Heslar Naval Armory
Encyclopedia
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
, USA, on the shore of White River
White River (Indiana)
The White River is a two-forked river that flows through central and southern Indiana and is the main tributary to the Wabash River. Via the west fork, considered to be the main stem of the river by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, the White River is long.-West Fork:The West Fork, long, is...
as a Works Progress Administration
Works Progress Administration
The Works Progress Administration was the largest and most ambitious New Deal agency, employing millions of unskilled workers to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads, and operated large arts, drama, media, and literacy projects...
construction project. It was designed by architect Ben H. Bacon and reflects an Art-Moderne style. Heslar Naval Armory is currently the home of Naval Operations Support Center Indianapolis, Marine Corps Reserve Center Indianapolis, and Naval Recruiting Station Indianapolis, as well as the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps
United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps
The United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a congressionally chartered, U.S. Navy-based organization that serves to teach individuals 13 to 17 years old about the sea-going military services, U.S. Naval operations and training, community service, citizenship, and an understanding of discipline and...
Cruiser Indianapolis (CA 35) Division. In October 2008 the Indiana Wing Civil Air Patrol
Civil Air Patrol
Civil Air Patrol is a Congressionally chartered, federally supported, non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force . CAP is a volunteer organization with an aviation-minded membership that includes people from all backgrounds, lifestyles, and...
, state branch of the US Air Force Auxiliary, moved its headquarters functions and staff to the Armory.
The building and property are legally owned by the State of Indiana and managed by the Indiana State Armory Board (an entity of the Indiana National Guard), but is leased to the federal government for use by the United States Navy Reserve
United States Navy Reserve
The United States Navy Reserve, until 2005 known as the United States Naval Reserve, is the Reserve Component of the United States Navy...
and the United States Marine Corps Reserve
United States Marine Corps Reserve
The Marine Forces Reserve is the reserve force of the United States Marine Corps. It is the largest command in the U.S...
.
History
United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
550,000 project in February 1936, and the building was officially dedicated as the Indianapolis Naval Reserve Armory at a ceremony on October 29, 1938. John K. Jennings, Indiana State WPA administrator, presented the building to Elmer F. Streub, adjutant-general, who then presented it to Captain O.F. Heslar, commandant of the Indiana State Naval Reserve. Louis J. Bornstein, representing the citizen's dedication committee, served as toastmaster. Guests included Lieutenant-Governor Henry F. Schricker; Indianapolis Mayor Walter C. Boetcher; Admiral Hayne Ellis, commander of the Ninth Naval District; and representatives of the Navy Department and the Navy Reserves of several states.
The structure was built of reinforced architectural concrete with steel roof trusses. Upon completion, the four-story building included a navigation bridge, signal hoist, magazine, battle telephones, boiler room, radio communication, watertight bulkheads, ship's ladders, galley, 50 feet (15.2 m) swimming pool, gymnasium, rifle range, classrooms, and mess and quarters for Officers and Enlisted staff. The mess hall and gymnasium were decorated with 12'x15' murals depicting famous Naval battles and events.
Inscribed around the rotunda and on the walls of the exterior are the surnames of several significant figures in Naval History including George H. Preble
George H. Preble
George Henry Preble was an American naval officer and writer, notable for his history of the flag of the United States and for taking the first photograph of the Fort McHenry flag that inspired The Star-Spangled Banner.-Biography:He was born in Portland, Maine into a seafaring family; his father...
, George Dewey
George Dewey
George Dewey was an admiral of the United States Navy. He is best known for his victory at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War...
, Oliver Hazard Perry
Oliver Hazard Perry
United States Navy Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry was born in South Kingstown, Rhode Island , the son of USN Captain Christopher Raymond Perry and Sarah Wallace Alexander, a direct descendant of William Wallace...
