Veterans Home sends off Cleatus Lebow, 1 of 2 living USS Indianapolis survivors, to reunion

The Ussery-Roan Texas State Veterans Home in Amarillo had a quick ceremony Monday morning to send off World War II veteran Cleatus Lebow, one of two living survivors of the USS Indianapolis, which was sunk during an attack from Japanese Forces on July 30, 1945. Departing at approximately 8:30 a.m. with an honor escort including first responders, Lebow will travel from Amarillo to a reunion at the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg for a three-day event honoring of the bravery and sacrifices of all service members who served aboard the ill-fated USS Indianapolis.

Enduring five arduous days afloat in the South Pacific after the attack, Lebow came away as one of 316 men aboard of more than 1,100 men who survived the torpedo attack from a Japanese submarine.

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This is the 77th anniversary of the U.S.S. Indianapolis Reunion. Lebow is now the oldest living survivor at 98 years old, and it is one of his last chances to meet fellow survivor Harold Bray, who is 94 years old.

"I am really excited to make this trip; I have not seen Bray or family members in years,” Lebow said. “With the special bond that we have, this really means something to meet again.”

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Lee Persefield, the onsite representative for the Veterans Land Board, spoke about the gravity of the event, with the possibility of this being the last time these great men meet, due to their ages.

“It’s a great honor for us to have Mr. Lebow living with us and to be able to take him to this reunion with his remaining crew members at this event,” Persefield said. “We are thrilled (and) excited to be a part of this, especially with all the volunteers and partners that are helping to make this happen.”

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Veterans Home celebrates oldest living USS Indianapolis survivor