Hal, Your story telling of the poor Indianapolis & it's crew has been the greatest I've ever heard. You have honoured all those poor boys that perished so horrifically, the very lucky survivors & the incredible bravery & comradery amongst them all. Thank you for taking the time & effort to produce such a valuable historic story with accuracy, compassion & heart. You're a wonderful story teller & I believe you are a great asset to those of us that are shark obsessed here on youtube. You are the best 👍👏👏🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Absolutely. I've always thought that our gov intended for the Indianapolis to sink and for there to be 0 survivors. I think if that guy wouldn't have landed.....there wouldn't have been any of them live.
Fun fact: Marks, the pilot that saved all those men while disobeying standing orders to not land in the ocean, was a pearl harbor survivor as well. These men were built different, that's for sure. These men made it through the great depression only to face probably the worst war in the history of the world (many claim WW1 was worse though)
I must’ve watched half a dozen or more docs on this event and yet you just talking about it in your living room is by far my favourite historical rendition of this event. A testament to your passion and storytelling.
I don't think I could have survived mentally seeing people all around me eaten alive. I hope those soldiers that survived had long peaceful lives after this tragedy.
Unfortunately no, messed up for life. They literally experienced the 5th circle of Hell, while still alive on Earth. This is Dante's description.. "In the swampy, stinking waters of the river Styx - the Fifth Circle - the actively wrathful fight each other viciously on the surface of the slime, while the sullen (the passively wrathful) lie beneath the water, withdrawn, "into a black sulkiness which can find no joy in God or man or the universe".
You probably would’ve survived, these fellas circle planed it up to keep everyone alive, including the weak and injured. I don’t know how long I would’ve gone.. 3 days, maybe..I’d probably go swimming to that Island that was totally there.
You told that story beautifully. Your work honors the men who were lost and those who survived. I'm sorry that Captain McVay III did not live to see his belated exoneration, or to watch your presentation. Thank you.
Wow, I never expected a follow up to your first episode regarding the sinking of the Indianapolis. I am so glad you did and it was well worth the hearing of. I can't believe that Captain McVay was court martialed over this. What a terrible miscarriage of justice.. A posthumus pardon, that poor man.
Agreed. It’s the top brass that should have faced court martial. Yet that would never have happened. It’s always the blokes on the front line that pay for the incompetence of the higher ups.
I am moved to tears. Capt McVay was a brave and heroic keader who was betrayed. Hal, this is an Oscar worthy presentation of something that should be onair every Memorial Day. God bless our brave and courageous military personnel. Your research and ability to remember names, times and events is mind blowing and so admired. So tramatic... RIP dear men you are are hearts. 💔
My 10 yo daughter and I watched the first half together, she was very impressed with how well you remembered names and so many details seemingly without notes to hand. she felt very sorry for the men in the water and was offering all kinds of ways to avoid shark attack bless her, ill show her part tow in the morning. most of us of a certain age know this story from the movie jaws, myself included. gives me the jeebees. loved when you messed up and shouted fuck! in one video haha moment was so real and I appreciated it .
Your daughter sounds precious. She’s lucky to have a father that obviously loves her and spends time with her , that’s the number one thing a child needs to turn out well adjusted and happy with few negativities because the child feels loved when the parents or parent just simply spends time ..it gives them the feeling of self worth ..that’s everything.
You are a Great story Teller up there with Mr. BALLEN!!!..... I don't care what anyone thinks! I've never heard such an indepth story of the Indianapolis the people aboard. Poor Captain Mcvay....I don't think it was his fault.....How the hell do you avoid a torpedo by zigzagging a big ass ship!!!! Love the sharks stories keep em coming!!!
Luck only. Cannot usually see them so only chance is to get lucky when turning that it misses. McVay should have been reprimanded at most as Nimitz suggested and they railroaded him in civillian leadership. Forrestal
These two videos should be required viewing in American classrooms. I've never heard a better telling of this story. Thank you for the time you've spent on such a difficult topic.
Ok Hal, this is your finest work yet! Absolutely amazing! So I know this a shark channel but honestly I would really enjoy listening to historical stuff told by you in addition to the shark stuff. You are a great teacher! I’m learning a lot from you!
This was absolutely heart wrenching, Hal. It brought me to tears! Thank you for researching and telling this incredible story. And thank you to the crew of the USS Indianapolis. Rest in Peace!
Most definitely so heart breaking. Had me in tears too. Learned about this from the movie Jaws and later read about it in more detail in the book, "Shark Attack," my mother passed to me after she read it, but nowhere near the details Hal has presented here. Thank you sir for your extensive research, enthusiasm, and excellent telling of this horrendous, catastrophic event. Ditto on a huge thank you to the crew of the Indianapolis, the survivors and those who tragically perished, rip. Our freedom truly has come at a great price.
Thank you Hal. You have a wonderful gift to tell a story. I have seen movies, documentaries through the years about this and you still gave details that I had not heard. You are also telling this story for new generations to learn about. I am pleased to hear there was at least one Shark hunter amoung the survivors. You took us from beginning to end on the fate of the USS Indianapolis and her men and gave us, your viewers, closure on the story. That's what great story tellers do.
Omg Hal...You made me cry 3 times..Thank you...and thank you "Jaws" for teaching we children the story of the "Indi"...Peace ,and Love to the last 2 men...and all the loved ones,of everyone.
Ty for telling that story I am a wounded combat marine 2000-2012 and I’m a huge history buff. I have seen different documentaries on the Indy but they have all failed in comparison to the story you have told and in doing so have honored their memories
Matthew Curran • thank you for your service Marine. My son was also a Marine and lost his life in an Osprey crash in 2000. Our family is grateful to you and all who serve. Semper Fidelis.
You did say wait for part 2, what a great tribute you've made to those brave men, had me in tears when the captain was met by his men at the airport, you should be proud of yourself HAL, I've never read anything on the USS INDIANAPOLIS that has made a tear come to my eye, I take my hat off to you sir, all the best m8.👍🏴
WOW 😳 My grandpa served in the Navy during WW2. He wasnt on The Indianapolis, but never spoke of the war. My dad was a Marine who served in Vietnam and because of that has lived a TORTUROUS life! He has never ever spoke of his experience in Vietnam. Nobody ever even trys. Hes a man who loves his family, but his demons are strong from Nam. One terrible trickle down effect from Vietnam is my dads physical abuse towards me. It wasnt all the time, but his temper was quick and ONLY was directed towards me and not my brother. I dont think my dad could even answer why. He has psychological issues from what he saw in Nam. He cant be in crowds and has missed alot of events. Hes basically a recluse at this point. He hads good points too. Financially he did well and bought me 2 cars and in some ways was a good father. I had nightmares maybe once a yr where i would wake up in a sweat frothing at the mouth with pure HATE spouting at my dad. I never knew why? I cant explain it, but i never correlated his abuse towards me as a child abuse.....though i knew it happened. So when at 45 i figured it out......i had a talk with him. I always knew he loved me BUT its left me for a HATE HATE for wars that are simply political. If men died legit for America i salute!......but most wars were political and create the next generation of victims oftentimes 😢
I never spoke to my relatives about their service but i was too young to even understand. Has to be difficult to just think about those things they went thru let alone discuss it.
BRAVO! Well done! Hal your top shelf! I've got goosebumps & tears thinking about those boys & everything they endured from the minute that ship was hit. The guys that made it home, the nightmares those men had to sort out. Then to see them old, wrinkled up guys. It brings tears to my eyes. So heartbreaking. Thank you Hal. Well worth the wait 😉
I noticed something in this story but had to think about it a little. The business about how some were able to scale the rope... because they had rations... kind of puts that craziness that some experienced: accusing others of being Japanese or of hoarding rations, in a new light. I know there's no way I'd be scaling a rope after 4 days at sea with no food or water. I hated the rope in gym class. There was always one guy who could climb it like he was going for a stroll. I hated that guy. :D Oh! I also didn't know there were 2 survivors left. I thought Edgar was the last. Certainly the most vocal. I confess I did a little poking around while waiting for part 2. So many twists and turns. I was outraged when I learned how they treated the captain. Thanks for expanding on that part.
This two part series has been heart breaking but also inspiring on how the men helped each other by remembering the ones they lost.I'm going to think about this retelling for a long time the way you presented it was wonderful Hal.
My kids and I listened to this in the way home from vacation. It held all our attention. I had learned some of this years ago but didn’t know much of it. And I could go on and on about my feelings concerning captain McVey but all I can say is it’s infuriating and heartbreaking. Poor poor man. Made me cry my eyes out.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for telling us this horrific history of the Indianapolis. Never have I heard it told so well from the beginning till the end. I couldn't imagine what these boys went, you sure brought it to light. 😪
Absolutely incredible. Thank you for sharing in such a frank and personal manner. Your presentation was at times riveting . I felt like I was listening to someone who was actually present. Thank you Hal
I’ve watched 4 documentaries on the Indianapolis and none are as detailed as this, not even the ones filled with survivor testimony. They always say “Adrian Marks landed, and started getting guys out” then they flash forward to ships coming which didn’t make sense. That’s bad ass that the one Captain heard of survivors, and just went, and also turning on the lights, never heard that, especially with the Japanese out there, and never heard about the guys with guns or the Dodgers story, so cool!
A very important detail to remember is . After the Indy delivered the Abomb components..she was immediately sent to the base in the Philippines with out destroyer escort..this fact alone could have changed the situation during the court martial. It could have shifted blame upward in the Navy command..no major war ship should ever have had to travel without an escort especially because of the IJN submarine threat in those waters. Thanks for telling this story Hal you did a great job.
