Meeting w USS Indianapolis Vet

[daniel tarr817j]

Today my wife and I were at a Denny's. Across from me, facing me in the next booth was a elderly gentleman wearing a vets bassball hat which read "USS Indianapolis". He appeared to be the correct age. I thought a moment. I decided to approach him. I asked if I could trouble him a second, he answered "Yes". I asked if he was a survivor. Again he said yes. I had no desire to upset him so all I said was "It was a horrible event", he nodded his head in the affermative. I thanked him for his service and shook his hand. He asked me if I had been in the service. I said "Yes, Vietnam". He thanked me for my service and we shook hands once again. I feel privalaged to have met him. He is a man who witnessed and experienced about the most horrific events possible. Many of our vets experienced similar or rather horrific events. This meeting today has special meaning for me as years ago I found a scrap book which was devoted to the USS Indianapolis incident. Contained in the scrap book was the original telegram informing the familyof the loss of their loved one. Ever sense I have taken a interest in that ships mission and all that happened after delivery of its special cargo. daniel tarr817j

[CWP]

When I was in high school in the 1990s such encounters were commonplace for me. I met many interesting people at shops and restaurants. I figured if someone was wearing a "WWII Veteran" hat or the like they were probably proud of their role in history and wouldn't mind a short chat with a young person if they could spare the time, and that was generally true. It has been years since I have met a WWII veteran like that.

[PlaceOfBayonets]

I am 46 years old and just old enough to have had at least one WWII Veteran as a school teacher. I only knew about the one but may have had another without knowing.

Andy was his name and he told us he had been a replacement in a unit that got chewed up bad in the bulge.

[-Ray-]

I once met a USS Indianapolis a survivor few years ago when I was stationed at FT Bragg. I just thanked him for his service and he returned a likewise reply with ensuing small talk. A really nice person. Not too many of these vets survive.

I really didn't want to encroach on his time in shark infested waters.


-Ray-

[tmca05]

Ray, I wish you had a chance to meet this guy while you were up at Ft. Campbell. He lives in Clarksville, TN close by the base.

Cpl Ed Harrell, USMC was a survivor of the USS Indianapolis. He is a wonderful guy and a very pleasant person to take to. Ed wrote a book of called Out of the Depths. In the book, he tells they whole story of what he experienced on the USS Indianapolis.

Ed has been setting up at the TMCA Show in Nashville, and lately has been going to the SOS Show in Louisville and sitting with the veterans there. Stop by and visit with him, you will not regret it.

Dave