Waterbury in Naugatuck Valley Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Lt. (Rev) Thomas Michael Conway
Chaplain
USS Indianapolis (CA-35)
| | US Navy | |
Died - August 2, 1945, Pacific Ocean
On July 30, 1945, the USS Indianapolis (CA-35) was struck by Japanese torpedoes in the Pacific Ocean and sunk. That day, 1,197 men went in the shark infested waters. Only 317 survived.
Father Thomas M. Conway survived the sinking, and, for over 3 days, with total disregard for his personal safety, swam from group to group, aided the wounded, ministered to the dying, and calmed the frightented with his faith and prayers. On August 2, 1945, Father Thomas M. Conway was the last chaplain to die in combat in WW II. We know that he helped save the lives of 67 men.
Only God knows how many souls he saved.
Erected 2015 by Waterbury Veterans Memorial Committee.
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • War, World II • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is April 5, 1908.
Location. 41° 33.418′ N, 73° 2.532′ W. Memorial is in Waterbury in Naugatuck Valley Region, Connecticut. It is on West Main Street west of Prospect Street, on the right when traveling west.
this page online
Regionally, this memorial is in the Connecticut River Valley, on the Connecticut Shoreline, and in Greater New Haven. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Haven County and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Site of the First Congregational Church (within shouting distance of this marker); POW/MIA Soldiers from Waterbury (within shouting distance of this marker); Waterbury Veterans Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Present Settlement of Waterbury (about 300 feet away); UNICO National (about 300 feet away); Fortified House lf Ensign Stanley (about 300 feet away); John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 28, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
