Inside INdiana Business is reporting the U.S. Senate has passed a bill introduced earlier this year by Senators Joe Donnelly (D-IN) and Todd Young (R-IN) recognizing the crew of the USS Indianapolis. The legislation would honor the ship’s crew with the Congressional Gold Medal.
The honor is the highest civilian recognition the U.S. Congress can award. July 30th was the 73rd anniversary of the ship’s sinking during World War II.
“The men of the crew of the USS Indianapolis are American heroes,” said Donnelly in a news release. “I am pleased that the Senate has passed the bipartisan legislation I introduced with Senator Young to honor these brave Americans, including the fewer than 20 living survivors, with the Congressional Gold Medal. I am hopeful that the House of Representatives will act quickly to get this measure to the president’s desk and give these men the recognition they are due.”
“The crew of the USS Indianapolis served our country with tremendous bravery and most of them paid the ultimate price for our freedom and security,” said Young. “This Congressional Gold Medal will be an appropriate and important way to honor them.”