On August 17, 2025, the Detroit Historical Museum will proudly install a long-lost memorial plaque honoring the Michigan sailors who bravely served aboard the USS Indianapolis and tragically lost their lives when the ship was attacked and sank in July 1945. This poignant artifact, recently rediscovered within the Detroit Historical Society’s collection, is a solemn reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of those men from Michigan who made the ultimate sacrifice during one of World War II’s most harrowing naval disasters.
To mark the installation, Jeff Ortiz, nephew of Orlando Ortiz—a crew member who served aboard the Indianapolis—will present a special talk about the ship’s history and its crew at 2 p.m. on August 17 in the Detroit Historical Museum Auditorium. This presentation is open to the public and included with museum admission, inviting all to engage with this important chapter of our state’s and nation’s history.
The USS Indianapolis, a Portland-class heavy cruiser, holds a remarkable place in naval history. It played a vital role in the Pacific Theater, earning ten battle stars for its distinguished service. Most notably, in July 1945, the ship completed a top-secret mission to deliver critical components for the world’s first atomic bomb to Tinian Island—a mission that would significantly impact the course of the war. Just days after this historic delivery, the Indianapolis was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine and sank in a matter of 12 minutes.
Of the nearly 1,200 crew members aboard, approximately 300 perished with the ship. The remaining sailors faced unimaginable horrors, adrift for days in shark-infested waters with little hope of rescue. Only 316 ultimately survived this ordeal. Michigan’s contribution to the ship’s crew was significant: more sailors from Michigan served aboard the Indianapolis than from any other state. These men came from cities and towns across the state, representing Michigan’s strong connection to the war effort and its enduring patriotism.
The recently rediscovered memorial plaque serves as a powerful tribute to these sailors. Its installation in the Detroit Historical Museum, as part of the Detroit: "The Arsenal of Democracy" exhibition, will ensure their stories are preserved and shared with future generations. The plaque offers visitors a chance to reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of Michigan’s naval heroes and to honor their memory in a lasting way.