Tell me a bio of Charles B. McVay III.

Include key facts about their life, career, achievements, and impact.

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Charles B. McVay III was a United States Navy officer who served during World War II. He is best known for being the commanding officer of the USS Indianapolis, which was torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese submarine on July 30, 1945, resulting in the loss of over 870 lives.

**Early Life and Education**

Charles Butler McVay III was born on November 3, 1898, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1923 and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy for over 30 years.

**Career**

McVay's naval career spanned multiple assignments, including service on various ships, as well as time spent in the Navy's Bureau of Navigation and the Office of Naval Intelligence. He was a skilled naval officer who rose through the ranks, becoming a commander in 1942.

**Command of the USS Indianapolis**

In June 1945, McVay was given command of the USS Indianapolis, a heavy cruiser that was tasked with delivering components of the atomic bomb to Tinian Island, a U.S. military base in the Pacific. On July 30, 1945, while en route to Tinian, the Indianapolis was torpedoed and sunk by the Japanese submarine I-58. The sinking of the ship resulted in one of the worst naval disasters in U.S. history, with over 870 crew members killed.

**Court-Martial and Aftermath**

Following the sinking of the Indianapolis, McVay was court-martialed for "hazarding his ship by failing to zigzag." The court-martial was widely criticized, as many felt that McVay was being unfairly blamed for the tragedy. The court-martial resulted in McVay being found guilty and sentenced to lose his commission.

**Legacy and Impact**

The sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the subsequent court-martial of McVay III led to widespread outrage and calls for reform within the U.S. Navy. In 2000, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution exonerating McVay of any wrongdoing, and in 2004, President George W. Bush posthumously restored McVay's naval commission.

Today, McVay is remembered as a hero who was unfairly blamed for one of the worst naval disasters in U.S. history. His legacy serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by U.S. service members during World War II and the importance of accountability and fairness within the military.

**Personal Life**

McVay married his wife, Jane, in 1924, and they had two children together. He died on November 6, 1968, at the age of 70.

**Awards and Honors**

McVay was awarded the Legion of Merit for his service during World War II. In 2000, he was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for his role in the sinking of the USS Indianapolis.

Overall, Charles B. McVay III was a dedicated naval officer who served his country with honor and distinction. His legacy continues to be remembered and honored today, and his story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by U.S. service members during World War II.
Charles B. McVay III (January 3, 1898 - November 6, 1968) was an American naval officer during World War II, and his life is known for its controversy surrounding the sinking of the USS Indianapolis in 1945.

Early Life:
Charles B. McVay III was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1918 and served in various ships, rising through the ranks to become an admiral.

Career:
McVay's naval career spanned over two decades. He served on ships in World War I, the Atlantic, and the Pacific. He gained prominence for his leadership skills and was promoted to captain, commanding several ships, including the USS Portland and the USS Indianapolis. 

Controversy Surrounding the Sinking of USS Indianapolis:
In July 1945, McVay was in command of the USS Indianapolis, a cruiser that was tasked with delivering a valuable cargo of atomic bomb parts to Tinian Island in the Pacific. On the evening of July 30, 1945, while en route, the ship was torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese submarine. Of the nearly 1,200 crew members, over 860 were killed, leaving only 317 survivors.

McVay faced an immediate investigation and trial by a U.S. Navy court-martial in January 1946. The court found McVay guilty of "hazarding a ship by failing to zigzag," and he was given a punitive discharge and stripped of his military pension. However, it was later revealed that McVay's actions didn't contribute significantly to the loss of the Indianapolis, and his court-martial was widely criticized.

Achievements and Impact:
Despite the controversy surrounding his court-martial, McVay's achievements as a naval officer were significant. He was a respected commander who had a distinguished career, and his leadership skills were recognized by his peers.

In recent years, McVay's legacy has been reassessed, and he has gained recognition for his bravery and service during World War II. In 2000, the U.S. Navy awarded McVay the Legion of Merit, a significant honor in recognition of his contributions.

Personal Life:
McVay's life and personal life after the war were affected by the court-martial. His reputation was tarnished, and he struggled to recover. He died in 1968, at the age of 70.

Legacy:
Charles B. McVay III's life and legacy serve as an example of how a war hero's reputation can be unfairly tarnished by controversy and media. His case has led to increased understanding of the importance of proper investigation and fair judgment in military proceedings.