On July 30, 1945, the USS Indianapolis was struck by Japanese torpedoes in the Pacific Ocean. It sank. That day, 1,197 men went into the shark infested waters. Only 317 survived.
Father Thomas M. Conway of Waterbury survived the sinking. For more than three days, he swam from group to group, aided the wounded, ministered to the dying, and calmed the frightened with his faith and prayers. He helped save the lives of 67 men.
On the fourth day, August 2, 1945. Father Conway was the last chaplain to die in combat in World War ll.
A compelling bust honoring Father Conway is on church property facing Waterbury Green.
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