Out Of The Depths... Byrdman's New Neighbor

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Byrdman

New member
Had a neighborhood get together last night at a my next door neighbors home. Found out that Ed Harrell, USMC lives 200 feet from me. Neat Man. Great life story. He is a USS Indianapolis Survivor, and has a book published, and the foward section by Oliver North. Cool. Thanks Vets!!

Link to website below.
http://www.indysurvivor.com/


Patrick Byrd
 
Thanks, Byrdman -- gonna get this for my dad who was in Naval Airforce flying out of Florida and Brazil in WWII looking for German subs. I know he'll enjoy reading about Edgar Harrell's survivor story.
 
The story that quin tells in jaws of the U.S.S. Indianapolis still sends chills up my spine and he was just acting. I will have to get the book and read the really story. Sharks are the only thing that might scare me and susan is taking me suba diving this spring. She said they don't eat marines for fear of dying. Ask the neighbor if thats true??
 
What timing. I'm in the middle of reading "In Harm's Way". Another account of all the events that lead to the sinking. Let him know Most are grateful that they completed their mission of transporting the bomb and thanks for his service.
 
My dad (1915-1985) served on the Indianappolis before the war. He was on the cruise in Nov-Dec 1936 (70 years ago this month) that carried President Roosevelt on a goodwill tour to South America and back through the Panama Canal. (Can anyone imagine the pres being out of the country for two months these days?) His "Davy Jones" certificate (for crossing the equator) hangs on the wall in his den at my mom's house as I write this.

By the time the war started he was in the FBI, and therefore otherwise occupied. My uncle (his younger brother) was stationed on Guadalcanal, and heard that the Indianapolis was in port (enroute to delivering the bomb, although obviously unknown at the time). He rushed down to see his 'big brother's ship', but was too late - he just got a brief look as it steamed out of the harbor.

Meanwhile, a week or two later, a (lifelong) Navy buddy was visiting my mom and dad at their apt. in NY. Listening to the radio during this visit they heard the first reports of the Indianapolis sinking. They both cried at the news; and my mom still has a hard time telling this story . . .

ejg
 
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