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Updated April 27, 2009
Introduction
James Bernard Annis Jr. holds a special place in my heart. When I began the search for my family origins in 1990, I knew very little about the relationship of the many Annis Family members that I came across in my hours of research. I did feel a kinship to many of the family, and a sense of pride in their accomplishments, but the vast majority of the 10,000 or so Annises that are currently in my data base were simply names, and vital statistics.
I "found" this sailor through a cousin, James Lee Annis of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and he told me of James' death during World War Two while aboard the ill-fated USS Indianapolis. I was familiar with the "Indy" tragedy because for many years I have been a student of the naval war in the Pacific Theater of Operation. I was struck hard by the fact that there was an Annis aboard the ship. I tried to find out more about the details of Jim's life, but the research stalled for several reasons, and the subject was shelved for later study. I continued to be haunted by the death of this young man, a cousin, and I don't think that it is possible to explain why I needed to know more about him.
In the past few months, through this web site, and another member of Jim's family, I was able to come in contact with his younger brother, John Joseph Annis of Kannapolis, North Carolina. John, who served in the US Navy aboard the USS West Virginia during World War Two, has been instrumental in furnishing many of the pictures found on this page. I dedicate this page to the memory of his heroic brother.A footnote: During the Battle of the Okinowa Campaign that is mentioned below, the Annis Family was amply represented. The list below contains the names and branch of service of the family members that served in that desperate battle. Although they did not know it, or even that the others existed, with the exception of the two brothers Jim and John, each of these men were cousins.
James Bernard Annis Jr. was born June 22, 1920 at Joplin, Missouri, the eldest son, and second child, of James B. and Elizabeth Pearl {Griffin} Annis.
Jim was described to me by his brother John as a quiet young man, and recounts many good memories growing up with his brother. There was five years difference in their ages, and the two boys ran in different circles, but John says, "he kept his eyes open for me"
Following the lead of his father, who was a career Navy man and veteran of World War One, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy in 1939 after graduating from High School at Lowry City, Missouri. He attended "boot" training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center near Chicago, Illinois and afterwards was assigned duty aboard the heavy cruiser "USS Indianapolis" with the rank of Seaman 2/C.
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The heavy cruiser U.S.S. Indianapolis CA-35 was commissioned at the Philadelphia Naval Yard in 1932. The ship was soon a showpiece of the Navy and was on hand for the celebration of the anniversary of the Statue of Liberty in 1936 in New York Harbor. The "Indy" was also used as a Ship of State by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. There links below that detail the live and death of ship.
November 1941 found the good ship and crew in the Pacific, assigned as Scouting Force Flagship under the command of Captain E. W. Hanson. On Thursday, November 20, while at sea, the crew celebrated Thanksgiving with all the trimmings, never realizing that in a matter of weeks their country would be fighting for it's survival. The menu for Thanksgiving dinner can be viewed here.
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On December 7, 1941, the "Day of Infamy", the Indy was not at Pearl Harbor, it's home port, but rather was on a routine run to Johnson Island. Now a major ship in a war that the United States was little prepared for, the Indy became an important weapon in the devastated Pacific Fleet. Over the course of the next three years the ship and crew would earn 10 Battle Stars for action against the Japanese.
James had returned home on leave in the Spring of 1943 and married his high school sweetheart of six years, Geraldine Hawkins. He returned to his ship after his leave was over and resumed his duties aboard his ship.
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On Easter Sunday, April 1, 1945 the Battle for Okinawa began with the guns of Admiral Spruance's American 5th Fleet softening up the Japanese shore installations. It was to be the largest amphibious operation ever carried out, with over 1,400 ships in the U.S. armada. Joining Task Force 64 for the invasion of the Okinawa Gunto area, the USS West Virginia had sailed on March 21st, reaching her objective four days later on the 25th. In fire support section one, the West Virginia spent the ensuing days softening up Okinawa for the American landings. It was to be a bitterly fought contest by the Japanese defenders ashore, as well as the suicidal tactics of the "kamikaze" (divine wind) airmen that pointed themselves toward the destruction of any U.S. ship in their path. The sailors aboard the United States invasion fleet were familiar with the suicide attacks, but never before had the enemy used such vast numbers of aircraft, or such determination, in their attacks. From his vantage point aboard the USS West Virginia, John saw the Indianapolis attacked and hit by an kamikaze aircraft. Jim, who was by this time a Chief Electrician and assigned to Interior Communications Room. Jim was not injured in the attack, although the ship did suffer causalities and moderate damage.
