Toce, Nicolo

9 October 1945

Capt. Charles B. McVay, III
2126 Connecticut Ave., N.W.,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:

I am the sister of Nicholas Toce S/2/c on the U.S.S. Indianapolis.

I called Mrs. McVay last time I passed thru here and informed that you were in the hospital.

I know that court proceedings were held and since the newspapers carried practically nothing on the subject, wonder whether or not there is any further information you can furnish me with. I am interested in knowing why the Navy Department sent a wire confirming the worse such a short time after Nick was declared missing. I was under the impression they waited six months to a year if there was no actual proof.

Therefor, I am wondering whether or not there isn't something further you can tell me.

Being in the service myself, I can appreciate your position and realize that court proceedings are secret matters. However, I thought possibly there is something you can tell me.

Any consideration in this matter is deeply appreciated.

My family joins me in extending sincerest best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.

Respectfully yours,
Sgt Mary C. Toce
WAC Det, Hq AGF
So. Post, Ft Myer, Va.

Pers-8249-adc

October 16, 1945

My dear Miss Toce,

Your kind letter of October 9, 1945, reached me several days ago.

I am sorry to say that I have no information on the sinking of the U.S.S. INDIANAPOLIS other that that contained in my letter of October 4, 1945, which I address to your mother.

What is known must indeed seem meagre to your or anyone who does not fully realize what it means to have a terrific explosion occur in the middle of the night and before any of the details can be learned the ship has turned over and disappeared.

There is enclosed herewith a memorandum which will explain why the status of those listed as "missing" was changed to "killed in action."

Please accept my sincere sympathy.

Very sincerely,

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

Sgt. Mary C. Toce - A130216
WAC Det-Hq AGF
So. Post, Ft. Myer, Virginia