USS Indianapolis

[Metalhead]

I had the pleasure of meeting one of the survivors of the USS Indianapolis of WW2 fame today. On June 30th 1945 a Japanese sub sunk the Indianapolis leaving the surviving crew of 900 (out of the original 1196) floating in the Pacific in shark infested waters. After almost five days only 317 men survived.

I was truely humbled to meet such a man. Words cannot express the respect I have for him and those that served, and currently serve, in our armed forces.

[TMF]

That awesome man. I had a buddy that met one at an IHOP about a decade ago. He was wearing the ship hat with all the veteran flair so he stopped to thank him for his sacrifice and the sacrifice of his shipmates. It's hard to believe that folks like that still walk amongst us. You were lucky to meet one!

[buck1032]

Years ago I was inline at the package store on base with a case of beer under my arm and the old gentleman standing of front of me was talking to another old guy in front of him. Turns out BOTH were on the Bataan Death March and had just then met one another. I talked with them for 15 or 20 minutes and thanked them many times over before we parted ways.

The USS Indianapolis was a very raw deal all the way around. There has been several books about it and if you havent been made aware of the story I recommend you all check it out.

Edited June 12, 2012 by buck1032

[Metalhead]

I have a signed copy of his book coming by the weeks end. http://www.indysurvivor.com/

Edited June 12, 2012 by Metalhead

[SonnyCrockett]

one of my all time fav scenes and movies