve B.

P.S. comments are encouraged, let me know where you are from Thanks
Some of the USS Indianapolis Crewmen
Some of the USS Indianapolis Crewmen		 USS Indianapolis- Survivors on deck of the USS Bassett (1)
USS Indianapolis- Survivors on deck of the USS Bassett (1)		 USS Indianapolis - Survivors on deck of the USS Bassett (2)
USS Indianapolis - Survivors on deck of the USS Bassett (2)		 USS Indianapolis - Survivors on deck of the USS Bassett (3)
USS Indianapolis - Survivors on deck of the USS Bassett (3)
USS Indianapolis - Survivors on deck of the USS Bassett 8-5x11 (4)
USS Indianapolis - Survivors on deck of the USS Bassett 8-5x11 (4)		 USS Bassett - Two men standing on deck (5)
USS Bassett - Two men standing on deck (5)		 USS Indianapolis - Survivors on the USS Bassett - Looking into the ocean (6)
USS Indianapolis - Survivors on the USS Bassett - Looking into the ocean (6)		 USS Indianapolis - Survivors on the USS Bassett - Sitting on deck (7)
USS Indianapolis - Survivors on the USS Bassett - Sitting on deck (7)
USS Indianapolis - Survivors on the deck of the USS Bassett - Sitting around long pole (8)
USS Indianapolis - Survivors on the deck of the USS Bassett - Sitting around long pole (8)		 USS Bassett Ship.jpg
USS Bassett Ship.jpg

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Guest 06-Aug-2025 22:57
I’m watching USS Indianapolis:TheLegacy which led me to search things on here. This is all do interesting to read. I sure wish they would teach about this in History classes. So many generations know nothing about these awesome survivors and heroes!
Sue N. 22-Sep-2018 21:42
Hello, My name is Sue Nissen, my late husband told me part of his late fathers story regarding the rescue of the Men from the U.S.S. Indianapolis. My late father-in-law was aboard the U.S.S. Bassett, his name was Albert Nissen. Nickname Butch, from Oconomowoc WI., I'm afraid I don't know much about the rescue, mostly that Butch had nitemares of the rescue, and the condition of some of the survivors they pulled out of the water. I'd rather not go into detail here. If I could find out anything regarding my late Father-in-law, I would appreciate it, I would love for my children, his grandchildren to know about him. He passed away in 1975 from a massive heart attack. I was never able to meet the man myself unfortunately, I can be reached at email= freedomsgr8@yahoo.com. Any information would be appreciated. Thank you all so much for fighting for our Freedom.
Leslie 23-Feb-2018 15:51
My email didn't appear with my last comment. Please reply to planetleslie@comcast.net. Thank you!
Leslie 23-Feb-2018 15:49
My dad, Raymond Jurkiewicz, was a survivor of this tragedy. He was traumatized by the whole event and would rarely speak about it, at least to me. My brothers seems to know a bit more. Unfortunately, he passed 35 years ago at a young age so I can't get any other info about his time on board. If anyone has any photos identifying him during that time, I would greatly appreciate it, or even if you could refer me to some resources. He worked radio/radar. I'm hoping some people are still active on this board. Thank you.
Jim Anderson 28-Aug-2017 06:11
My father William Anderson was the Chief Engineer on the Bassett at the time of the rescue. He had nightmares about what these men endured for many years after the war.
Steve Butler 27-Apr-2017 00:56
Tammy K Lockwood,
I would like to post your grandfather's photo and story on this page. You can email me and we can type about it. My email address is on this web sight. I have not been on this page for a little while to check the comments, but there sure some good stories.