, John Paul Jones
John Paul Jones
John Paul Jones was a Scottish sailor and the United States' first well-known naval fighter in the American Revolutionary War. Although he made enemies among America's political elites, his actions in British waters during the Revolution earned him an international reputation which persists to...
, and David Glasgow Farragut.
On November 20, 1939, Captain O. F. Heslar (1891–1970) took command of the armory and the USS Sacramento
USS Sacramento (PG-19)
The second USS Sacramento was a gunboat in the United States Navy.Sacramento was launched on 21 February 1914 by the William Cramp & Sons Shipbuilding Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; sponsored by Miss Phebe Briggs; and commissioned on 26 April 1914 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard under the...
, the gunboat aboard which the Naval Reserve force trained on Lake Michigan each summer. Captain Heslar remained in this capacity through November 1940, when he was ordered to take his ship and her crew to Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
, Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
, for refitting. It was here that the vessel was transferred to the active U.S. Navy and was docked at Pearl Harbor when that base was attacked by Japanese forces on December 7, 1941. She survived the attack while shooting down at least two enemy fighters, and participated in rescue and salvage operations immediately afterward.
During World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, the inland location was ideal when generals and admirals, seeking to avoid the constant surveillance on the coasts, gathered regularly at the Heslar Naval Armory in Indianapolis to plan their Atlantic and Pacific campaigns, including elements of the pivotal Battle of Normandy
Operation Overlord
Operation Overlord was the code name for the Battle of Normandy, the operation that launched the invasion of German-occupied western Europe during World War II by Allied forces. The operation commenced on 6 June 1944 with the Normandy landings...
that began June 6, 1944. Throughout World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, the Indianapolis Naval Reserve Armory remained a vital facility where radioman and yeoman recruits trained for sea duty. Following that conflict it returned to a peacetime reserve function. In 1946, the United States Marine Corps reactivated Headquarters Co. 16th Infantry Battalion for training and ordered them to Heslar. This unit was called for duty in Korea in 1950.
On December 12, 1964, the Indianapolis Naval Armory was renamed the Heslar Naval Armory in honor of its first and longest-serving commanding officer in a dinner ceremony emceed by Harry T. Ice. Mrs. Heslar was ill and unable to attend, but a tape recording was played for her later in their home in New Augusta. In attendance were Heslar's son, Lieutenant Fred G. Heslar USNR, and his wife, as well as former Indiana Governor Ralph Gates; Rear Admiral Howard A. Yeager, Commandant of the Ninth Naval District, Great Lakes Illinois; Colonel George P. Hill Jr, Commanding Officer of Fort Harrison; Commander Joseph W. Tilford, commanding officer of the Indianapolis Naval Reserve; Brigadier General John D. Friday of the Indiana National Guard; Brigadier General G. Wray DePrez Indiana National Guard (ret.), president of the Indiana State Armory Board; Brigadier General Kenneth E. Keene, assistant chief, Indiana Air National Guard; Captain James C. Wootton, commanding officer of Naval Avionics Facility; Captain Firman F. Knachel; and Captain Robert O. Jackson, commander of Indiana Naval Forces.
Unveiled at the ceremony was a plaque that is now mounted on the exterior of the rotunda and reads:
Heslar Naval Armory
in honor of
Captain Ola Fred Heslar, USNR (Ret.)
Commanding Officer of the Naval Reserve
State of Indiana 1921-1940
A dedicated Naval officer and true hoosier, Captain Heslar has given unselfishly of his time, knowledge, and efforts to further the Naval Reserve and the Indiana Naval Forces.
Held in the highest esteem by his fellow officers and fellow hoosiers, it is altogether fitting that this armory be dedicated and so named.
Matthew E. Welsh
Governor, State of Indiana
1964
In 1978, after the nearby Marine Reserve facility in Riverside Municipal Park was damaged, a decision was made to renovate the Armory and accommodate local Marine Reserve Components. Renovation began in 1977 with the removal of nearly all non-support internal structure and replacing them with a more modern floorplan. Also, a large parking lot was created on the former site of the Riverside Amusement Park. On November 1, 1978, the facility was re-designated as a Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Center.
