Name: Ceslaus KOLAKOWSKI
Rank / Rating: SM3-Signalman Third Class
Service #: 313 06 08
DOB: 1926
From: Detroit, MI
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Ignatious Kolakowski
Went Aboard: Sep 01, 1943
Age When Ship Went Down: 19
Spouse:
Children:
Grandchildren:
Bio Submitted By: Patricia Stephens and Carl Fahnestock (Admins)
Date Posted:

The 1930 US Census, MI, Wayne Co., Hamtramck, shows Ceslaus in the home of his parents. The census taker had a difficult time with the spelling of the names: Ignacy Kulahowski, 38 yo, head of household, born Poland Stanislava, wife, 38 yo, born Poland Ezeslaw Kulahowski, son, age 4 1940 US Census, MI, Wayne Co., Hamtramck: Ignace, 50 yo, head of household, born Poland Stella, wife, 50 yo, born Poland Chester, 14 yo, born MI Ceslaus' year of birth is estimated using this census data.

Ceslaus enlisted in the USN on May 31, 1943 at Detroit, MI. From NRS (Naval Receiving Center), Cleveland, OH, he was sent to Great Lake, IL., June 15, 1943 for basic training. After completion, he was received at the Personnel Distribution Center, Pleasanton, CA., on August 6, 1943. He was a AS (Apprentice Seaman). From Pleasanton, CA., he was received on board USS Indianapolis CA-35 on September 1, 1943 as a S2c (Seaman 2nd class). On June 1, 1944 he was advanced to S1c. Only eight months later, Ceslaus was advanced to the rating of SM3c (Signalman 3rd class) on Feb 1, 1945. A signalman's primary duty was to communicate visually using a variety of methods, including flags, searchlights, and semaphore. They transmitted messages between ships, ships and shore, and were also responsible for identifying other vessels and aircraft. Signalmen also played a role in maintaining silent communication, especially in the presence of submarines. Seven months after obtaining his new rating, Ceslaus was lost at sea on July 30, 1945 when Indianapolis was struck by two torpedoes and sunk by Japanese submarine I-58. His name is inscribed on the Tablets of the Missing in the Manila American Cemetery, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Philippines. He was awarded the Purple Heart, posthumously. MICHIGAN MEMORIAL PLAQUE See photographs (posted below) to view a copy of a memorial plaque that was dedicated circa 1946 to honor seventy-two (72) State of Michigan men who served on USS Indianapolis CA-35 and who were Lost At Sea. Ceslaus KOLAKOWSKI's name is listed on the plaque! Per the caption on one of the photos, the plaque was originally planned in 1946 for display at a proposed Detroit Civic Center. The plaque was initially displayed at the Detroit Naval Post VFW #233. However, the plaque had vanished for decades, fueling rumors of theft, being melted for scrap, or hidden away in a private basement. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Jeff Ortiz (nephew of LAS Y3 Orlando Ortiz) and Joni Deaver (cousin of LAS sailor S2c Charles Roof Jr.), this priceless piece of history has been re-discovered in the Detroit Historical Society storage basement in Michigan. One of the photos shows Jeff Ortiz and Ralph McNabb (nephew of LAS F2 Thomas McNabb, Jr) standing behind the very dusty plaque as it was found.