McVay was uneasy about no escort but they had travelled without one on a few occasions prior to the Tinian run. Attitudes were that the war was winding down with Japan the only battle left. Attitudes that contributed to her being lost for 4 days. Just the perfect storm of circumstances hit that trip
Great job, Hal. This story is horrific, and you told it well. Respects to all of those who did not make it home. Thank you to all Veterans for your service. Cheers from 🇨🇦 ✌️
Thank you Hal for this. I had no idea of this horror until I saw the movie Jaws. My father-in-law was in the Navy then but has never talked about his year's at sea
My interest was so strong that I had to binge both Part 1 and 2. This was so interesting and informative. What these men endured with this horrific ordeal and for the rest of their lives. Hard to wrap my head around! Glad the survivors had reunions, and happy McVay finally got the recognition from his men after he was railroaded by the Navy but how sad that he found those letters from the family members later down the road and took his own life.🙏 Mad respect for these vets.
Hal, that was an absolute tear jerker.............Oh my God. Thank you for telling this incredible story the way you do. I am really shook up over the whole thing. I had no idea and others like me will now know, that is the so important to be educated on this horrific incident. Thank you again.
Hal, thank you so much, for telling us about those horrific days, and nights that those young men had to suffer through. You did an awesome job telling this story.
Hal. thank you for a great video that I really enjoyed. I look forward to and enjoy all your videos from my home in Ireland bit part two of the Indianapolis was really great for me. As a shark obsessed lunatic, I have heard the story of the sinking and the shark attacks many times but i had never heard about what happened after with the court marshal and each man's personal life. Thanks again for this second video Hal, it was really informative.
Not too many survivors I know that. This great Warship was on a very high classified mission carrying a piece of a weapon to end WW2. And unfortunately just under a handful of people knew it’s location. By the time everything was figured out it was too late. Oceanic white tips …
The mission was complete. Everyone that would know where a ship is knew where she was except McCormick on the orders to report to him in Leyte, and 1 other recipient of the 8 when routing orders were sent didnt get the when. 8 different sets of command knew of the ship and where it was by the time they left Guam
@@leekorbel1191 I'm sorry but that's just total fucking bullshit. The bomb was delivered. Fat man was dropped. The mission was completed. I'd normally tell you why you're misinformed but this story and all you need to know is told beautifully and in amazing detail. He's also specifically explained above your comment as to the details AFTER she had dropped cargo.
Wow ! I never heard the whole story b4. The 1st time I heard of it was on Jaws . And I didn't even know it was true. Thought is was just part of the movie. Then found out it was true and read summaries about it. And thought still it was a exaggeration for the movie. Then heard Mr Edgar's testimony and realized Quint didn't exaggerate he didn't even do it justice. And even after I heard a survivors testimony. I didn't know about the court martial and all. That's messed up. You go thru all that and then have to stand trial over it. And people can be so selfish and cruel. To make that capt. Feel so bad he took his own life. I thought the ww2 generation was better than that.. also I was proud and touched to know that his men stood with him. You judge a capt . By his men. And obviously he was a good captain by the Measure of his men. May he rest in peace.
Thank you for telling the story of these brave and incredible men. I felt you did it beautifully with great respect for what they went through. Wonderful job.
Thank You Hal for your exhaustive documentary on the tragedy that was the sinkng of the Indianapolis. God Bless all these men that endured so much to serve and protect us all.My father who was in the Navy at that time mentioned that he never really was that comfortable in the water after that.
I can imagine the fear while watching people being saved. Knowing you have a chance to survive and live now a long life. Could hinge on how quick you get pulled out. Man that's tough. Great job hal
The treatment of Captain McVeigh was disgusting. Shouldn’t have been a court martial. If anyone should have been questioned it should have been the top brass that sent the Indianapolis on that mission. This is one of the best and most informative and interesting videos on the sinking of the USS Indianapolis and its horrible aftermath. RIP to all the poor men that perished.
From information I was told, I had a relative on that ship. He never made it home. I hope his death was a quick one, and that he didn't suffer. I can't imagine the hell those men went through, and have the utmost respect for them. You told this story so thoroughly, so respectfully, and so well, and I just want to take the time to thank you for giving this story your all. You did an amazing job on it, and you should definitely be proud of it. Thank you⚓🚢♥
This story choked me up when u spoke about their reunion my dad was in army and he did a tour overseas and so did my ex husband the way they get together before and after deployment is always so emotional and it reminded me of the days my dad and husband returned after war losing ppl they served with thank you for doing this story!!
Thank you so much for the honor and respect given all our military by your detailed recounting of the men of the Indy Maru. You held me spellbound. For the first time I know their names and can see the men in my mind's eye. Their families must be especially honored and appreciative. I've forwarded your message to a retired Navy Captain, a good friend of mine.
Outstanding, Hal! Thank You for your hard work; this IS very important history. God Bless all of those Men. I was saddened by the deaths of so many, and of Captain McVay. Gigantic Kudos, Hal, for bringing this historical account of the Indianapolis and her Men ❤
Sir, I had a jolt of cold fury and rage ripple through my whole body when I heard about the Captain's tragic suicide while you were recounting this heart breaking story. I knew about the story of the USS _Indianapolis_ and to some extent (from television documentaries) some parts of the US Navy censorship and insensitivity at the moment they learnt what happened (during their attempts to pin it all on McVay. I didn't realise he received so much abuse from some of the relatives of the deceased. This is one of those stories which has a level of tragedy that is hard to come to terms with. The sheer suffering and horror of it all. Thank you sir for your impassioned and heartfelt retelling of this story with the evidence presented appropriately and respectfully. This is your finest work to date. What I think many people don't realise when watching JAWS (1975), is the added layers of sobering meaning in the character of Quint. Some might write him off as this broken man finding somewhere to put his grief. But that alone is not enough to explain it. In some ways Quint's character always seemed to fly _very close to the Sun_ or run close to the bone, in risking becoming an insult to the veterans. However, this is not true and is a superficial concern when we contextualise his character in light of how veterans were still sadly being treated circa 1975. Kids today looking at JAWS might just see Quint as this old seadog and crazy old guy. He is written as a survivor of the Sinking of the USS _Indianapolis_ true enough, though sadly many ill-educated folks in the 21st century might not a) even know b) care to follow up that story to even see if it's real. Quint is a tragic figure when you see past his crude manners and gruff exterior; but the deeper grief he is hiding is more powerful than is first obvious. The _absolute state_ of veterans care in the 1970's, at least compared to 2022 (and by no means is it at all perfect now of course, don't get me wrong) _must_ be factored in when appraising and evaluating Quint's character fairly. In conclusion, it isn't just that Quint is a symbolic example for the audience of a sample of some the survivors of the USS _Indianapolis_ it is that he was the _ONLY_ one they were ever given in film and television up until that point. Some survivors, even by 1975, were scared to discuss their stories or act like they were 'attention seeking' (I've seen such heart crushing comments from veterans in interviews regarding their reaction to JAWS) It took a blockbuster (and at that, the first modern blockbuster) to _finally_ shed light into this dark, dark corner of WWII history. It was perhaps the most chilling and emotionally impactful scene in the entire film (and the shark wasn't even in it, albeit perhaps trailing the Orca not so far away at that very time, off-screen) Robert Shaw's performance was obviously masterful and for me and I imagine a lot of people, the highlight of the film. Those lines of his cut right to the soul. It gave the otherwise more simplistic film a far, far more poignant and emotional aspect tying into real world history. The shark is fictional, the events sensational, the characters larger than life. But what all of us should remember about JAWS (1975) is that Steven Spielberg had, in a rather powerful way, finally given the veterans of the USS _Indianapolis_ a major mention in the media, the film industry and brought the horrific story to a new generation. Plenty of folks back in 1975 wouldn't have even _known_ about it at all. Some did, especially military historians etc, but it wasn't as though USS _Indianapolis_ veterans were given the respect they deserved. However much of a salty sea dog Quint is made to be in JAWS (1975), is not going to distract from the absolute fact that he was the only major popular media portrayal of a USS _Indianapolis_ survivor at that time. Fools may be distracted by the way Robert Shaw really turned his cynicism towards men of science (a la Hooper) "up to 11", and not see past Quint's deliberate façade. He is putting his grief somewhere; into hunting and killing sharks. He is a heavy drinker and he does think along more atypical lines, rather than the purely rational and logical. _Experience_ has taught him there is more to life than science books. Plus, he is not only portrayed excellently by Shaw as a 'salty sea dog' of the highest order, but also a highly acerbic and Salt-of-the-Earth fellow as well. One of a kind. The wildcard in his community whom isn't afraid to walk