Harold Bray, the last survivor of the historic World War II USS Indianapolis (CA-35), was honored with a seven foot tall bronze statue on July 7 by the Benicia Community Foundation. The American Legion Post 101 of Benicia also assisted in the event.
Bray was stationed at Mare Island in Vallejo then served in the USS Indianapolis for its top-secret mission. After delivering atomic bomb components, the CA-35 was torpedoed. This led to the greatest single loss of life in US Navy history as out of 1,195 Sailors and Marines on board, only 316 survived.
Along with his unparalleled courage, resilience, and sacrifice, Bray was also praised for his Benicia police service from 1959 to 1982, setting-up the Police Athletic League sports program, and for dedicating his time, talents, and treasures to uplift fellow Veterans and positively impacting the lives of countless individuals.
Author: Nestor Aliga
Nestor Aliga was born in the Philippines and migrated to Vallejo, CA in 1967. He was in the US Marine Corps from 1974 to 1976 then in the US Army from 1976 to 2008. He is a life-member of the Big-Three, www.CALEGION.org, www.VFWCA.org, and www.DAVCAL.org.
I have a photograph of an INDIANAPOLIS SURVIVOR taken at a Veteran’s Day Memorial Service in Indianapolis, In. approximately 2004. Would it be Harold Bray?