Letter to Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy - Secure Honor for Heroic WWII Waterbury Veteran

Letter

The Honorable Ray Mabus
Secretary of the Navy
1000 Navy Pentagon
Washington, DC 20305-1000

Dear Secretary Mabus:

Enclosed you will find new evidence and documentation supporting the application to posthumously award the Navy Cross to Chaplain Lieutenant Thomas M. Conway who was killed while serving aboard the USS Indianapolis (CA-35) . The Official Naval History of the Chaplain Corps incorrectly states that Father Conway died on 30 July 1945, as soon the ship was struck by a torpedo fired from a Japanese submarine. The enclosed sworn testimony and evidence now shows that Father Conway died early in the morning of 2 August 1945 after giving up his life so that others could live. Father Conway's actions demonstrated true heroism as he administered aid, hope and last rights to hundreds of survivors that floated desperately in search of rescue.

We believe that Father Conway's action satisfy the requirements of awarding the Navy Cross and ask that you reexamine the case in light of the new evidence. Had Captain McVay of the USS Indianapolis been aware of the actions of Father Conway after the sinking, he would have undoubtedly made a recommendation to award the Navy Cross. Father Conway's service to the survivors was performed in the presence of great danger and at great personal risk that ultimately led him to expire in the service of his fellow sailors. His actions and heroics were beyond reproach and reflect great credit upon himself and the highest traditions of the United States Navy.

Thank you again for your service to our great nation and we look forward to working with your office to secure the honor that Father Conway so rightly deserves.

Sincerely,

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