Today, Oct. 22 at 5:30 p.m., local resident Ron Trees will give a presentation for the members of the Clinton County Genealogical Society entitled “The Indy and Adrian Marks.” This free meeting is open to the public and will be held in the Frankfort Community Public Library’s lower level meeting room.
On July 30, 1945, the Japanese Imperial Navy torpedoed the USS Indianapolis (aka The Indy) on its way to the Philippines after a top-secret, high-speed mission. The U.S. Navy learned of the sinking four days later when the crew of a PV-1 Ventura spotted survivors during a routine patrol. Navy pilot Lieutenant Commander Robert “Adrian” Marks (later of Frankfort) and his crew defied standing orders and landed their PBY flying boat on the open ocean in an effort to rescue survivors. They recovered 56 Indy crewmen by lashing them to the wing of their aircraft. For his heroism, Marks received the Air Medal.
Join Trees to learn more about this disastrous event and the role Marks played in the rescue efforts. For more information, contact Jill Garrison at 765-654-8746, ext. 1137 or jgarrison@myfcpl.org.