straight into the middle of a committee meeting and be met with disgust and confusion when he scratches his nails down a blackboard to grab everyone's attention (decisively as ever, getting right to the point; the Quint way) Old Quint has no time for anyone's BS and calls them out on it with ease, as he does to Hooper repeatedly. And far from just turning Quint into a bully who hates on Hooper constantly for perceived weakness and 'rich city boy' inexperience, Quint _definitely_ takes on a more fatherly role by the later stages. Although his shock and fear of the monster shark hunting them, does bring him to the point of apparently losing his mind before the end, this doesn't mean that right before that he wasn't growing to respect Hooper and Chief Brody. Spielberg was somehow subtle enough even back then in his early career, and Robert Shaw was definitely talented and wise enough, to show that, as things started to hit the fan, Quint took others like Hooper seriously, respecting his bravery. He isn't a 2D character who just hates on 'da science guy', just cos. He gives him a hard time at first, yes, but as time goes on he becomes more brotherly if not fatherly in a particular way. It is subtle and largely down to the nuances of Shaw's acting performance. It is almost as though he knows he cannot once abide their fate being the same of his friends on the USS _Indianapolis_ in spite of all the trash talking earlier in the film. He mocks Hooper's masculinity and very maturity, and dislikes his wealth and arrogance (and in fairness, Hooper, while a young scientist, does have a lot of spirit, though his main character flaw is being essentially bound to science alone) Just as Quint is a little too harsh on the scientific perspective, one can similarly point out that Hooper is too overconfident about the science of the day. He holds true to it. But a big part of the genius of the interplay and interactions on camera between the characters of Quint, Brody and Hooper, is how Quint doesn't just hate on either for their inexperience. He teases them both in different ways, but evidently respects Brody more right from the start. Quint and Hooper are two sides of a marine biology interested coin. It's a genius bit of writing, because Chief Brody becomes the 'everyman in the middle', and the one with literally more grounded, distinctly terrestrial experience. He knows nothing of the sea compared to Hooper or Quint, in two very different but mutually cooperating ways. Yet even Brody is shown to be educating himself about sharks and shark attacks by reading source material books, even before he sets out to hunt the shark down with the others. Brody is sincerely trying his best. Quint charges in to hunt the shark, knowing what it represents (or at least, part-knowing; only later realising just how horrifying this one really was, after taking down three barrels) Hooper meanwhile, is the well-meaning science guy. It all works seamlessly. Hooper gets the brunt of his chagrin and disrespect at first, but over time, especially after Hooper willingly gets into the water with the monster 25 foot long shark, Quint can't help but respect him. There is more camaraderie between them after that, even if it's just in a subtle way. It's in the body language and the dialogue. Quint isn't as harsh on Hooper anymore and if ever he lashes out at him, it's only during intense moments when their lives are genuinely in danger. Quint _does_ care about both Hooper and Brody. It might not be completely obvious but it's there. For Quint to end up like he did with the shark, is tragic too. ~ [ Part 1/3 ] ~ p2 and p3 in replies below
~ [ Part 2/3 ] ~ Quint, to my mind, represents a symbolic metaphor and synthesis of a broad interpretation of the survivors. It may be seen to be a simple character with perhaps semi-offensively yokel-y behaviour and sea dog charms. But he is more meaningful to that when you realise the poor way in which so many WWII (and other war e.g. Vietnam) veterans were being treated in the USA at that time. The same goes for other places like the UK. Burma Campaign veterans coming home after the Allied Victory over Japan, were shocked to discover that most of London didn't seem to care and that there was very little fanfare. They'd perhaps understandably had enough of war and yet in that enthusiasm for peace, they'd forgotten or simply not be told enough, about the fighting _still going on_ in the Far East. Many Burma Star veterans in the UK were not to be treated to the heroes welcome their contemporary veterans from the War in Europe, would receive. A lot of that was buried deep, bottled up and not discussed publicly. Not only was the media indifferent to their plight, but the men themselves were born in a different world. Their fathers had been veterans of the Somme and Passchendaele. Their grandfathers, veterans of the Boer Wars and in some cases the Second Anglo-Afghan War. They did _not_ very freely discuss their feelings in public, or even to their families. They just bottled it up. Not only did the support mechanism itself not exist in a proper way yet, the very attitude towards speaking about such things was intensely controversial among their own circles. It was perceived -- in a very Victorian way -- as 'cowardice'. Even in WWI, the men fighting under horrific circumstances, getting PTSD shell-shock, were at risk of literally being _shot by firing squad by their own side_ for (and I say it how their officers would have, not how I think) 'being cowards'. Of course, they were the exact diametric opposite of that. They were as far away from cowards as can be imagined. Brave, loyal to a fault; but human beings with natural souls broken by unnaturally extreme violence. Hearing the pounding of siege guns for hours, days, weeks...months and years. It drove them over the edge. Yet when they went home, if they survived and/or were not institutionalised in so-called, 'mental hospitals', in the cases of those with the more extreme shell-shock, they were simply thrown into the civilian world post-demob/demobilisation. Civy street for the heroes of the Western Front, didn't sit well with a lot of them, and it ate them up inside. They couldn't come to terms with it. Their own forefathers whom had fought through hell in the Boer Wars, were also loathe to discuss their feelings. Children of WWI and WWII veterans, have commonly recorded going their entire lives without having had properly detailed discussions with their fathers about their wartime experiences and suffering. In a brutally stoic sense, many men of that generation, just wanted to stay quiet and not discuss anything. The veterans of the USS _Indianapolis_ were no different. Cue Steven Spielberg, to tell their story on their behalf, without them even knowing, from out of nowhere. Quint therefore was the lightning rod for decades of pent up emotions and the _necessary_ and long overdue representation of the survivors of the Sinking of the USS _Indianapolis_ writ large on the big-screen. How strangely appropriate, then, that JAWS (1975) was the biggest film until STAR WARS (1977), and the first true blockbuster in the modern sense (though an argument can also be made for the original King King and the ground-breaking film The Wizard Of Oz, which were blockbusters in an elder context, but not the same in scale as the release of JAWS in the Summer of '75) JAWS was the first one with a massive -- and I do mean insanely huge -- merchandising, advertising and cult classic impact on the Summer season of Hollywood in that time. It paved the way, in a big way, for the later success of STAR WARS (1977), proving what could be achieved with a good idea and a major marketing campaign. Books, games, shirts, toys etc. This was the first true blockbuster. So for the veterans of the USS _Indianapolis_ it must have been incredibly surreal to see that seemingly out of thin air, this young director with a passion for storytelling, just came along and _blasted_ on loudspeaker their heart-breaking story. It was a game-changer. No, Quint isn't a perfect or PC character and all the better for it. No, he isn't the most sensitive depiction of a war veteran nor is he necessarily an accurate one. As I say, everything about him is ramped up to 11 on the dial. He is the classic stereotype in film of the salty sea dog, everyone can agree with that. You have to reach back to someone like Captain Abah from Moby Dick, to find someone as strikingly _based_ and heroic-masculine as him in a maritime story. He is that kind of massive presence. A character among characters, to say the least. Yet behind the veneer of bitterness and cantankerous disdain for normal town-folk, he is indeed a tragic figure whom only seems to find joy in trying to kill the things that caused him such grief. It isn't even out of spite. His fear is very rational. Although, for someone like him, that fear takes on a more powerful, daemonic figure. The shark isn't just a shark. _That shark_ (as in 'Bruce', as Spielberg called him), is definitely something more spiritual. It's not just an animal. There is evil in that creature that isn't like any normal shark. It is like Quint's nemesis, come back to haunt him and all around him. What first seems to be this mad old coot, piping up to hunt the child killing shark down, turns into the saviour becoming the hunted himself. Even Quint is scared of this thing. If _he_ is scared of it (and scared in ways, from his experience, few others can understand; even the so-called, 'experts' like obligatorily emasculated science man, marine biologist, Hooper, can't know) You aren't taught these things in college or university. You can't know how it feels to tread water with a hundred and one man-eaters. You can't really appreciate the terror, until it comes for you. And fictional Quint had passed through that and lived, just as the real veterans had in real life. Now for him to face this seemingly daemonic shark, was quite the nightmare. He willingly flung himself into that, for himself yes, but not nearly just for that. Why did Quint even do this? Was it _just_ to satiate his own desire for revenge, or was there an altruistic aspect to that? I think so. I think, that as a character, it is heavily implied that Quint is doing this to avenge his fallen brothers-in-arms, as well as to shield coastal communities from being preyed upon by such predators. Heroic, in a way. Yet to many, including in Amity itself, he just gets openly dismissed as an old crazy. His behaviour sets him apart and he isn't respected as much as he should be. Remember, the community only embraced Quint when he offers to hunt the shark, and they are reluctant to pay him his high fee. Yes he is doing it for financial reasons too, but he had to make a living somehow.