Heslar Naval Armory has been listed as a contributing property
Contributing property
In the law regulating historic districts in the United States, a contributing resource or contributing property is any building, structure, or object which adds to the historical integrity or architectural qualities that make the historic district, listed locally or federally, significant...
to the Indianapolis Park and Boulevard System
Indianapolis Park and Boulevard System
The Indianapolis Park and Boulevard System is a group of parks, parkways, and boulevards in Indianapolis, Indiana that was designed by landscape architect George Edward Kessler in the early part of the twentieth century. Also known as the Kessler System, the district includes and has shaped the...
, along with several other sites and buildings. The buildings together form a Historic district
Historic district (United States)
In the United States, a historic district is a group of buildings, properties, or sites that have been designated by one of several entities on different levels as historically or architecturally significant. Buildings, structures, objects and sites within a historic district are normally divided...
that has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
since 2003.
Captain Ola F. Heslar (1891-1970)
Brazil, Indiana
Brazil is a city in Clay County, Indiana, United States. The population was 7,912 at the 2010 census. The city is the county seat of Clay County. It is part of the Terre Haute Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, to Walter and Minnie (née Rhodes) Heslar. He attended grade school in Brazil and Crawfordsville, and high school in Indianapolis. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1907 and, after basic training, was assigned to a submarine in the Philippine Islands. Later, he was stationed at Norfolk Navy Yard as a radioman.
In April 1913, Heslar married Alice Marie Young of Rockland, Maine. He earned a commission in 1916 and served aboard the USS Vulcan
USS Vulcan (AC-5)
USS Vulcan was a collier of the United States Navy.The second ship to bear the name, she was laid down on 5 October 1908, at Sparrows Point, Maryland, by the Maryland Steel Company, launched on 15 May 1909, and commissioned at the Norfolk Navy Yard on 2 October 1909.-1909—1912:For more than two...
in the Mediterranean and Atlantic. Next, and no doubt in reflection of his experience as a radioman, Heslar was assigned as Officer-in-Charge of the Transatlantic Radio Station in Tuckerton, New Jersey.
From 1919 until 1920, Heslar served as a staff officer under Admiral Henry Braid Wilson
Henry Braid Wilson
Henry Braid Wilson, Jr. was an Admiral in the United States Navy during World War I.-Biography:Henry Wilson was a native of Camden, New Jersey. He joined the United States Navy in the latter part of the nineteenth century and continued to serve for over forty years. He graduated from the U.S...
, Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (CINCLANT), 1919-1921. He continued that duty under Admiral Hilary P. Jones
Hilary P. Jones
Hilary Pollard Jones, Jr. was an officer in the United States Navy during the Spanish-American War and World War I. During the early 1920s, he served as Commander in Chief, United States Fleet....
when Admiral Jones accepted the post of Commander in Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet in 1922.
In 1922, Capt. Heslar retired from active Navy service and entered the U.S. Navy Reserve.
United States Navy Reserve
The United States Navy Reserve, until 2005 known as the United States Naval Reserve, is the Reserve Component of the United States Navy...
He was assigned to active duty as Area Commander of Indiana, and later Chief of Naval Affairs for the State of Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
. It was in these posts that he founded and organized the Indiana Naval Forces by initiating the Indiana Naval Militia Act, which was passed into law on March 1, 1927. Also in this capacity, Capt. Heslar oversaw the construction of the Naval Armories at Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
and Michigan City
Michigan City, Indiana
Michigan City's origins date to 1830, when the land for the city was first purchased by Isaac C. Elston. Elston Middle School, formerly Elston High School, located at 317 Detroit St., is named after the founder....
. Capt. Heslar set a standard that was to be followed nationwide by naval reserve training and operational facilities when he established the first naval training activities at Heslar Naval Armory. During this time, Captain Heslar was also a member of the Great Lakes Commission of Indiana, and the Indiana Board of Public Harbors.
