INDIANAPOLIS (November 11, 2006) ? During a speech to veterans today, Governor Mitch Daniels announced that a USS Indianapolis Museum will be established at the Indiana War Memorial in downtown Indianapolis.

?We?ve long needed a home to tell the story of the USS Indianapolis. I?m glad the survivors still with us now know there?s a place where generations will learn about this heroic event in our country?s history,? said Daniels.

It is expected the exhibit will be ready to open in late July 2007 as a part of the USS Indianapolis Survivors? bi-annual reunion. The governor recently approved an agreement reached between the board of directors of the USS Indianapolis Museum with support from the survivor?s organization and the state?s Indiana War Memorials Commission to establish the museum within the War Memorial. The museum will include a comprehensive exhibit of the 13-year story of the ship, her crew and accomplishments.

The USS Indianapolis was struck by a Japanese torpedo in July 1945. About 300 men survived the attack after floating for days while waiting for help in shark-infested waters.