Mission of Misfortune: The USS Indianapolis

This is my National History Day project, but it turned into something so much more important. The USS Indianapolis was a naval flagship of the 3rd fleet of World War II. This ship was chosen to carry the atomic bomb "Little Boy" to be dropped on Hiroshima.

The ship was successful in their mission, however on the way back, they were sunk by a Japanese sub and left in the water for 5 days, left to the mercy of the ocean and sharks. 1197 men were on the ship. 317 survived. But this was just a brief overview, just watch the documentary. This is one of the most emotional tales in history about the true heroes of America. Enjoy.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• History
• Day
• USS
• Indianapolis
• World
• War
• II

[GGBundy]

You are one smart young woman!! My wife just watched this video with me and we both said the same thing. It makes me angry that so many have forgotten the sacrifices that were made but like you said, I hope this will encourage people to read about the story. (As I pat your back). I'm curious as to the gentleman was that you interviewed??

[ReiMitsuragi]

@GGBundy Thank you again! And I completely agree. I interviewed two people while I worked on this, but the gentleman you see in the video is Harlan Twible. He lives about an hour away from where I was living at the time, and I was so lucky to have the opportunity to meet him. I have about 3 hours of video footage from it, he's so inspiring. He had his own personal story of the ordeal with what he went through individually, and I wish more than anything that I could have included it!

[GGBundy]

Good job!! I wish you would've included information about how the captain was used as a scape-goat for the sinking. If I'm not mistaken, he was the only Captain to be court marshaled during WW2. But great work nonetheless.

Freedom surely isn't free!

[ReiMitsuragi]

@GGBundy Thank you very much! Believe me, I really wish I could have. If I'd had my way this video would have been much longer considering the amount of information I wanted to share. Unfortunately for this competition I was in, the documentaries could not be any longer than 10 minutes, so I was already at the wire haha. Which is why I encourage people to read more about the story if they're curious, because I feel like I barely scratched the surface with this video.

[moviesforrandy]

is any of the survivers os the ship still alive today?

[ReiMitsuragi]

@moviesforrandy Yes, I'd say about 100 of them still are. They have a website and they hold a reunion in Indianapolis every other year, which I actually went to back in 2007. They are some of the greatest men you will ever meet; true American heroes.On their website a few survivors have posted their email addresses, and they are always very happy to talk to anyone who is interested in learning their stories :)

[KingSparkys]

This is a remarkable peice of work, i never knew that much about the USS Indianapolis and you have educated me and many others by reading other peoples comments.

Thumbs up young lady, well done :)

[litltoosee]

Well Done young lady, You may have found your calling . You have honored the brave souls of this ship.

[iclandgirl]

Thank you for this wonderful video. My grandmother's brother survived this attack- only to take his life shortly after coming home. His name was Thurman. I find it very unsettling that this is not taught in public schools- nor anything about the Bataan Death March-- In fact most everything that actually happened - isn't taught at all. I teach in a public school- and I honestly don't know where the "history" that is being taught- happened.

[frquixote]

Isabella, Thank you for doing such an outstanding job with this video. I especially appreciate the courtesy and respect that is evident in your questions to my uncle, Harlan Twible.

[fuhmeregan]

Thanks Isabella (credits), well done. The respect is evident in your voice - it reflects what we all must feel for these tough navy men. Like their land army men brothers, they're steeled to protecting the free world - nothing shakes them from their mission. Hugs from Canada.