Topic: In Harm's Way

[Alidar Jarok]

Has anyone read the book "In Harm's Way" by Doug Stanton?

I've been assigned to read the book for history class and its something like 300 pages.  I have to write a review by May 5.  It actually does sound like an interesting book.  Its about the sinking of the USS Indianapolis during WWII and the story of the survivors.  However, I don't feel like reading it, and I really don't have time.

Has anyone here read it?  If so, what did you think of it?

[The Bar-Abbas Anomaly]

 

I think you should take your education more seriously....   

[TheJudge]

Read the book Jarok.  You'll be sorry if you don't.


Think Jaws with hundreds of sharks and hundreds more victims for them to eat.  That's the story the of the Indie.

[J. Carney]

Has anyone read the book "In Harm's Way" by Doug Stanton?

I've been assigned to read the book for history class and its something like 300 pages.  I have to write a review by May 5.  It actually does sound like an interesting book.  Its about the sinking of the USS Indianapolis during WWII and the story of the survivors.  However, I don't feel like reading it, and I really don't have time.

Has anyone here read it?  If so, what did you think of it?

Make time for this.

IIRC, the Indy was on her way back from taking "Little Boy' to Tinian for the Enola Gay to make history. Since she was on a top secret mission, the Navy couldn't actualy admitt that she was at see without the Japs taking intrest in why a lone cruiser was running around the Pacific delivering a very large, very obvious crate strapped her forecastle instead of screening a carrier like she should have been.

This made organizing the initial rescue hard, and poor coordination complecated matters.

[Sirgod]

Dang, This thread remnded me, I've got to give that Book Back to Ferrit. Needless to say, I've Read It, And It once again Shows The Courage of the US fighting Forces.

Hey Steve, I'll try to Get the book back to you Next week. Once again thanks for Loaning me the copy.

Stephen

[Alidar Jarok]

I figured at least someone here would probably have read it.  But you guys win, I'll try and read it.  The problem is time (I don't got a lot of it left).  And, considering my teacher would probably give an A no matter what I write (as long as I answer the questions) I could probably save me about 2 days of work and base it entirely on book reviews (there are no cliff notes, but there have been suprisingly long reviews written that I could get the info from).

Still, I'm trying to actually read it.  It is a good book.

[TheJudge]

It's worth the time, Jarok.


The fate of the Indy is something a sailor's nightmare are made of...I remember a one hour lecture in boot camp where they talked about the Indy and her crew's ordeal.

The course section was on survival gear and the importance of the gear stowed in the life rafts.

[The Bar-Abbas Anomaly]

 

Don't forget to watch Robert Shaw's performance in 'Jaws', too.... One of the greatest scenes in all of moviedom, and almost completely improvised.

[Capt_Bearslayer_XC]

Don't forget to watch Robert Shaw's performance in 'Jaws', too.... One of the greatest scenes in all of moviedom, and almost completely improvised.

That was one of the best parts of any film, IMO.  His description of his experience as a survivor of the USS Indianapolis sent (and still sends) shivers up and down my spine.

And yes, read the damn book!!!

[Alidar Jarok]

And yes, read the damn book!!!

OK, I read the damn book and it was damn good, I'm damn glad I read it too.  Are you happy

[Jack Morris]

http://www.discovery.com/exp/indianapolis/indianapolis.html

http://www.ussindianapolis.org/

Condensed info for those not familiar with this ship's history. 

http://www.ussindianapolis.org/hashimoto.htm

A touching story of the enemy submarine's commander, and you get insight into the story not only of the shark attacks on the Indy's survivors, but also of bad politics in the U.S. Navy. 

[AlienLXIX]

Dang, This thread remnded me, I've got to give that Book Back to Ferrit. Needless to say, I've Read It, And It once again Shows The Courage of the US fighting Forces.

Hey Steve, I'll try to Get the book back to you Next week. Once again thanks for Loaning me the copy.

Stephen

Take your time if you are busy!  I trust you and the book is in good hands!

Ferret says that the book also shows you how badly the Navy can screw their own.  That poor Capt. got reamed but the guys that really let it happened just basically got their wrist slapped!  And you know what?  The Navy is still turning a blind eye to it!  WTF?   

[Sirgod]

Thanks Amy, I barely have anything Unpacked still, as They Put off My New housr being Delivered untill at least after Next wendsday. To top IT off, It cold as al get out here this week in Little Okieville. When I woke up this morning, It was around 49 degrees, and May have topped out at 60.

Poor Steve Just doesn't do cold weather at all. and It's supposed to be this way all week.

BOT. Yeah That poor Captain really did get Raked over the coals on this one. I can see How Steve would Have a huge softspot for that guy, all things Considered.

Stephen

[J. Carney]

That poor Capt. got reamed but the guys that really let it happened just basically got their wrist slapped!  And you know what?  The Navy is still turning a blind eye to it!  WTF?   

That's the way it goes, you know that. It's NEVER the guy with all the gold braid's fault.

When even the ENEMY CAPTIAN says that he was doing everything right and shouldn't be at fault... wel that's a pretty strong statement.

[Alidar Jarok]

I think the story does a good job of being impartial, and it is pretty clear that the Captain isn't at fault.  At the end, the survivors get Congress to say that he isn't at fault and the navy bothers to respond and say that they are still right and he is.

[Jack Morris]

Those of us that have played SH2 or SH3 know that while zig-zagging may make things a little harder, it doesn't stop the torpedoes from hitting the target! 

[Ferretlxix_XC]

I think the story does a good job of being impartial, and it is pretty clear that the Captain isn't at fault.  At the end, the survivors get Congress to say that he isn't at fault and the navy bothers to respond and say that they are still right and he is.

Glad you read the book.  I met the son and I feel for him.  Just because they want to protect the image of a few admirals, I don't see the son's chance to clear his father will happen anytime soon.

[J. Carney]

Those of us that have played SH2 or SH3 know that while zig-zagging may make things a little harder, it doesn't stop the torpedoes from hitting the target! 

Especially since the skipper had Kiatans that he could have used to hit the ship for sure if he thought that there was a cnance of missing. I know that they were notoriously inaccurate for what they were supposed to do, but his decision not to use something that had the ability to make a second attack run speaks volumes.

[_Rondo_GE The OutLaw]

Don't forget to watch Robert Shaw's performance in 'Jaws', too.... One of the greatest scenes in all of moviedom, and almost completely improvised.

Ya I remember that...

his ending line..

"but we delivered the bomb..."

[KBF-Angel Slayer]

Evidently no one knows this:  the Captain of the Indianapolis was cleared of all wrong doing a few years ago.  He was cleared.  Way too late, but at least they eventually grabbed the crowbar and vaseline and got their heads out of their rears long enough to fix that problem!