USS Indianapolis CA-35
Lost At Sea

Name: Robert Taft WHITMAN
Rank / Rating: LT.-Lieutenant
Service #: 160540
DOB: Apr 09, 1917
From: Greenwich, CT
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Whitman
Went Aboard: Apr 14, 1943
Age When Ship Went Down: 28 years, 3 months, 21 days
Spouse:
Children:
Grandchildren:
Bio Submitted By: Carl Fahnestock (Admin)
Date Posted: Apr 25, 2026

Lieutenant Robert Taft Whitman was born to parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Whitman of Greenwich, Connecticut on April 09, 1917. At age 25 (in August 1942), Robert was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy. He was obviously very well regarded as a knowledgeable and respected leader who at his young age was selected to serve as an instructor at a USNR Midshipman School. It was from the Midshipman School, where Robert had been serving, that he was then selected to serve aboard USS Indianapolis CA-35. His skills, talents and knowledge were obviously at a high level as he received two promotions (from Ensign to Lieutenant(jg) and then on to the rank of a full Lieutenant) in just under two years aboard Indy. He served as the Air Defense Officer. Lieutenant Whitman was Lost At Sea as a result of the July 30, 1945 sinking of USS Indianapolis. He was subsequently honored at a memorial service at Christ Episcopal Church in Greenwich, Connecticut.