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When the USS Indianapolis sank July 30, 1945, it took a part of Kokomo with it. Only 316 crewmen of the 1,195 on board U.S. Navy heavy cruiser survived the disaster, after spending four days afloat in the Pacific Ocean.
Unfortunately, Corporal Glen Willis Kenworthy was not among the rescued. The Kokomo native and firefighter was one of 39 U.S. Marines on board the ship when it was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine. Only nine of his fellow Marines survived the attack.
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the tragedy and Kenworthy’s service, the Kokomo Fire Department will hold a ceremony on Sat., July 19, at Fire Station No. 1, 215 W. Superior St.
The event will begin at 11 a.m. with a welcome by Deputy Chief Steve Stackhouse and opening statements from Chief Paul Edwards. The colors will be presented by VFW Post 1152.
Mayor Tyler Moore is expected to give a proclamation in honor of the day, and he will be followed by two guest speakers: retired Col. Frank Faulkner and U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz.
A plaque memorializing Kenworthy’s sacrifice will be installed at the fire station, and a commemorative decal will be placed on all Kokomo Fire Department apparatuses.
Following the ceremony, a lunch and social gathering will be held, lasting until 2 p.m. Members of the Kenworthy family are expected to attend the event.