~ [ Part 3/3 ] ~ Whether this was intentional or not in 1974-1975 on Spielberg's part, this is insanely genius when you stop and think about it; that town doesn't even really _deserve_ Quint helping them, and yet there he is, acting in their interests. He dies in the process, but is avenged by Brody (in one of the most iconic moments in film history; "Smile you son of a...") Quint is the hermit figure, the outcast, the recluse. Nevertheless, it is from _his boat_ that 'Bruce' meets his end. It is from _his_ group that the monster is slain. In many ways JAWS is a 'boys own' adventure of defeating the monster which preys upon a town. A tale as old as time, a song as old as rhyme. Yet beneath all that, is the grim aspect to how Quint is in the state he is in, perhaps in a rather ironically metaphysical way, because he is essentially neglected and underappreciated by his own community. They don't know his suffering. They don't see his pain. Quint did not die in vain yet it seems his nemesis did finally catch up with him. In all kinds of ways this is even more heart-breaking especially when you think about what Captain McVay did in taking his own life. He could not escape his daemons. I'm not convinced that Spielberg would have been thinking of that at the time, don't get me wrong. I just think that, unintentionally or not, it does pose a serious and sobering thought. Reading too much into it perhaps. But here is the thing; if we do at all, it's because that _can_ be read into it, _because_ of the way veterans were so universally neglected for so long. It’s a feedback loop. It literally took the first true modern blockbuster to finally drag the issue front and centre in front of the general public. It gave veterans of the USS _Indianapolis_ the confidence to come forward and speak out, from 1975 onward. I can't help but be moved by this. You'd have to have a stone cold heart not to. It's shatteringly upsetting in happy as well as sad ways. Like, finally, _someone_ cared in the public eye. Someone brought it to the wider world in the mainstream media. Not hidden away in archives, dusty book shelves and in the historians memories. Finally, someone actually went for it and put it out there. For that, we have to give a nod to Spielberg. To his credit, that was a brilliant thing to do. It almost didn't matter if he was a little over the top. It almost didn't matter if he was part comedic, part irascible old sea dog. It just mattered that he was portrayed _at all_ and that in itself is sobering. It took a character like Quint to finally bring the story to the general public, in the most chilling and effective way even imaginable. It's just, perfect. That whole scene. Sure, by the liberal media's 2022 standards a character even remotely approximating Quint would never be possible in this day and age. But dear lord was he needed in 1975. It finally addressed something on the big, golden screen, that few knew about. Something, that _everyone_ should have known about already. God bless them all. P.S -- I would greatly appreciate it if you would do a special like this, covering the Sinking of HMS _Birkenhead_ (1845) in 1852. They were 2 miles off Danger Point in the Gansbaai waters of South Africa. The minute you hear Gansbaai, you just know, in a horrified way, just exactly what kinds of sharks they were swimming with. I have been reading about it recently and it's absolutely horrific. The bravery of the British soldiers lining up on the deck, beginning the tradition of 'women and children first', as the ship began to break up, allowing the women and children to escape, is just so moving. Hundreds of men went into that relatively shallow, 98-100 foot deep water. A _lot_ were killed by sharks. Hundreds swam to shore (including 8 of their 9 war horses) but hundreds of men either drowned or were eaten alive. It would be my no 1 worst nightmare to have to swim to shore in those kinds of waters, knowing what was down there watching me. Those men didn't even know what they were up against like we would nowadays. Most couldn’t have known the sheer peril they were swimming in and around. It is gut-wrenching to think about. Yes, people knew about sharks in 1852, but not remotely as much as we do now. A lot of those poor lads couldn't even swim. It's appalling. I have looked for coverage of it on your great channel, but have not found it. One survivor described, 'hundreds of sharks' around them (I am guessing most weren't Great Whites but who knows, maybe there were? Or was it mostly Bronze Whalers/Copper Sharks, with a random number of GW's mixed in? Impossible to say 170 years later) Could you please cover this? Respect to you for your well-researched work, good man. Also: ever since you brought the 1842 worst Hammerhead Shark attack in history (that 20 footer that bit the woman in half in the SE Pacific) and the Cheribon Atrocity ('murder by shark') to my knowledge, I've been trying to read up about these incidents and yet have struggled to find much information about either. Cheribon in particular angers me a lot and yet I can't find much source material about it (there was a case file on the shark attack site but it's not got many reliable sources I can find) Maybe this is just a failure on my part to find something obvious but try as I might I haven't been able to find a consensus about it. Is it limited to shark attack books currently? I've been trying to learn more about it. I'm guessing most of the victims were Dutch civilians from then Dutch Java (conquered by Japan temporarily), in the Dutch East Indies, but I can't definitive lists on nationalities or numerical break-downs of the victims i.e. what Europeans were there besides Dutch (e.g. any French? British? etc or were they all just Dutch?) It's absolutely shocking. Only humanity can be that cruel to humanity. Anyway, thank you for your efforts good man. Great channel, great work.
After four days, going into five, it amazes me that any of the guys who were in the water survived. Horrific ordeal and horrific what the Navy did to Captain McVay, all to coverup that from the very beginning he wasn’t informed by Naval Intelligence regarding recent submarine sightings, that a ship had been torpedoed and sunk just days before along the same route and the denial of his request for an escort, due to his ship not having sub-detection capabilities.
Thanks for Part 2 Hal. I’m gonna take the credit for that even though you were gonna do it anyway! Lol. You the man Hal! #1 shark person in the business by FAR!!!!!!!
Thank You Hal, for sharing this and bringing it to life for us in great detail. Could not even begin to imagine what those mates went through. Good on you Hal. 👏
that was very thought provoking, after all the war films I have seen you brought the reality of warfare and its consequence's to reality, and secondly how the Brass of all country's ,through out history, treat the people who serve for the peace and security of their country, as expendable, I hope with all my heart these evil people get the judgment so richly desevred.
Thanks for your videos & especially these 2 about the USS Indianapolis. Have seen docs & movies about the event, but never felt the emotional & visceral feelings in how you told the story.
I was just wondering if you were going to be dropping a new video anytime soon, and as soon as I get to work and am looking for something to listen to here this is- awesome 👍
The aftermath of the rescue tells me everything I need to know about this incident. Our government should have tried lot damn harder to cover their terrible, unforgivable, evil doings up. The Indianapolis was never meant to return. These men suffered a hell that no one can even begin to imagine. U honored these men so well by telling their story Hal. I was in tears nearly the while time.
Another great presentation! thank you. When you mentioned the Navy not wanting to hear of the experiences these brave men endured in the water, ... made me realize, the government really hasn't changed but in some ways has become worse, censorship is alive & well still. Also hearing about survivor, Bob Gouse, he must have been the one Quint from "Jaws" portrayed...very interesting Hal...thank you !
Hal, the only information I knew of was from Jaws. Your memory and research of the USS Indianapolis is so stunningly quintessential to me. I can't even imagine what all those men went through in such a short amount of time that changed their lives for eternity. Whether they survived or not. RIP and condolences to all those who lost their lives be it by sharks or not being able to take it. Also for those that did survive, the same. My deepest condolences to all men, their families and friends 😭😭😭🙏🙏🙏
Shame on the people writing to captain McVay with out knowing all the facts it was not his fault at all and shame on the navy for trying to set the man up disgusting his name was cleared but he took his life so its too little too late very tragic thanks for this Hal great video
Thank you for telling this horrific tale, These men & women were truly our "Greatest Generation"!!! My Dad was a Marine that survived the War in the Pacific. Thanks again!! Bryan Lee
Hal you did an AMAZING job telling the Indianapolis & her men's story. My only question is how & why you remember it in such insane detail. It's mind boggling you're able to keep this going for basically 2 hrs solid! I've been fascinated by the story ever since the very intense Jaws scene in 1975 when Shaw's character lays into it at the table onboard. Even as a 6 yr old boy, to me it was among the most riveting scenes in that entire movie! But to this day I doubt I could carry this story much beyond 5 min so a salute to you sir well done! For those interested, Ken Burns film "The War" has a riveting chapter where survivor Maurice Bell goes into great detail about the disaster. He too talks of the men losing their minds & trying to get him to join them for "a cool drink of water at the fountain down below". And of course in grave detail the terrifying ordeals w/the sharks. He had friends right next to him eaten, yet they never bit him the entire ordeal. He joked about it in the yrs after that he must be too sour to eat. There is a special place here & heaven for all those brave souls, both those that perished & those that survived to live out their lives.
Have the rest from the 7 books and interviews in there i left out. Books will still have new info i didnt cover. Crazy story it is and i bought 1 book to cover the sharks and the sharks to me are a small part of the story. Getting names and dates ready for the next tragedy, one i dont remember hearing of in school
Thank you so much Hal for the rest of the story and the time and effort you put into this. This story is incredible and so horrific. Hollywood could not even begin to come close to making this movie because, there would be people that would not believe it or, think that the effects of seawater could not affect your mind like this. They would think Hollywood was making it up. The way you tell stories Hal... I am seeing all of this in my head. I don't know how all these brave men survived and the brave men who tried desperately to survive. None of them wanted to die. All of them are heros. Every single one of them helped stop the war. Thank you Hal. They are not forgotten.
Great storyteller leaders are human, vulnerable, truthful and trustworthy. They are authentic and genuine, not being afraid to admit doubts, confusion or mistakes. That's the def of a gifted story teller and that's you !! I'm sure us lucky ones that have already discovered you would agree that you are probably the best story teller om CZcams ❤ ✌ i hope you realize that and will even tell stories of anything and people will find you and thank you
You do not disappoint 👏 Part 2 was incredible. The whole story is absolutely heartbreaking. I agree with so many comments.....you totally honored all those men. Fantastic story and yet, another reason to love your channel! I don't know how you can tell this story without notes in front of you! You really put your heart and soul into your work. God Bless you, Hal! Your biggest fan from Washington State 😊🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲
Thank you for telling the story of the men of the USS Indianapolis. We owe them so much, and experiences that they went through have given us all our freedoms that we take for granted today. We must never forget and should be eternally respectful and grateful to those men. Cheers Darren from Australia.
I was binge watching first hand accounts from survivors after listening to your 1st Indianapolis video. I am very glad to see this second half. I believe you have done an admirable job in peicing together the many details. One of the photos I seen from the rescue is absolutely chilling, which shows several men on a raft with several sharks just under the water and mere feet away, and the men have no energy left to even care. Your telling of this tale is definitive, thank you for the work you are doing in this channel.
Indeed, wonderful storytelling of an incredible story. In part 2 Hal looks like he's been in the water couple of days, or had no coffee! Thanks Hal, that was majical.
One last thing, the Navy wasn’t going to do anything, but of course some in the victims family, RICH people with influence wanted someone to pay. The Navy wasn’t so Mcvey was the scapegoat, to the horror of the men.
How sad, that poor man. Like the memories of what happened to all that lost their lives wasn't punishment enough, people can be cruel, especially when hurting themselves. RIP to all
Apparently when it comes to the Govt. and the various military departments, the need to find one person to blame is SOP. My heart aches for what Captain McVay went through, and major kudos to his 1st wife for her efforts to protect him. These two videos need to be preserved for history. You have done a fabulous job as a host. My father was in the Navy in WWII, I'm certain he would have been grateful for your effort to set the record straight. Is this your own channel or do you work for a company that produces these? Always curious...