Heslar's first wife died in August 1930, having borne no children. In 1934, Heslar remarried to Mabel Kathleen Gasaway of Indianapolis. In July 1938, Fred Gasaway Heslar, Capt. Heslar's only child, was born.
With the beginning of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
Capt. Heslar returned to staff and combat duties serving as Director of Training, 9th Naval District, Great Lakes, Illinois and, later, on the staff of Admiral William Halsey. On May 17, 1943 Capt. Heslar was awarded an honorary doctorate of law from DePauw University
DePauw University
DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, USA, is a private, national liberal arts college with an enrollment of approximately 2,400 students. The school has a Methodist heritage and was originally known as Indiana Asbury University. DePauw is a member of both the Great Lakes Colleges Association...
. He then went on to perform postgraduate work at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. MIT has five schools and one college, containing a total of 32 academic departments, with a strong emphasis on scientific and technological education and research.Founded in 1861 in...
and Columbia University
Columbia University
Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, Ivy League university in Manhattan, New York City. Columbia is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York, the fifth oldest in the United States, and one of the country's nine Colonial Colleges founded before the...
.
In 1944, it was announced that Captain Heslar would be promoted to Rear Admiral. However, due to his health, he was sent to the Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical practice and medical research group specializing in treating difficult patients . Patients are referred to Mayo Clinic from across the U.S. and the world, and it is known for innovative and effective treatments. Mayo Clinic is known for being at the top of...
and forced to permanently retire from Naval Service. In 1959, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal
Distinguished Service Medal (United States)
The Distinguished Service Medal is the highest non-valorous military and civilian decoration of the United States military which is issued for exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in either a senior government service position or as a senior officer of the United...
for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service.
Upon returning home to Indianapolis, newly elected Republican Governor Ralph M. Gates appointed Captain Heslar to the position of Indiana State Purchasing Director, which the Captain assumed on February 1, 1945. As of January 12, 1946, he was a member of the Republican Party
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
, the Blue Lodge Free and Accepted Masons, the Columbia Club
Columbia Club
The Columbia Club is a private hotel and clubhouse located on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. The current structure was built in 1925 as the third home to a private club of the same name.-Club history:...
, the Woodstock Club, and the Methodist Church.
Commanding officers
| Name | Dates |
|---|---|
| CAPT O.F. Heslar, USNR | 1921–1940 |
| *all reserve units activated | 1940–1946 |
| CAPT F.A. Graf, USN | 1947–1949 |
| CAPT M.C. Thompson, USN | 1949–1953 |
| CAPT J.C. Wickens, USN | 1953–1956 |
| CAPT E.B. Billingsley, USN | 1956–1959 |
| LTJG D.C. Funk, USN | 1959–1960 |
| CDR J.W. Tilford, USNR | 1960–1966 |
| CDR R. Hicks, USN | 1966–1969 |
| CDR B. Woesner, USNR | 1969 |
| LCDR J.E. Pursley, USN | 1969–1972 |
| CDR J.A. Morehead, USNR | 1972–1975 |
| CDR W.P. Stiegler, USNR | 1975–1979 |
| Name | Dates |
|---|---|
| CDR L.E. Shafer, USNR | 1979–1983 |
| LCDR P.M. Dirga, USNR | 1983–1986 |
| CDR P.V. Starnes, USN | 1986 |
| LCDR R.E. Graham, Jr, USNR | 1986-1989? [was listed as 1921–1940] |
| CDR C.A. Grover, USNR | 1989–1992 |
| CAPT V.E. Bothwell, USNR | 1992–1995 |
| CAPT M. Savignac, USNR | 1995–1999 |
| CAPT J.D. Harrington, USNR | 1999–2001 |
| CDR M.J Murphy, USNR | 2001–2003 |
| CDR J.P. Steinbronn, USN | 2003–2005 |
| CDR J.T. Garry, USN | 2005–2007 |
| CDR K. McNeill, USN | 2007–2009 |
| CDR C. Ridings, USN | 2009-Pres. |
Artifacts
- a bell from the USS IndianaUSS Indiana (BB-58)USS Indiana , a South Dakota-class battleship, was the fourth ship of the United States Navy named in honor of the 19th state. Her keel was laid down on 20 November 1939 by the Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company of Newport News, Virginia. She was launched on 21 November 1941 sponsored by...
