USS Indianapolis CA-35
Lost At Sea

Name: Ray Francis JOHNSTON
Rank / Rating: MM1-Machinist's Mate First Class
Service #: 616 53 02
DOB: Jun 20, 1919
From: Forney, TX
Parents:
Went Aboard: Nov 23, 1942
Age When Ship Went Down: 26 years, 1 months, 10 days
Spouse:
Children:
Grandchildren:
Bio Submitted By: Admin
Date Posted: Jul 30, 2025

Machinist Mate First Class Johnston was born on June 20, 1919. He grew up on a farm near Forney, Texas.

Medals awarded: American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and posthumously the Purple Heart. Ray was lost at sea. One of the survivors told the family that Ray called himself “Johnny” Johnston because there were so many “Rays” on board the “Indy”. The following is a poem found in his things; his family is sure it was sent to him by his mother:

In the Navy I miss you tonight. In the old home place the rooms seem so vacant and quiet. I call your name in my wandering Only echoes answer back in the night One door swings wide on its hinges As I pause by your picture, dear. The door to your old clothes closet that keeps our part of you here Your rifle, on its peg in the corner is gray in its covering of dust And the barrel you kept shining like silver is sprinkled with small flecks of rust. Your rubber boots stand by the wall, dear fishing tackle on the top most shelf Small things that might pass unnoticed Yet seems such a big part of your self I found your pipe and tobacco Inside the old coat that you wore And beneath a small bit of ashes A tiny heap on the floor That old clothes closet is precious Full of memories that make my heart yearn I shall lock the door against intruders Until the day when I know you’ll return.