In July of 1945 the "Indy", now commanded by Captain Charles McVay, was assigned a new, and top secret job. The ship and crew were ordered to pick up a mysterious cargo and sail from San Francisco and then toward the island of Tinian. The cargo consisted of major components that would be used to assemble the atomic bomb which would, on August 5, 1945, be dropped on Hiroshima.
After safely delivering her cargo on July 26th, the "Indy" set sail for Leyte in the Philippines to join the fleet that was assembling for the invasion of the Home Islands of Japan.
During World War Two it was Navy procedure that American warships in enemy waters perform "zig-zag" maneuvers to elude enemy submarine attacks. The Indy had followed this procedure, but before the Captain retired on the night of July 30th he ordered a halt to the pattern because he felt that the covering heavy clouds was sufficient protection. At this late point in the war, risk of submarine attack was lessened by the fact that very few subs were left in the Japanese fleet. His orders did however include details for the resumption of the zig-zag pattern if weather conditions cleared. At about 11:00 PM, under a quickly clearing and moonlit sky, she was struck by three torpedoes by the Japanese submarine I-58, commanded by Commander Mochitsura Hashimoto. As a result of the swiftness of the attack on the Indy, the immediate massive damage resulting in a quick sinking, damage to communications equipment that prevented sending a distress signal, and the Navy regulation forbidding the reporting of combatant ships in port, rescue craft were not able to to reach the site for more than 80 hours. During that time the 883 crewmen of the Indy who had survived the initial attack and sinking, were subject to exposure, lack of fresh water and food, and massive shark attacks while awaiting rescue. Only 320 crewmen were ultimately rescued and four of those men died soon after rescue.Captain McVay was later held for court martial, and found guilty of hazarding his command by failing to steer a "zig-zag" course, although the Captain's conviction was later set aside. Many of the crew later credited McVay's commanding presence as key to their survival while awaiting rescue. Many believe that the Captain was a scapegoat for the Navy's failure to investigate the ship's overdue status at Leyte.
James Bernard Annis Jr. did not return home from that harsh sea. It is sufficient to say that he is a hero that will be remembered by a loving family and a nation that called upon him in a time of great crisis. James reflects the honor, patriotism, and quiet heroism that the Annis Family has shown throughout the history of our country, and the many generations that have come forth to protect our way of life.
More About the "Indy"
April 25, 1999
I was recently contacted by visitor to this page, Sue Purkey, and she informed me that her great-uncle was also a victim of the U.S.S. Indianapolis tragedy. She graciously shared the following poem, as well as letters and a photograph. The poem was written by Ed (George Edward) Jones, Seaman 2/c, from Blaine, Tennessee, Division 5, Gunner, U.S.S. Indianapolis. It was sent to his sister Imogene (Jarnigan) in 1945."A Sailors Reward"
I have been sitting here and thinking of the things I left behind
And hate to put on paper, just what's running through my mind
But there is one consolation, gather close and I will tell
When we die we'll go to heaven, for we've spent our hitch in hellWe've dived a million bilges and chipped ten miles of paint
A meaner place this side of hell, there just simply ain't
We've stood by endless hours, while waiting for our mail
We've stood a million watches, and been on all detailsWe've scrubbed a million mess halls, peeled a million spuds
We've lashed a million hammocks, and washed our dirty duds
The number of inspections stood, is very hard to tell
There'll be no such thing in heaven, for we've spent our hitch in hellWe've cruised a million miles and made a thousand ports
We've spent the nights in dirty jails, for trying to be good sports
When final taps are sounded, and we lay aside life's cares
Then we take the final shore leave, right up those golden stairsThe Angels will welcome us, and the harps will begin to play
We sign a million pay checks, all to be spent in one day
And then we'll hear Saint Peter, greet us with a loud yell
Take a front seat sailors, for you spent your hitch in HELL
Letters
By way of a postscript, the following note was received from John J. Annis in regards to his opinion of this page. It is with deep respect, and sense of humility that I have been honored by his words.