Never did a channel before last April when i decided to come out with what i know about attacks before all the excuses were tossed around and most shark experts talking bout dogfish shark stats when people have been eaten
Hal, Your story telling of the poor Indianapolis & it's crew has been the greatest I've ever heard. You have honoured all those poor boys that perished so horrifically, the very lucky survivors & the incredible bravery & comradery amongst them all. Thank you for taking the time & effort to produce such a valuable historic story with accuracy, compassion & heart. You're a wonderful story teller & I believe you are a great asset to those of us that are shark obsessed here on youtube. You are the best 👍👏👏🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
couldn't have said it any better. 👍
Beautifully said thank you Ruth …
Amen!
Agree! 😁❤️
Absolutely 💯 %!
Man every man that served on the INDY should be given the medal of honor. Everyone one of them is a hero in my eyes.
That first rescue pilot was amazingly brave. Respect to that guy 👍
Absolutely. I've always thought that our gov intended for the Indianapolis to sink and for there to be 0 survivors. I think if that guy wouldn't have landed.....there wouldn't have been any of them live.
@@meredithgrubb4497do you have any other info on your theory? Or links?
In order to save ppl they dropping a plane into water full of sharks with a 50% chance that of sinking .. true heroes
Fun fact: Marks, the pilot that saved all those men while disobeying standing orders to not land in the ocean, was a pearl harbor survivor as well. These men were built different, that's for sure. These men made it through the great depression only to face probably the worst war in the history of the world (many claim WW1 was worse though)
I must’ve watched half a dozen or more docs on this event and yet you just talking about it in your living room is by far my favourite historical rendition of this event. A testament to your passion and storytelling.
I know the best
I don't think I could have survived mentally seeing people all around me eaten alive. I hope those soldiers that survived had long peaceful lives after this tragedy.
Unfortunately no, messed up for life. They literally experienced the 5th circle of Hell, while still alive on Earth. This is Dante's description..
"In the swampy, stinking waters of the river Styx - the Fifth Circle - the actively wrathful fight each other viciously on the surface of the slime, while the sullen (the passively wrathful) lie beneath the water, withdrawn, "into a black sulkiness which can find no joy in God or man or the universe".
You probably would’ve survived, these fellas circle planed it up to keep everyone alive, including the weak and injured. I don’t know how long I would’ve gone.. 3 days, maybe..I’d probably go swimming to that Island that was totally there.
You told that story beautifully. Your work honors the men who were lost and those who survived. I'm sorry that Captain McVay III did not live to see his belated exoneration, or to watch your presentation. Thank you.
He’s watching it from his high chair in Heaven. 👍
@Kieran Hart: hope so
Wow, I never expected a follow up to your first episode regarding the sinking of the Indianapolis. I am so glad you did and it was well worth the hearing of. I can't believe that Captain McVay was court martialed over this. What a terrible miscarriage of justice.. A posthumus pardon, that poor man.
Agreed. It’s the top brass that should have faced court martial. Yet that would never have happened. It’s always the blokes on the front line that pay for the incompetence of the higher ups.
I am moved to tears. Capt McVay was a brave and heroic keader who was betrayed. Hal, this is an Oscar worthy presentation of something that should be onair every Memorial Day. God bless our brave and courageous military personnel. Your research and ability to remember names, times and events is mind blowing and so admired. So tramatic... RIP dear men you are are hearts.
💔
My 10 yo daughter and I watched the first half together, she was very impressed with how well you remembered names and so many details seemingly without notes to hand. she felt very sorry for the men in the water and was offering all kinds of ways to avoid shark attack bless her, ill show her part tow in the morning. most of us of a certain age know this story from the movie jaws, myself included. gives me the jeebees. loved when you messed up and shouted fuck! in one video haha moment was so real and I appreciated it .
He is a great story teller i really enjoyed this too :) loved this channel since i found it.
Your daughter sounds precious. She’s lucky to have a father that obviously loves her and spends time with her , that’s the number one thing a child needs to turn out well adjusted and happy with few negativities because the child feels loved when the parents or parent just simply spends time ..it gives them the feeling of self worth ..that’s everything.
Yes, that Fuck made my day too lol
You are a Great story Teller up there with Mr. BALLEN!!!..... I don't care what anyone thinks! I've never heard such an indepth story of the Indianapolis the people aboard. Poor Captain Mcvay....I don't think it was his fault.....How the hell do you avoid a torpedo by zigzagging a big ass ship!!!! Love the sharks stories keep em coming!!!
Luck only. Cannot usually see them so only chance is to get lucky when turning that it misses. McVay should have been reprimanded at most as Nimitz suggested and they railroaded him in civillian leadership. Forrestal
These two videos should be required viewing in American classrooms. I've never heard a better telling of this story. Thank you for the time you've spent on such a difficult topic.
Ok Hal, this is your finest work yet! Absolutely amazing! So I know this a shark channel but honestly I would really enjoy listening to historical stuff told by you in addition to the shark stuff. You are a great teacher! I’m learning a lot from you!
I don’t usually comment however your story telling of this historical tragedy of the fate of Indianapolis was just fantastic. Great job, well done!
This is such a heartbreaking story. My heart goes out to all those lost, their families and anyone affected by this tragedy.
You have delivered a great memorial to these men , great job hal. 🇬🇧🇺🇸
This was absolutely heart wrenching, Hal. It brought me to tears! Thank you for researching and telling this incredible story. And thank you to the crew of the USS Indianapolis. Rest in Peace!
Me too! I'm still crying! Never heard this in such detail and I went to DOD schools.
Most definitely so heart breaking. Had me in tears too. Learned about this from the movie Jaws and later read about it in more detail in the book, "Shark Attack," my mother passed to me after she read it, but nowhere near the details Hal has presented here. Thank you sir for your extensive research, enthusiasm, and excellent telling of this horrendous, catastrophic event. Ditto on a huge thank you to the crew of the Indianapolis, the survivors and those who tragically perished, rip. Our freedom truly has come at a great price.
I loved the first instalment, you are a true story teller. It really shows the horrors of war and how the sea is an unforgiving mistress.
Top notch! You have done our veterans proud! Thank you, your telling of this horrible tragedy is the best I have ever heard.
Thank you Hal. You have a wonderful gift to tell a story. I have seen movies, documentaries through the years about this and you still gave details that I had not heard. You are also telling this story for new generations to learn about. I am pleased to hear there was at least one Shark hunter amoung the survivors. You took us from beginning to end on the fate of the USS Indianapolis and her men and gave us, your viewers, closure on the story. That's what great story tellers do.
What year was this??
Omg Hal...You made me cry 3 times..Thank you...and thank you "Jaws" for teaching we children the story of the "Indi"...Peace ,and Love to the last 2 men...and all the loved ones,of everyone.
Simply outstanding! Thank you again for property telling this story. Those men lived a hell that only they could truly know.
Ty for telling that story I am a wounded combat marine 2000-2012 and I’m a huge history buff. I have seen different documentaries on the Indy but they have all failed in comparison to the story you have told and in doing so have honored their memories
Matthew Curran • thank you for your service Marine. My son was also a Marine and lost his life in an Osprey crash in 2000. Our family is grateful to you and all who serve. Semper Fidelis.
Thanks SO much for this!! So unfortunate! A) that it happened, B) and that it wasn't taught in school. (At least during the 80s.)
You did say wait for part 2, what a great tribute you've made to those brave men, had me in tears when the captain was met by his men at the airport, you should be proud of yourself HAL, I've never read anything on the USS INDIANAPOLIS that has made a tear come to my eye, I take my hat off to you sir, all the best m8.👍🏴
WOW 😳 My grandpa served in the Navy during WW2. He wasnt on The Indianapolis, but never spoke of the war. My dad was a Marine who served in Vietnam and because of that has lived a TORTUROUS life! He has never ever spoke of his experience in Vietnam. Nobody ever even trys. Hes a man who loves his family, but his demons are strong from Nam. One terrible trickle down effect from Vietnam is my dads physical abuse towards me. It wasnt all the time, but his temper was quick and ONLY was directed towards me and not my brother. I dont think my dad could even answer why. He has psychological issues from what he saw in Nam. He cant be in crowds and has missed alot of events. Hes basically a recluse at this point. He hads good points too. Financially he did well and bought me 2 cars and in some ways was a good father. I had nightmares maybe once a yr where i would wake up in a sweat frothing at the mouth with pure HATE spouting at my dad. I never knew why? I cant explain it, but i never correlated his abuse towards me as a child abuse.....though i knew it happened. So when at 45 i figured it out......i had a talk with him. I always knew he loved me BUT its left me for a HATE HATE for wars that are simply political. If men died legit for America i salute!......but most wars were political and create the next generation of victims oftentimes 😢
I never spoke to my relatives about their service but i was too young to even understand. Has to be difficult to just think about those things they went thru let alone discuss it.
Another great video . Thank you Hal. You would make a good History professor.
BRAVO! Well done! Hal your top shelf! I've got goosebumps & tears thinking about those boys & everything they endured from the minute that ship was hit. The guys that made it home, the nightmares those men had to sort out. Then to see them old, wrinkled up guys. It brings tears to my eyes. So heartbreaking. Thank you Hal. Well worth the wait 😉
I noticed something in this story but had to think about it a little. The business about how some were able to scale the rope... because they had rations... kind of puts that craziness that some experienced: accusing others of being Japanese or of hoarding rations, in a new light. I know there's no way I'd be scaling a rope after 4 days at sea with no food or water. I hated the rope in gym class. There was always one guy who could climb it like he was going for a stroll. I hated that guy. :D
Oh! I also didn't know there were 2 survivors left. I thought Edgar was the last. Certainly the most vocal. I confess I did a little poking around while waiting for part 2. So many twists and turns. I was outraged when I learned how they treated the captain. Thanks for expanding on that part.
Great job, Hal. You’re becoming quite the story teller.