Thanks
Steve B.
Guest 27-Mar-2017 21:25
I just posted a comment about my Dad Thomas H Lockwood, being a survivor on the USS INDIANAPOLIS... My name is Tammy K Lockwood, his daughter and my address is 204 Deer Trail St Hallsville, Missouri so you can contact me for more information and possibly post his picture on this website. Thank You
Guest 27-Mar-2017 21:10
My Dad, Thomas H Lockwood was a survivor on the USS INDIANAPOLIS and is from Columbia, Missouri I am his daughter Tammy Kim Lockwood, he told me he flagged planes on and off the deck and I am very proud of him. He told me the whole story of being a Navy Officer on the USS INDIANAPOLIS and stories of being on board, that night when it was torpedoed by the Japanese submarine, and he went down below deck to try and find a best friend of his but, he could not find him, so he said he had no choice, he had to run for his life, back up on deck, and he jumped overboard before it sank... It was one of the worst things of his life that he went through at such a young age of 18-19 years old... He said he seen men get caught in the oil slicks from the ship and drown and then to witness men trying to fight off sharks, and to get bit or eaten by sharks, yelling and screaming... Some men were lucky enough to get in a life raft, most men were in the open water, some had life jackets, some found floating objects to help stay a float. My dad was in the water and I cannot remember if he said he had a life jacket or not, but I think he did... He said he had to fight off the sharks by kicking and screaming at them and punching them... One of the most terrifying things in his life... Of course then came exhaustion but he wanted to live so he fought for his life, and thoughts of his family kept him alive... He said he was in the water for five and days and nights before being rescued and then he was in the hospital for 6-8 months recovering from the damage to his skin from the sea water and exhaustion, He told me about the first movie being made, Mission Of The Sharks and that they invited him to the set while filming but, it brought back to many bad memories of that horrifying disaster, so he declined. Recently, a new movie has come out USS INDIANAPOLIS Men Of Courage... I am so proud to be his daughter, and when I watched this movie I cried to just think of what he went through... He was a strong man and if I might add a very handsome man he was tall and had dark hair, and he was proud to be a survivor of the USS INDIANAPOLIS and he went to the reunions they held every 2-5 years... I seen his name on the survivor list but, I did not see him in these pictures or could tell if any of them were him... Would it be possible to post his Navy picture of him on this website? I have one his Navy pictures of him I would be glad to send a copy and articles from the local paper in Columbia, Missouri about the stories of him being a survivor on the USS INDIANAPOLIS. My dad is no longer with us and I miss him dearly and I know he would want me to tell about him being a part of this legend and a hero of our America...
Guest 03-Feb-2017 07:25
My grandfather, Eugene Boyd Jacobs survived an ordeal such as this but it was never spoke of so I'm not sure if he was aboard this ship. They called him Jake and he was not a very nice man sometimes. I came back a drinking man is all he ever spoke of it to me. His eyes cloudy with tears. He had no use for the ocean or helicopters. I think he was a machinist. That training led him to a job with Ford motor company and he was strong and stopped all of his drinking. He was the ultimate redneck from Talladega, AL and a very loving Grandfather to me in his own way.He went to see Mildred in 2005.
Guest 24-Mar-2016 17:27
My father was Albert (Nook) Loso who served on the USS Bassett and was one of the volunteers to go out in the darkness in boat to rescue survivors. One of those survivors use to visit my dad every year on the anniversary. I was young and don't know that man's name.
