https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9S41Kplsbs

Of nearly 1,200 men on the Indianapolis, only 316 were rescued.

Lest we forget…

Truly horrifying to imagine. May God keep them.

As Paul Harvey would say, the rest of the story, including the Japanese Sub commander was prosecution witness...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_B._McVay_III

Strong recommendation for this book:
Indianapolis

The movie, with Stacey Keech, and which included the BoI, was a notable milestone in movie-making. I've watched it a few times, never less than very moved as the officer dogged down the intercompartment hatches knowing that the engine room crews were still back in there.

Truly horrific in every way.

A great debt is owed to Hunter Scott, who, over fifty years after the incident, and aged just 12 years, was instrumental in raising awareness of the miscarriage of justice carried out at the captain's court-martial. As part of a school project for the National History Day program, the young man interviewed nearly 150 survivors of the Indianapolis sinking and reviewed 800 documents. His testimony before the U.S. Congress brought national attention to the situation.

I had the honor to have dinner with two survivors, Richard Thelen and Michael Kuryla, a few years ago. They spoke of their horrific ordeal and even after so many years they were very emotional (at least Kuryla was. Thelen was very stoic with haunted eyes). I also met the author of this book, which is a great work on this subject.




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The Indianapolis makes me always think of Jaws and how Quint told the story of her sinking.

quote:

Originally posted by sig239dlehr:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9S41Kplsbs

At about 3:25 it sure sounds like he says June 29. Was that a goof by the writer or was it intentional?

That's a sad story about the ship's captain.

It reminds me of the saying we had: "The Navy is like a fan. You stand in front of it, it blows. You stand beside it, it does nothing for you. You stand behind it, it sucks."

My recently lost 95yo stepdad, a navy veteran of WWII's Pacific campaigns, would cry when discussing this tragedy.

It wasn't called PTSD back in those days but I can assure you he was profoundly affected by his wartime service.

quote:

Originally posted by sjtill:
Strong recommendation for this book:
Indianapolis

I just finished this book this morning. I downloaded it as an audiobook to listen to on our trip to WY. I knew the story, but the details, told by the men who lived it, are absolutely apalling. Couple that with a Navy that's more interested in scapegoating the Captain (who really was a hero, and exercised command presence that saved the lives of his men, even after he was in the water) than learning from their own mistakes...truly a tragedy.

I met Robert Gause many years ago when we hunted
together at a Ga hunting lodge, he was in his 70's
at the time. Turns out I was friends with his Son and Grandson's for years and nobody ever mention
his surviving the sinking until that trip.
He was definitely of that generation and I enjoyed
his company.
RIP Mr. Gause

quote:

Originally posted by spunk639:
The Indianapolis makes me always think of Jaws and how Quint told the story of her sinking.

That was one of the first times I connected real history with a movie as a kid. what a powerful scene.

Several years ago while doing a late afternoon meal at a local "Golden Corral" resturant I noticed a group of 3 elderly couples when they were seated and on of the gentlemen was wearing a veteran"s cap with a ships name and after realized the ships name I approached the table and after excusing my interuption because of the ships name the veteran said that yes he was there on that day as well as the other two gentlemen sitting at the table had been there also. I thanked them for their service on that ship because I knew what had happened and they thanked me for recognizing the ships name. If you haven"t guessed by now the ships name was the USS Indianapolis.. God bless our troops be they past / present/ or future. ..................................... drill sgt.

drill set: I first heard the story of the Indianapolis in a Texas Roadhouse in Arizona: a young woman wearing an "Indianapolis" sweatshirt was involved with the making of a recent documentary of the story ( USS Indianapolis--The Legacy ). Nowhere near as dramatic as your encounter; just noting it pays to be aware of the people around you at restaurants--they may have a great story to tell.