Our Funds

In June 2002, Doug Stanton, author of In Harm’s Way, conceived of and funded the original USS Indianapolis Survivors’ Fund Scholarship Program to benefit family members of the ship’s crew and help preserve its historic legacy. He contributed proceeds from his hardcover book to provide funds for college-bound family members of living USS Indianapolis survivors. He envisioned it as an opportunity for families to share their Indy stories. The fund was permanently endowed in 2008 by the family of Wilbur C. Gwinn and renamed the USS Indianapolis/Gwinn “Angel” Scholarship in memory of the pilot who first spotted the survivors and initiated their rescue at sea. Because of Gwinn’s keen eyesight in a miraculous situation, 316 crewmembers survived.

The scholarship now honors the families of three major groups connected to the Indy story: her final sailing crew, the rescue and recovery crews, and Honorary Survivors who have received that official status by supporting the Survivors Organization’s goals over the past 75 years. Eligibility criteria is listed on the back of this newsletter. Previous scholarship award recipients are not eligible.

The USS Indianapolis/Gwinn “Angel” Scholarship Endowment is recognized by the Survivors’ Organization and endorsed by the USS Indianapolis CA-35 Legacy Organization for its ongoing efforts to preserve the story of USS Indianapolis CA-35. Prospective and continuing college students are encouraged to research the facts, remember the sacrifices, and reflect on USS Indianapolis stories that exist within their own families.

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