John and Maxine Annis and their daughter, Jenette (Annis) Crim
"Michael:
I have always been proud that he was my brother and your addition of his life page is a beautiful recognition of a truly wonderful person who did not have enough time on this earth. Michael, its hard to put into words my thoughts of appreciation to you and your fine work. The information that you have brought forth about the Annis heritage is wonderful. For many years the history of the family was hidden away in dusty books and now with technology it's there for all to see. I'm sure you look with pride on your accomplishments, we all do."John Annis
April 30, 1999
I received this e-mail from Earl Hethcoat, survivor of the "Indy" tragedy.Hi I am Earl Hethcoat..PhM3..served with James Annis. I was a pharmacist mate...was transferred along with about 25% of the crew, just before she sailed from San Francisco on the voyage to Tinian..July 1945. The first torpedo struck the sick bay so all of the sailors I worked with except one did not make it...Would love to keep in touch.....please feel free to write any time...Do you have any info on a survivor Granville Crane, MM2..He was my particular buddy...he was from Galveston TX. Thanks and good to talk to you...Earl
May 1, 2004
Michael,
Thank you for sharing your interest in the USS Indianapolis. I am chairman of the organization. We are planning a mini reunion July 30-31, Aug 1 in Indianapolis and expect about 30 survivors. We are planning a hugh 60th anniversary reunion next July 21-24, 2005 at the Westin Hotel in Indianapolis and expect 1000+. There are 103 survivors living today. They recently had a book published "Only 317 Survived" and it is wonderful. James E Annis Jr CEMA is listed on page 503 with the "Last Sailing List" The book is available by sending $30 + $5 to USS Indianapolis Survivors Org % Paul J Murphy, Chairman 1030 W 4th Ave Broomfield CO 80020. Are you aware we are raising 10 million dollars for a USS Indianapolis Memorial Museum in Indianapolis? We hope to break ground at the 2005 reunion.
Thanks for your interest and connections to the USS Indianapolis.
Smooth Sailing,
Paul J Murphy
Survivor First
Chairman Second
BUELL HONORS USS INDIANAPOLIS SAILORS, FAMILIES
(STATEHOUSE) April 11, 1997 -- July 30, 1945, was a day that went down in history for Indiana. That was the day that the USS Indianapolis was sunk by enemy torpedo action. State Rep. Larry Buell, R-Indianapolis, offered a resolution in honor of the men who served on the USS Indianapolis and their surviving families. "The USS Indianapolis was a key component of the World War II effort in the Pacific Theater of Operations and her crew served with great pride and valor," Buell said. The USS Indianapolis participated in WWII from Dec. 7, 1941 to July 29, 1945. During that time, the ship and her crew received 10 battle stars for their service for anti-shipping, anti-air and invasion support responsibilities. The USS Indianapolis dropped off the first operational atomic bomb on the Island of Tinian. From there, the ship arrived in Guam and was scheduled to join the U.S. fleet in the invasion of Japan. Of the 1,198 crew members, almost 900 survived the initial attack, but only 319 survived the perils faced during the five days before they were rescued. "The ships ability to communicate was destroyed, thereby hampering rescue attempts," Buell said. "During those five days, the sailors endured unrelenting shark attacks, dehydration, starvation and exposure to the elements." In addition to her war responsibilities, the USS Indianapolis served as Ship of State for President Franklin D. Roosevelt. "The awesome responsibilities of the USS Indianapolis have left an invaluable mark on world history," Buell said.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt was known to have loved the song called the Navy Hymn. It was sung at his funeral in Hyde Park, New York, on April 14, 1945. The words of the hymn were written in 1860 by Englishman, William Whiting, who taught and directed a 16-voice boys choir. He penned them for a student who was about to set sail for America and who was apprehensive about the journey. The beautiful tune was written by John B. Dykes and first published in 1861. He named the hymn tune Melita, the Roman name for Malta, the island where Paul was shipwrecked. Please visit the United States Naval Band link below to hear them play the song. The hymn is a simple prayer based on the profound truth that the eternal God who created the universe controls all the elements of nature and can protect His own no matter how great the peril. Wind and wave are subject to His command. The first verse reads:
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm doth bind the restless wave,
Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea.