cast in 1942 with the commissioning of that ship. - a bell from the USS IndianapolisUSS Indianapolis (CA-35)USS Indianapolis was a of the United States Navy. She holds a place in history due to the circumstances of her sinking, which led to the greatest single loss of life at sea in the history of the U.S. Navy...
cast in 1932 with the commissioning of that ship, and removed to conserve weight prior to her final cruise. - a damaged flag recovered from the USS IndianapolisUSS Indianapolis (CA-35)USS Indianapolis was a of the United States Navy. She holds a place in history due to the circumstances of her sinking, which led to the greatest single loss of life at sea in the history of the U.S. Navy...
presented to the city of IndianapolisIndianapolisIndianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
on February 2, 1960 by the Indianapolis Council of the Navy League of the United States. - a memorial to the USS GraybackUSS Grayback (SS-208)USS Grayback , a Tambor-class submarine, was the first ship of the United States Navy to be named for the lake herring.Her keel was laid down by the Electric Boat Company in Groton, Connecticut. She was launched on 31 January 1941 sponsored by Mrs...
established by the Submarine Veterans of W.W.II, Hoosier Squadron. - a flag recovered from the USS FechtelerUSS Fechteler (DE-157)USS Fechteler , a of the United States Navy, was named in honor of Augustus Fechteler, a Rear Admiral serving in the United States Navy during World War I....
, hung in the wardroom.
NOSC Indianapolis logo
Recent events
- On May 6, 2004, the Indiana National Guard received the Continued Use Award from the Historic Landmarks Foundation of IndianaHistoric Landmarks Foundation of IndianaIndiana Landmarks is America's largest private statewide historic preservation organization. Founded as the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana by Indianapolis pharmaceutical executive Eli Lilly in 1960, the organization is a private non-governmental organization with nearly 11,000 members...
for "its stellar maintenance of Heslar Naval Armory". CMDR. Jeffrey Steinbronn and Col. Noble Beck, Vice President of the State Armory Board, accepted the award on behalf of the Indiana National Guard. - On May 2, 2007, Daron K. Johnson, 29, was killed while fleeing from police when he lost control of his Dodge Durango and slammed into the concrete wall surrounding the armory. He was ejected from the vehicle, which then rolled on top of him, crushing him to death. He had been arrested the previous year for alleged drug and driving offenses.
- On July 21, 2007, an honor guard from NOSC Indianapolis laid to rest the remains of Fireman 3rd Class Alfred Eugene Livingston in his home town of Worthington, Indiana. F3/c Livingston was killed in the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl HarborPearl HarborPearl Harbor, known to Hawaiians as Puuloa, is a lagoon harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. Much of the harbor and surrounding lands is a United States Navy deep-water naval base. It is also the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet...
while aboard the USS Oklahoma. His remains were buried twice before in Hawaii, but remained unidentified until April 2007. - On August 20, 2007, Rear Admiral Gerald R. BeamanGerald R. BeamanGerald R. Beaman is a Vice Admiral in the US Navy and an ex Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.His current posting is as Commander, U. S. 3rd FleetBeaman is a native of Hammond, Indiana and is a graduate of Marquette University....
, Commander Strike Force Training Pacific, toured NOSC Indianapolis with Commanding Officer CDR J.T. Garry and staff prior to speaking at the opening ceremony of Indy Navy Week 2007.