https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Indianapolis_(CA-35) Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz remitted McVay's sentence and restored him to active duty. McVay retired in 1949 as a Rear Admiral.[20] While many of Indianapolis 's survivors said McVay was not to blame for the sinking, the families of some of the men who died thought otherwise: "Merry Christmas! Our family's holiday would be a lot merrier if you hadn't killed my son", read one piece of mail.[21] The guilt that was placed on his shoulders mounted until he committed suicide in 1968, using his Navy-issue revolver. McVay was discovered on his front lawn with a toy sailor in one hand.[21] He was 70 years old. The day the Indianapolis was sunk was his 47th birthday.
I read Dan Kurzman’s “Fatal Voyage” several years ago. But I only read it once; the story was so heartbreaking I don’t think I could read it again.
If I recall correctly, McVay’s suicide note said something like “I can’t take it any more.”
As for his trial, his defense called an American sub skipper (Donc Donaho?). Donaho testified that with modern torpedoes and fire control technique, zig zagging makes no difference. A competent sub skipper will compensate and put the fish on target. McVay got a good defense, but the game was rigged.