Links
More About the USS Indianapolis CA-35
The Search for the USS Indianapolis - The Discovery Channel
Department of the Navy - Naval Historical Center - The Sinking of USS Indianapolis - Many photographs of the ship, crew and rescue efforts.
ussindianapolis.org - Still at Sea - A dedicated and wonderful site.
Honolulu Star Bulletin article about the Indy
The Annis Family in the US and Canada Directory
Annis Family Honor Roll 1708-1865
Annis Family Honor Roll 1865-1939
SELECTED PUBLISHED SOURCES
Boyd, Carl. "Attacking the Indianapolis: A Re-examination." Warship International 13, no.1 (1976): 15-25.
Brown, Chip. "Terror of Shark and Sea, 35 Years After." Washington Post ( 6 Aug. 1980): E1-E3.
Burlingame, Burl. "Historian: McVay Didn't Have Spy Data." Honolulu Star Bulletin ( 4 Nov. 1993).
Ethridge, Kenneth E. "The Agony of the Indianapolis." American Heritage 33, no.5 (Aug.-Sep. 1982): 81-96.
Haynes, Lewis L. and George W. Campbell. "We Prayed While 883 Died." Saturday Evening Post ( 6 Aug. 1955): 28-29,76,78,80.
Helm, Thomas. Ordeal By Sea: The Tragedy of the U.S.S. Indianapolis. New York: Dodd, Mead, 1963. OCLC 1349965. [Includes final sailing list with survivors indicated.]
Kurzman, Dan. Fatal Voyage: The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis. New-York: Atheneum, 1990. OCLC 20824775.
Lech, Raymond B. All the Drowned Sailors. New York: Stein and Day, 1982. OCLC 8668901.
Mueller, Michael "Lost at Sea." American History Illustrated 20, no.4 (Jun. 1985): 28-35.
"Navy Reports on Court Martial and Gives Account of Indianapolis' Loss." Army and Navy Journal 83, no.27 (2 Mar. 1946): 815, 828, 831.
Newcomb, Richard F. Abandon ship! Death of the U.S.S. Indianapolis. New York: Holt, 1958. OCLC 173257, 2177577.
"Four Nights of Terror." American Legion 111, no.2 (Aug. 1981): 16-17,40-41.
Norwitz, Steven. "Remembering the Hunger and Thirst, the Sharks and the Screams." Washington Post ( 5 Aug. 1975): B1-B2.
The above books and articles should be available in local libraries, or obtainable through interlibrary loan.
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this page are not officially associated in any way with, or approved, edited or overseen by, any individual, division or agency of the United States Navy, the Department of Defense or any other branch of the United States Government, nor with any group or organization which is in any way associated with the United States Navy, the Department of Defense or any other branch of the United States Government.
Copyright © 2007-2009 Annis Family Association All Rights Reserved. Annis Family Association
is a registered trademark of the Annis Family Association.** Please Note: The written contents of this website that are marked "The Annis Family Association" are copyrighted and are subject to certain other legal rights. You may utilize each photograph or image for personal (not commercial) use only, and only in a printed or digitized literary work as a news report or editorial. You may not create derivative works from the written content, a photograph or image, display or distribute copies of it, publish it, use it in a performance, modify it in any manner except size, or, if the particular photograph or image relates to identifiable persons or entities, you may not use it in a manner which suggests their association with or endorsement of any product, service, opinion or cause. For information on commercial or private use permissions write to me at annisfamily@hotmail.com