This two part series has been heart breaking but also inspiring on how the men helped each other by remembering the ones they lost.I'm going to think about this retelling for a long time the way you presented it was wonderful Hal.
My kids and I listened to this in the way home from vacation. It held all our attention. I had learned some of this years ago but didn’t know much of it.
And I could go on and on about my feelings concerning captain McVey but all I can say is it’s infuriating and heartbreaking. Poor poor man. Made me cry my eyes out.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for telling us this horrific history of the Indianapolis. Never have I heard it told so well from the beginning till the end. I couldn't imagine what these boys went, you sure brought it to light. 😪
I haven’t heard this told with so much detail. The absolute terror these men went through is heartbreaking.
Absolutely incredible. Thank you for sharing in such a frank and personal manner. Your presentation was at times riveting . I felt like I was listening to someone who was actually present. Thank you Hal
I’ve watched 4 documentaries on the Indianapolis and none are as detailed as this, not even the ones filled with survivor testimony.
They always say “Adrian Marks landed, and started getting guys out” then they flash forward to ships coming which didn’t make sense. That’s bad ass that the one Captain heard of survivors, and just went, and also turning on the lights, never heard that, especially with the Japanese out there, and never heard about the guys with guns or the Dodgers story, so cool!
Wow, Hal, you're going full feature length! I love it.
A very important detail to remember is . After the Indy delivered the Abomb components..she was immediately sent to the base in the Philippines with out destroyer escort..this fact alone could have changed the situation during the court martial. It could have shifted blame upward in the Navy command..no major war ship should ever have had to travel without an escort especially because of the IJN submarine threat in those waters. Thanks for telling this story Hal you did a great job.
McVay was uneasy about no escort but they had travelled without one on a few occasions prior to the Tinian run. Attitudes were that the war was winding down with Japan the only battle left. Attitudes that contributed to her being lost for 4 days. Just the perfect storm of circumstances hit that trip
Great job, Hal. This story is horrific, and you told it well. Respects to all of those who did not make it home. Thank you to all Veterans for your service. Cheers from 🇨🇦 ✌️
Thank you Hal for this. I had no idea of this horror until I saw the movie Jaws. My father-in-law was in the Navy then but has never talked about his year's at sea
You're spoiling us with these videos. Thanks Hal!
Respectfully Ruth nailed it exactly in her comments! Hal-simply thank you for all you do
My interest was so strong that I had to binge both Part 1 and 2. This was so interesting and informative. What these men endured with this horrific ordeal and for the rest of their lives. Hard to wrap my head around! Glad the survivors had reunions, and happy McVay finally got the recognition from his men after he was railroaded by the Navy but how sad that he found those letters from the family members later down the road and took his own life.🙏 Mad respect for these vets.
Hal, that was an absolute tear jerker.............Oh my God. Thank you for telling this incredible story the way you do. I am really shook up over the whole thing. I had no idea and others like me
will now know, that is the so important to be educated on this horrific incident. Thank you again.
From an ex navy man ,you have done an excellent job hal thank you
Wow. I just binged both of these episodes. You are a master story teller! It’s like you took us there. Thank you so much, Hal.
Hal, thank you so much, for telling us about those horrific days, and nights that those young men had to suffer through. You did an awesome job telling this story.
U did an awesome job on this!!! Thank u for all the hard work!!
Thank you Hal. You did a beautiful job telling this tragic story.
Hal. thank you for a great video that I really enjoyed. I look forward to and enjoy all your videos from my home in Ireland bit part two of the Indianapolis was really great for me. As a shark obsessed lunatic, I have heard the story of the sinking and the shark attacks many times but i had never heard about what happened after with the court marshal and each man's personal life. Thanks again for this second video Hal, it was really informative.
Not too many survivors I know that. This great Warship was on a very high classified mission carrying a piece of a weapon to end WW2. And unfortunately just under a handful of people knew it’s location. By the time everything was figured out it was too late. Oceanic white tips …
The mission was complete. Everyone that would know where a ship is knew where she was except McCormick on the orders to report to him in Leyte, and 1 other recipient of the 8 when routing orders were sent didnt get the when. 8 different sets of command knew of the ship and where it was by the time they left Guam
@@leekorbel1191 I'm sorry but that's just total fucking bullshit. The bomb was delivered. Fat man was dropped. The mission was completed. I'd normally tell you why you're misinformed but this story and all you need to know is told beautifully and in amazing detail. He's also specifically explained above your comment as to the details AFTER she had dropped cargo.
@@OvelNick I had said it was already dropped off. Grow up.
Great telling of one of WWII's most interesting episodes. You do a credit to those who served on the Indianapolis.
Wow ! I never heard the whole story b4. The 1st time I heard of it was on Jaws . And I didn't even know it was true. Thought is was just part of the movie. Then found out it was true and read summaries about it. And thought still it was a exaggeration for the movie. Then heard Mr Edgar's testimony and realized Quint didn't exaggerate he didn't even do it justice. And even after I heard a survivors testimony. I didn't know about the court martial and all. That's messed up. You go thru all that and then have to stand trial over it. And people can be so selfish and cruel. To make that capt. Feel so bad he took his own life. I thought the ww2 generation was better than that.. also I was proud and touched to know that his men stood with him. You judge a capt . By his men. And obviously he was a good captain by the Measure of his men. May he rest in peace.
Thank you for telling the story of these brave and incredible men. I felt you did it beautifully with great respect for what they went through. Wonderful job.
Thank You Hal for your exhaustive documentary on the tragedy that was the sinkng of the Indianapolis.
God Bless all these men that endured so much to serve and protect us all.My father who was in the Navy at that time mentioned that he never really was that comfortable in the water after that.
I can imagine the fear while watching people being saved. Knowing you have a chance to survive and live now a long life. Could hinge on how quick you get pulled out. Man that's tough. Great job hal
Great stuff Hal.Your remembering of the details is simply awesome!Greetings from London.
The treatment of Captain McVeigh was disgusting. Shouldn’t have been a court martial. If anyone should have been questioned it should have been the top brass that sent the Indianapolis on that mission. This is one of the best and most informative and interesting videos on the sinking of the USS Indianapolis and its horrible aftermath. RIP to all the poor men that perished.
Great video Hal I've heard the story lot of times and yours was one of the best keep it coming
I couldn't stop listening. What a horrific thing to happen to our kids. Hal you did such a great job. No wasted words. Amazing sir.
From information I was told, I had a relative on that ship. He never made it home. I hope his death was a quick one, and that he didn't suffer. I can't imagine the hell those men went through, and have the utmost respect for them. You told this story so thoroughly, so respectfully, and so well, and I just want to take the time to thank you for giving this story your all. You did an amazing job on it, and you should definitely be proud of it. Thank you⚓🚢♥
Been waiting for this can't wait to watch x
This story choked me up when u spoke about their reunion my dad was in army and he did a tour overseas and so did my ex husband the way they get together before and after deployment is always so emotional and it reminded me of the days my dad and husband returned after war losing ppl they served with thank you for doing this story!!
Thank you so much for the honor and respect given all our military by your detailed recounting of the men of the Indy Maru. You held me spellbound. For the first time I know their names and can see the men in my mind's eye. Their families must be especially honored and appreciative. I've forwarded your message to a retired Navy Captain, a good friend of mine.
Outstanding, Hal! Thank You for your hard work; this IS very important history. God Bless all of those Men. I was saddened by the deaths of so many, and of Captain McVay. Gigantic Kudos, Hal, for bringing this historical account of the Indianapolis and her Men ❤
Sir, I had a jolt of cold fury and rage ripple through my whole body when I heard about the Captain's tragic suicide while you were recounting this heart breaking story. I knew about the story of the USS _Indianapolis_ and to some extent (from television documentaries) some parts of the US Navy censorship and insensitivity at the moment they learnt what happened (during their attempts to pin it all on McVay.
I didn't realise he received so much abuse from some of the relatives of the deceased. This is one of those stories which has a level of tragedy that is hard to come to terms with. The sheer suffering and horror of it all. Thank you sir for your impassioned and heartfelt retelling of this story with the evidence presented appropriately and respectfully. This is your finest work to date.
What I think many people don't realise when watching JAWS (1975), is the added layers of sobering meaning in the character of Quint. Some might write him off as this broken man finding somewhere to put his grief. But that alone is not enough to explain it. In some ways Quint's character always seemed to fly _very close to the Sun_ or run close to the bone, in risking becoming an insult to the veterans. However, this is not true and is a superficial concern when we contextualise his character in light of how veterans were still sadly being treated circa 1975.
Kids today looking at JAWS might just see Quint as this old seadog and crazy old guy. He is written as a survivor of the Sinking of the USS _Indianapolis_ true enough, though sadly many ill-educated folks in the 21st century might not a) even know b) care to follow up that story to even see if it's real. Quint is a tragic figure when you see past his crude manners and gruff exterior; but the deeper grief he is hiding is more powerful than is first obvious.
The _absolute state_ of veterans care in the 1970's, at least compared to 2022 (and by no means is it at all perfect now of course, don't get me wrong) _must_ be factored in when appraising and evaluating Quint's character fairly. In conclusion, it isn't just that Quint is a symbolic example for the audience of a sample of some the survivors of the USS _Indianapolis_ it is that he was the _ONLY_ one they were ever given in film and television up until that point.
