Am the editor of the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (DANFS) and wrote the entry for Bassett. The recent interest in the Indianapolis surrounding the imminent release of a movie has prompted us to try and locate images of the ship and her rescuing Indianapolis survivors. These photos are truly priceless. The "large pole" you mention in photo 8 (I think) is the boom for handling freight and equipment with which that type of ship was equipped. I also wrote a lot about Bassett (the man) in my book That Gallant Ship: USS Yorktown (CV-5). He was truly a character and was no doubt greatly missedwhen he was lost at the Battle of Midway.
Alfred Hogan
02-Feb-2014 02:39
Thanks for the pictures. Appreciate the pictures as I never got to see anything in the daylight. My job was to launch and retrieve the landing craft. After that I helped the Dr. with the survivors who were not able to navigate under their own power. Then helped give them baths to remove oil. After so many hours I slept the rest of the way into Leyte. Never saw any of the survivors in the daylight. Curious as to how you found me to send information. Glad you did.
Greg Van Dyke
25-Jan-2012 00:14
Hi Steve My father was on the Bassett when they pick up the guy's from the endianapolis
he is on the far right side of your group picture standing Spencer Van Dyke
I know the true story
mary pearson
10-Jun-2008 00:53
Hi Steve,
Did you do pictures of the early turtle half marathon on may 4th? Bob and I are looking at your web site and don't see any. Please let us know. thanks b