Guest 04-Mar-2015 03:01
S.A.Collins, J.C. Nichols was my cousin. Can you tell me which person J.C. is in picture #7 (I have an idea but I want to try to confirm my thoughts)? My contact info is djones007atcomcastdotnet is you would prefer to email me. Thanks in advance! David Jones.
S.A. Collins 20-Nov-2014 20:23
My uncle, JC Nichols, is in the picutre labled "USS Indianapolis - Survivors on the USS Bassett - Sitting on deck (7). He passed away in 2008, before these pictures surfaced, but I sure am glad to have been able to see them and will share them with my family. he was 19 when he was deployed fir his first mission - this mission. he suffered a lifetime of PTSD. He was a wonderful husband, brother, and uncle to many nieces and nephews. He worked hard his entire life and retired in Tennessee. Thank you so much for sharing these pics with the world!
James Anderson 12-Nov-2014 09:24
My father was the Chief Engineer on the Bassett at the time of the rescue. His name was William (Bill) Anderson. He had nightmares later in life about the men he pulled from the water that didn't make it. He didn't speak about it until much later in his life.
Kim Mikeal 11-Nov-2014 13:53
My grandfather, Travis Wayne Somerville, was a crew member aboard the USS Bassett. He was one of the volunteers who saved them crew from the USS Indianapillis in August, 1944. He was an amazing man of integrity who loved Jesus and his family. We named out first son after him.
Mike 19-Jan-2014 02:17
I scanned photos my grandfather took on the Bassett during the war. Most appear to be when the ship crossed the equator during the shellback initiation. I have a Navy photo of sailors and officers and a good pic of the ship. I can send them if anyone is interested. I would like to know if anyone recognizes these sailors. My contact is cmletch@aol.com.
Mike 30-Nov-2013 04:31
My grandfather, Marshall E Bland, "Ed" served on the Bassett as a cook at the time of the rescue in 1945. He often told me stories as a boy of this tragic event. Pop who lived in Kinston, NC passed away in July, 2012.
Marshall G. Lee 11-Nov-2013 15:49
My father, Marshall E. Lee, was the signalman on the USS Bassett at the time of the rescue. He is still living at a Veteran's Home on King, WI.
Joan Garren 11-Oct-2013 09:21
Joan Garren
My Great Uncle came back out of retirement in 1943-44 Was is Texas,waiting for the USS Bassett to be commissioned. Last weekend my cousins and my self came across some of his letter of that time frame.His name was Captain Frank W Wise and there . was also a letter for the war dept giving him the title of Commander the letters spoke of all the ports,and orders and of the ship going down and the rescue His letters home made light of the bombing so as not to scare his wife. He states they rescued a few sailors. Then I've been reading Bassett had to come 200 miles and the number of sailors was 170.Iam sure they all wished it was only 17 mile. there would have be so many more rescued thank you for this site I learned a lot and will share with the family.
Guest 09-Jul-2012 22:29
i am looking for someone who may new of my uncle albert sain who did not make it back home
peter pruyn 05-Nov-2011 03:31
Ms. Page, scroll down for my info and contact me at your leisure, Peter Pruyn.
Kaila N. Page 26-Oct-2011 03:19
This page is so dear to me. My grandfather, Arthur Cook, passed away this past May. He was a cook and gunner on USS Bassett APD 73. I have many pictures he had from his time on the ship. He also couldn't speak of this traumatic event without choking up and many things no one knew simply for that reason. I never knew that you guys had photos. I have a full shelving of things to remind me of him, and if I could ever get my hands on these or other photos it would mean the absolute world to me! Thank you for taking the time to honor and remember these fine military men, and for blessing me with this site. Please feel free to contact me if you guys have anything you could copy/send/email to me!!!