Some survivors, even by 1975, were scared to discuss their stories or act like they were 'attention seeking' (I've seen such heart crushing comments from veterans in interviews regarding their reaction to JAWS) It took a blockbuster (and at that, the first modern blockbuster) to _finally_ shed light into this dark, dark corner of WWII history. It was perhaps the most chilling and emotionally impactful scene in the entire film (and the shark wasn't even in it, albeit perhaps trailing the Orca not so far away at that very time, off-screen)
Robert Shaw's performance was obviously masterful and for me and I imagine a lot of people, the highlight of the film. Those lines of his cut right to the soul. It gave the otherwise more simplistic film a far, far more poignant and emotional aspect tying into real world history. The shark is fictional, the events sensational, the characters larger than life.
But what all of us should remember about JAWS (1975) is that Steven Spielberg had, in a rather powerful way, finally given the veterans of the USS _Indianapolis_ a major mention in the media, the film industry and brought the horrific story to a new generation. Plenty of folks back in 1975 wouldn't have even _known_ about it at all. Some did, especially military historians etc, but it wasn't as though USS _Indianapolis_ veterans were given the respect they deserved.
However much of a salty sea dog Quint is made to be in JAWS (1975), is not going to distract from the absolute fact that he was the only major popular media portrayal of a USS _Indianapolis_ survivor at that time. Fools may be distracted by the way Robert Shaw really turned his cynicism towards men of science (a la Hooper) "up to 11", and not see past Quint's deliberate façade.
He is putting his grief somewhere; into hunting and killing sharks. He is a heavy drinker and he does think along more atypical lines, rather than the purely rational and logical. _Experience_ has taught him there is more to life than science books.
Plus, he is not only portrayed excellently by Shaw as a 'salty sea dog' of the highest order, but also a highly acerbic and Salt-of-the-Earth fellow as well. One of a kind.
The wildcard in his community whom isn't afraid to walk straight into the middle of a committee meeting and be met with disgust and confusion when he scratches his nails down a blackboard to grab everyone's attention (decisively as ever, getting right to the point; the Quint way) Old Quint has no time for anyone's BS and calls them out on it with ease, as he does to Hooper repeatedly.
And far from just turning Quint into a bully who hates on Hooper constantly for perceived weakness and 'rich city boy' inexperience, Quint _definitely_ takes on a more fatherly role by the later stages. Although his shock and fear of the monster shark hunting them, does bring him to the point of apparently losing his mind before the end, this doesn't mean that right before that he wasn't growing to respect Hooper and Chief Brody.
Spielberg was somehow subtle enough even back then in his early career, and Robert Shaw was definitely talented and wise enough, to show that, as things started to hit the fan, Quint took others like Hooper seriously, respecting his bravery. He isn't a 2D character who just hates on 'da science guy', just cos. He gives him a hard time at first, yes, but as time goes on he becomes more brotherly if not fatherly in a particular way. It is subtle and largely down to the nuances of Shaw's acting performance.
It is almost as though he knows he cannot once abide their fate being the same of his friends on the USS _Indianapolis_ in spite of all the trash talking earlier in the film. He mocks Hooper's masculinity and very maturity, and dislikes his wealth and arrogance (and in fairness, Hooper, while a young scientist, does have a lot of spirit, though his main character flaw is being essentially bound to science alone)
Just as Quint is a little too harsh on the scientific perspective, one can similarly point out that Hooper is too overconfident about the science of the day. He holds true to it. But a big part of the genius of the interplay and interactions on camera between the characters of Quint, Brody and Hooper, is how Quint doesn't just hate on either for their inexperience. He teases them both in different ways, but evidently respects Brody more right from the start. Quint and Hooper are two sides of a marine biology interested coin.
It's a genius bit of writing, because Chief Brody becomes the 'everyman in the middle', and the one with literally more grounded, distinctly terrestrial experience. He knows nothing of the sea compared to Hooper or Quint, in two very different but mutually cooperating ways. Yet even Brody is shown to be educating himself about sharks and shark attacks by reading source material books, even before he sets out to hunt the shark down with the others. Brody is sincerely trying his best. Quint charges in to hunt the shark, knowing what it represents (or at least, part-knowing; only later realising just how horrifying this one really was, after taking down three barrels) Hooper meanwhile, is the well-meaning science guy. It all works seamlessly.
Hooper gets the brunt of his chagrin and disrespect at first, but over time, especially after Hooper willingly gets into the water with the monster 25 foot long shark, Quint can't help but respect him. There is more camaraderie between them after that, even if it's just in a subtle way. It's in the body language and the dialogue. Quint isn't as harsh on Hooper anymore and if ever he lashes out at him, it's only during intense moments when their lives are genuinely in danger. Quint _does_ care about both Hooper and Brody. It might not be completely obvious but it's there. For Quint to end up like he did with the shark, is tragic too.
~ [ Part 1/3 ] ~ p2 and p3 in replies below
~ [ Part 2/3 ] ~
Quint, to my mind, represents a symbolic metaphor and synthesis of a broad interpretation of the survivors. It may be seen to be a simple character with perhaps semi-offensively yokel-y behaviour and sea dog charms. But he is more meaningful to that when you realise the poor way in which so many WWII (and other war e.g. Vietnam) veterans were being treated in the USA at that time. The same goes for other places like the UK.
Burma Campaign veterans coming home after the Allied Victory over Japan, were shocked to discover that most of London didn't seem to care and that there was very little fanfare. They'd perhaps understandably had enough of war and yet in that enthusiasm for peace, they'd forgotten or simply not be told enough, about the fighting _still going on_ in the Far East. Many Burma Star veterans in the UK were not to be treated to the heroes welcome their contemporary veterans from the War in Europe, would receive. A lot of that was buried deep, bottled up and not discussed publicly.
Not only was the media indifferent to their plight, but the men themselves were born in a different world. Their fathers had been veterans of the Somme and Passchendaele. Their grandfathers, veterans of the Boer Wars and in some cases the Second Anglo-Afghan War. They did _not_ very freely discuss their feelings in public, or even to their families. They just bottled it up. Not only did the support mechanism itself not exist in a proper way yet, the very attitude towards speaking about such things was intensely controversial among their own circles.
It was perceived -- in a very Victorian way -- as 'cowardice'. Even in WWI, the men fighting under horrific circumstances, getting PTSD shell-shock, were at risk of literally being _shot by firing squad by their own side_ for (and I say it how their officers would have, not how I think) 'being cowards'. Of course, they were the exact diametric opposite of that. They were as far away from cowards as can be imagined. Brave, loyal to a fault; but human beings with natural souls broken by unnaturally extreme violence. Hearing the pounding of siege guns for hours, days, weeks...months and years. It drove them over the edge.
Yet when they went home, if they survived and/or were not institutionalised in so-called, 'mental hospitals', in the cases of those with the more extreme shell-shock, they were simply thrown into the civilian world post-demob/demobilisation.
Civy street for the heroes of the Western Front, didn't sit well with a lot of them, and it ate them up inside. They couldn't come to terms with it. Their own forefathers whom had fought through hell in the Boer Wars, were also loathe to discuss their feelings.
Children of WWI and WWII veterans, have commonly recorded going their entire lives without having had properly detailed discussions with their fathers about their wartime experiences and suffering. In a brutally stoic sense, many men of that generation, just wanted to stay quiet and not discuss anything. The veterans of the USS _Indianapolis_ were no different. Cue Steven Spielberg, to tell their story on their behalf, without them even knowing, from out of nowhere.
Quint therefore was the lightning rod for decades of pent up emotions and the _necessary_ and long overdue representation of the survivors of the Sinking of the USS _Indianapolis_ writ large on the big-screen. How strangely appropriate, then, that JAWS (1975) was the biggest film until STAR WARS (1977), and the first true blockbuster in the modern sense (though an argument can also be made for the original King King and the ground-breaking film The Wizard Of Oz, which were blockbusters in an elder context, but not the same in scale as the release of JAWS in the Summer of '75)
JAWS was the first one with a massive -- and I do mean insanely huge -- merchandising, advertising and cult classic impact on the Summer season of Hollywood in that time. It paved the way, in a big way, for the later success of STAR WARS (1977), proving what could be achieved with a good idea and a major marketing campaign. Books, games, shirts, toys etc. This was the first true blockbuster. So for the veterans of the USS _Indianapolis_ it must have been incredibly surreal to see that seemingly out of thin air, this young director with a passion for storytelling, just came along and _blasted_ on loudspeaker their heart-breaking story. It was a game-changer.
No, Quint isn't a perfect or PC character and all the better for it. No, he isn't the most sensitive depiction of a war veteran nor is he necessarily an accurate one. As I say, everything about him is ramped up to 11 on the dial. He is the classic stereotype in film of the salty sea dog, everyone can agree with that. You have to reach back to someone like Captain Abah from Moby Dick, to find someone as strikingly _based_ and heroic-masculine as him in a maritime story. He is that kind of massive presence. A character among characters, to say the least.
Yet behind the veneer of bitterness and cantankerous disdain for normal town-folk, he is indeed a tragic figure whom only seems to find joy in trying to kill the things that caused him such grief. It isn't even out of spite. His fear is very rational. Although, for someone like him, that fear takes on a more powerful, daemonic figure. The shark isn't just a shark. _That shark_ (as in 'Bruce', as Spielberg called him), is definitely something more spiritual. It's not just an animal. There is evil in that creature that isn't like any normal shark. It is like Quint's nemesis, come back to haunt him and all around him.
What first seems to be this mad old coot, piping up to hunt the child killing shark down, turns into the saviour becoming the hunted himself. Even Quint is scared of this thing. If _he_ is scared of it (and scared in ways, from his experience, few others can understand; even the so-called, 'experts' like obligatorily emasculated science man, marine biologist, Hooper, can't know)
You aren't taught these things in college or university. You can't know how it feels to tread water with a hundred and one man-eaters. You can't really appreciate the terror, until it comes for you. And fictional Quint had passed through that and lived, just as the real veterans had in real life. Now for him to face this seemingly daemonic shark, was quite the nightmare. He willingly flung himself into that, for himself yes, but not nearly just for that.
