Neale, Harlan Benjamin S2
339 10 20

Syracuse Mo
Oct 2, 1945

Capt. Chas. B. McVay III
Wahington, D.C.

Dear Capt. McVay:

We received and appreciated your letter concerning our son, Harlan B. Neale, Seaman second class, U.S.N.R.
Harlan was assigned to a ship only 2 weeks before the ship sank so he did not get to write to us. We would like to know and would appreciate it very much if you would tell us what was his duty on ship or what part he played in the teamwork. His death was such a shock to us as he had been in service such a short time.
We would like to have a picture of his ship, the "Indianapolis."

Do you think the Navy department will ever try to raise the ship?
We thank you so much for any information you can give us along the lines we have mentioned.

Yours respectfully
Mr and Mrs. Monroe L Neale

NEALE, Harlan B., S2c, USNR
Pers-8249-LK

October 10, 1945

My dear Mr. and Mrs. Neale,

Your letter of October 2, reached me several days ago.

I have no detailed information concerning Harlan's work but do know that he was assigned to the First Lieutenant's Department whose functions during war time is primarily damage control. Personnel reports from the Head of the Department indicated that Harlan's work was consistently excellent.

The INDIANAPOLIS was sunk in water over 1200 fathoms in depth therefore it is impossible to raise her.

There is enclosed, herewith the photograph of the ship which you requested.

In closing may I again express my deepest sympathies.

Very sincerely,

CHAS. B. MCVAY, III
Captain, U. S. Navy

Mr. and Mrs. Monroe L. Neale
Syracuse, Missouri