Kaila Page
Kaila N. Page 26-Oct-2011 03:18
This page is so dear to me. My grandfather, Arthur Cook, passed away this past May. He was a cook and gunner on USS Bassett APD 73. I have many pictures he had from his time on the ship. He also couldn't speak of this traumatic event without choking up and many things no one knew simply for that reason. I never knew that you guys had photos. I have a full shelving of things to remind me of him, and if I could ever get my hands on these or other photos it would mean the absolute world to me! Thank you for taking the time to honor and remember these fine military men, and for blessing me with this site. Please feel free to contact me if you guys have anything you could copy/send/email to me!!!

Kaila Page
Kaila N. Page 26-Oct-2011 03:17
This page is so dear to me. My grandfather, Arthur Cook, passed away this past May. He was a cook and gunner on USS Bassett APD 73. I have many pictures he had from his time on the ship. He also couldn't speak of this traumatic event without choking up and many things no one knew simply for that reason. I never knew that you guys had photos. I have a full shelving of things to remind me of him, and if I could ever get my hands on these or other photos it would mean the absolute world to me! Thank you for taking the time to honor and remember these fine military men, and for blessing me with this site. Please feel free to contact me if you guys have anything you could copy/send/email to me!!!

Kaila Page
Sherry Adkins 06-Jun-2011 18:03
I am from Meridian, Ms. My Mother's brother, my Uncle was on the USS Indianapolis when it was bombed by the Japanese and sank. James McLaurin Harrison, my Uncle Mack, was Lost at Sea. His family never knew what happened to him but pray he was killed during the bombing and not later in the water by sharks. His mother, my Grandmother, never could accept that he was gone without a body. His family did lay a marker to honor him in the family cemetery.
I wasn't born when he was killed but I feel like I knew him because of so many stories and memories my Mother and other family members have shared over the years. I am so thankful to have a family of Military Heroes and thank God for their service to our Country and those that are fighting today for our freedoms. God bless them all and their families and God Bless America!!
Vicki Barnhill 31-Jan-2011 03:50
My Dad, Glenn H. Barnhill, was on the USS Basset when it rescued men from the USS Indianapolis. He is 93 years old and lives in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He said that event was one of the most horrifying experiences of his life -- seeing those men in such terrible condition. The first time I ever saw my Dad cry was when he told me about that rescue.
Peter Pruyn 12-Dec-2010 09:03
My name is Peter Pruyn, I provided these photos, to Steve Butler who was gracious enough to touch them up and post them. I was close friends with survivor James "Denny" Price. I do have contact information for Jack Paul as well as other bassett and Indianapolis crew members. I can be contacted at brothersvilleknife@gmail.com. or 631-793-9052. I apologize for the delay in posting, I have been neglectful in checking this site.
William E. Preuit 11-Dec-2010 17:35
I served on the Bassett from 1951 till Sept. 1955. Started as Seaman and left as RD1. Great ship, great crew, Capt. Ady was one of the best. Like to hear from anyone that served with me.
Steve Savage 08-Dec-2010 17:55
I have gotten to know many of the men from the Indianapolis and would like to know where I can get copies of some of these photos to pass along to them.
I had a chance to meet Jack Paul from the Bassett at the Indy reunion in July, and would like to keep in touch with him. Any idea where he may be?
Will there be any further reunions for the Bassett that you are aware of?
James S. Bargsley 03-Nov-2010 01:41
I am the Radioman 3rd Class on the USS Bassett from Cedar Park.
Guest 03-Nov-2010 01:35
I have enjoyed your web site. Thank you. I was a Radioman 3rd Class on the USS Bassett from 1942 - 1945. I am 86yrs. old, live in Cedar Park, Texas
Thomas Whitmore 25-Aug-2010 15:44
My uncle, Arthur E. Cook, served as cook, on the USS Bassett from its commission to its decomission. He is now 83 years old and was quite shocked that so much information was still available on the USS Bassett and this historic moment in history. Thank you for posting these photos, and more importantly, for making an old veteran feel special! Mr Cook now lives in Kannapolis NC and is very special to me.
don battaglini 07-Apr-2010 23:02
I was a crew member on the uss bassett apd 73 from 10/1953 to 8/1956 as a boilerman I had not known at that time about the rescue event until I saw it on the history chanal.At the time I was on board the bassett no one ever said anything about the rescue.Iam certenly proud to have been a crew member.
David Jones 14-Feb-2009 00:29
My cousin S2c James C. Nichols of Obion Co. TN was an Indy survivor picked up by the USS Bassett and I'm sure he is in one of these poignant photos, thanks for posting them. He joined his fallen shipmates December 1, 2008.
Jennifer Padgett 10-May-2008 03:08
My Grandfather was a crew member of the Bassett from 44-late 45. Any info would be welcome on William "Bill" H. Smith of Nashville, TN. He did not speak of the war and hated boats. After the War he raised three kids in Nashville and worked for the L&N RailRoad.
Terri Williams 02-May-2008 15:59
I was so surprised and moved to discover these pictures. My Daddy's big brother was lost on the Indy and it devastated his entire family. I've made a digital scrapbook with family pictures and USS Indianapolis pictures to memorialize my Uncle Bobby. I hope Steve doesn't mind my adding these. God bless Steve for taking the time and effort to restore these old pictures into memories of tragedy and triumph.
Lucy McQueen 31-Mar-2008 23:56
My uncle Santos Pena from Tucson, AZ was one of the survivors. He just
passed away this week. His services will be this weekend 4/4-4/5/08.
Looking at these photos really brings home the bittersweet events of
the day of the rescue. God bless all the men and families of the USS
Indianapolis and the rescuers of the USS Bassett.

Lucy M. - Tucson, AZ
Dave Smith 12-Oct-2007 05:10
These photos take me back to my childhood and the memories of stories my father (William Smith - Signalman) told me about his time serving on the Bassett APD73. - Dave Smith
Jeff Nance 20-Jan-2007 00:41
Steve:
I am Jeff Nance VP Board of Directors of the USS Indianapolis Museum opening July 1, 2007 in downtown Indianapolis. I would like to speak with about these and other photos. Museum web site www.ussindianapolis.us
Ray Houghtaling 26-Aug-2006 00:37
Where did you get these photos? My father was a crew member of the Basset and organizer of the USS Basset Reunion Organization. They have been trying to track down these and other photos taken by Art Bliss on the Basset.
click on thumbnails for full image