SIGforum
76 years ago tonight tragedy struck.
July 29, 2021, 10:32 PM
sig239dlehr76 years ago tonight tragedy struck.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9S41KplsbsOf nearly 1,200 men on the Indianapolis, only 316 were rescued.
Lest we forget…
July 29, 2021, 11:01 PM
darthfusterTruly horrifying to imagine. May God keep them.
You’re a lying dog-faced pony soldier July 29, 2021, 11:16 PM
GWbikerAs 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
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"Some people are alive today because it's against the law to kill them".
July 29, 2021, 11:28 PM
sjtillStrong recommendation for this book:
Indianapolis
_________________________
“Remember, remember the fifth of November!"
July 30, 2021, 05:42 AM
tacfoleyThe 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.
July 30, 2021, 06:11 AM
G-ManI 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.
dupe listJuly 30, 2021, 07:02 AM
spunk639The Indianapolis makes me always think of Jaws and how Quint told the story of her sinking.
July 30, 2021, 07:15 AM
Sigmundquote:
At about 3:25 it sure sounds like he says
June 29. Was that a goof by the writer or was it intentional?
July 30, 2021, 10:24 AM
Rey HRHThat'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."
"It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life – daily and hourly. Our answer must consist not in talk and meditation, but in right action and in right conduct. Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual." Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning, 1946.
July 30, 2021, 10:34 AM
bald1My 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.
Certifiable member of the gun toting, septuagenarian, bucket list workin', crazed retiree, bald is beautiful club!
USN (RET), COTEP #192
July 30, 2021, 12:41 PM
92fstechquote:
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.
July 30, 2021, 01:24 PM
104RFASTI 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
July 30, 2021, 08:13 PM
redstonequote:
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.
This business will get out of control. It will get out of control and we'll be lucky to live through it. -Rear Admiral (Lower Half) Joshua Painter Played by Senator Fred Thompson July 30, 2021, 10:54 PM
drill sgtSeveral 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.
July 31, 2021, 01:03 AM
sjtilldrill 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.
_________________________
“Remember, remember the fifth of November!"