Name: Jose Santos CRUZ
Rank / Rating: CCK-Chief Cook
Service #: 421 02 47
DOB: Nov 14, 1916
From: Guam
Parents:
Went Aboard: Jan 27, 1940
Age When Ship Went Down: 28 years, 8 months, 16 days
Spouse:
Children:
Grandchildren:
Bio Submitted By: Patricia Stephens (Admin)
Date Posted:

Jose enlisted in the US Navy on May 2, 1938 at Naval Station, Guam, as shown on the USS Indianapolis muster rolls.

He went aboard Indy on Jan 27, 1940, from USS Louisville. His rate was CK1c (Chief Cook 1c). On Jan 1, 1945 his rate advanced to the highest possible - CCK (Chief Cook). This was an acting appointment and temporary as was common later in the war. He was granted a much deserved leave from Mar 7 to April 6, 1945 while Indianapolis was at Mare Island, Vallego, CA, in dry dock. Jose had served his country for seven years when, on May 2, 1945, he was Honorably Discharged. The following day, he reenlisted for six years! Jose continued to served on board Indy as the Chief Cook. He was lost at sea on 30 July, 1945, when Indianapolis was struck by two torpedoes from Japanese submarine I-58. The ship sank in 12 minutes.