Why did Quint even do this? Was it _just_ to satiate his own desire for revenge, or was there an altruistic aspect to that? I think so. I think, that as a character, it is heavily implied that Quint is doing this to avenge his fallen brothers-in-arms, as well as to shield coastal communities from being preyed upon by such predators. Heroic, in a way.
Yet to many, including in Amity itself, he just gets openly dismissed as an old crazy. His behaviour sets him apart and he isn't respected as much as he should be. Remember, the community only embraced Quint when he offers to hunt the shark, and they are reluctant to pay him his high fee. Yes he is doing it for financial reasons too, but he had to make a living somehow.
~ [ Part 3/3 ] ~
Whether this was intentional or not in 1974-1975 on Spielberg's part, this is insanely genius when you stop and think about it; that town doesn't even really _deserve_ Quint helping them, and yet there he is, acting in their interests. He dies in the process, but is avenged by Brody (in one of the most iconic moments in film history; "Smile you son of a...") Quint is the hermit figure, the outcast, the recluse.
Nevertheless, it is from _his boat_ that 'Bruce' meets his end. It is from _his_ group that the monster is slain. In many ways JAWS is a 'boys own' adventure of defeating the monster which preys upon a town. A tale as old as time, a song as old as rhyme. Yet beneath all that, is the grim aspect to how Quint is in the state he is in, perhaps in a rather ironically metaphysical way, because he is essentially neglected and underappreciated by his own community. They don't know his suffering. They don't see his pain. Quint did not die in vain yet it seems his nemesis did finally catch up with him.
In all kinds of ways this is even more heart-breaking especially when you think about what Captain McVay did in taking his own life. He could not escape his daemons. I'm not convinced that Spielberg would have been thinking of that at the time, don't get me wrong. I just think that, unintentionally or not, it does pose a serious and sobering thought. Reading too much into it perhaps. But here is the thing; if we do at all, it's because that _can_ be read into it, _because_ of the way veterans were so universally neglected for so long. It’s a feedback loop.
It literally took the first true modern blockbuster to finally drag the issue front and centre in front of the general public. It gave veterans of the USS _Indianapolis_ the confidence to come forward and speak out, from 1975 onward. I can't help but be moved by this. You'd have to have a stone cold heart not to. It's shatteringly upsetting in happy as well as sad ways. Like, finally, _someone_ cared in the public eye. Someone brought it to the wider world in the mainstream media. Not hidden away in archives, dusty book shelves and in the historians memories. Finally, someone actually went for it and put it out there. For that, we have to give a nod to Spielberg. To his credit, that was a brilliant thing to do.
It almost didn't matter if he was a little over the top. It almost didn't matter if he was part comedic, part irascible old sea dog. It just mattered that he was portrayed _at all_ and that in itself is sobering. It took a character like Quint to finally bring the story to the general public, in the most chilling and effective way even imaginable. It's just, perfect. That whole scene.
Sure, by the liberal media's 2022 standards a character even remotely approximating Quint would never be possible in this day and age. But dear lord was he needed in 1975. It finally addressed something on the big, golden screen, that few knew about. Something, that _everyone_ should have known about already. God bless them all.
P.S -- I would greatly appreciate it if you would do a special like this, covering the Sinking of HMS _Birkenhead_ (1845) in 1852. They were 2 miles off Danger Point in the Gansbaai waters of South Africa. The minute you hear Gansbaai, you just know, in a horrified way, just exactly what kinds of sharks they were swimming with. I have been reading about it recently and it's absolutely horrific.
The bravery of the British soldiers lining up on the deck, beginning the tradition of 'women and children first', as the ship began to break up, allowing the women and children to escape, is just so moving. Hundreds of men went into that relatively shallow, 98-100 foot deep water. A _lot_ were killed by sharks.
Hundreds swam to shore (including 8 of their 9 war horses) but hundreds of men either drowned or were eaten alive. It would be my no 1 worst nightmare to have to swim to shore in those kinds of waters, knowing what was down there watching me. Those men didn't even know what they were up against like we would nowadays. Most couldn’t have known the sheer peril they were swimming in and around. It is gut-wrenching to think about.
Yes, people knew about sharks in 1852, but not remotely as much as we do now. A lot of those poor lads couldn't even swim. It's appalling. I have looked for coverage of it on your great channel, but have not found it. One survivor described, 'hundreds of sharks' around them (I am guessing most weren't Great Whites but who knows, maybe there were? Or was it mostly Bronze Whalers/Copper Sharks, with a random number of GW's mixed in? Impossible to say 170 years later)
Could you please cover this? Respect to you for your well-researched work, good man.
Also: ever since you brought the 1842 worst Hammerhead Shark attack in history (that 20 footer that bit the woman in half in the SE Pacific) and the Cheribon Atrocity ('murder by shark') to my knowledge, I've been trying to read up about these incidents and yet have struggled to find much information about either.
Cheribon in particular angers me a lot and yet I can't find much source material about it (there was a case file on the shark attack site but it's not got many reliable sources I can find) Maybe this is just a failure on my part to find something obvious but try as I might I haven't been able to find a consensus about it.
Is it limited to shark attack books currently? I've been trying to learn more about it. I'm guessing most of the victims were Dutch civilians from then Dutch Java (conquered by Japan temporarily), in the Dutch East Indies, but I can't definitive lists on nationalities or numerical break-downs of the victims i.e. what Europeans were there besides Dutch (e.g. any French? British? etc or were they all just Dutch?) It's absolutely shocking. Only humanity can be that cruel to humanity. Anyway, thank you for your efforts good man. Great channel, great work.
Robert Shaw took the script home,and rewrote the Indianapolis part ,as he thought Quint would have told it...
@@lisatroup9218 True. Shaw was a true professional.
After four days, going into five, it amazes me that any of the guys who were in the water survived. Horrific ordeal and horrific what the Navy did to Captain McVay, all to coverup that from the very beginning he wasn’t informed by Naval Intelligence regarding recent submarine sightings, that a ship had been torpedoed and sunk just days before along the same route and the denial of his request for an escort, due to his ship not having sub-detection capabilities.
My man Hal back at it again with the quality content!
Ty, Hal. Much appreciated.
That's awesome that you shared that story. With all that important information well done
Thanks for Part 2 Hal. I’m gonna take the credit for that even though you were gonna do it anyway! Lol. You the man Hal! #1 shark person in the business by FAR!!!!!!!
Thank You Hal, for sharing this and bringing it to life for us in great detail.
Could not even begin to imagine what those mates went through.
Good on you Hal. 👏
that was very thought provoking, after all the war films I have seen you brought the reality of warfare and its consequence's to reality, and secondly how the Brass of all country's ,through out history, treat the people who serve for the peace and security of their country, as expendable, I hope with all my heart these evil people get the judgment so richly desevred.
Thanks Hal incredible end to a tragic story.
Thanks for your videos & especially these 2 about the USS Indianapolis. Have seen docs & movies about the event, but never felt the emotional & visceral feelings in how you told the story.
My old neighbor’s dad was a survivor of the the Indianapolis. He wouldn’t talk much,but refused to see Jaws. He sadly passed a few years ago.
I was just wondering if you were going to be dropping a new video anytime soon, and as soon as I get to work and am looking for something to listen to here this is- awesome 👍
The aftermath of the rescue tells me everything I need to know about this incident. Our government should have tried lot damn harder to cover their terrible, unforgivable, evil doings up. The Indianapolis was never meant to return. These men suffered a hell that no one can even begin to imagine. U honored these men so well by telling their story Hal. I was in tears nearly the while time.
And thank you so much for your great telling of this very sad, but in many ways inspiring piece of our history.
Another great presentation! thank you. When you mentioned the Navy not wanting to hear of the experiences these brave men endured in the water, ... made me realize, the government really hasn't changed but in some ways has become worse, censorship is alive & well still. Also hearing about survivor, Bob Gouse, he must have been the one Quint from "Jaws" portrayed...very interesting Hal...thank you !
I wish they would make a movie about this that is completely accurate and a decent budget. The movies done so far are shameful
Right !??
Thank you for honoring America’s veterans so very well. Tears here. 🇺🇸
Hal, the only information I knew of was from Jaws. Your memory and research of the USS Indianapolis is so stunningly quintessential to me. I can't even imagine what all those men went through in such a short amount of time that changed their lives for eternity. Whether they survived or not. RIP and condolences to all those who lost their lives be it by sharks or not being able to take it. Also for those that did survive, the same. My deepest condolences to all men, their families and friends 😭😭😭🙏🙏🙏
Looking foreward to this! I really enjoyed part 1.
Shame on the people writing to captain McVay with out knowing all the facts it was not his fault at all and shame on the navy for trying to set the man up disgusting his name was cleared but he took his life so its too little too late very tragic thanks for this Hal great video
Thank you for telling this horrific tale, These men & women were truly our "Greatest Generation"!!! My Dad was a Marine that survived the War in the Pacific. Thanks again!! Bryan Lee
I'm speechless pal!
great work, and I will ALWAYS be here to watch, and listen.
You didn’t let us down Hal, thanks for telling this important story, the detail in your story telling is amazing
Can I please say you rendition on the USS Indianapolis is beyond a doubt a great one you have done them all proud of their duty.
Hal you did an AMAZING job telling the Indianapolis & her men's story. My only question is how & why you remember it in such insane detail. It's mind boggling you're able to keep this going for basically 2 hrs solid!
I've been fascinated by the story ever since the very intense Jaws scene in 1975 when Shaw's character lays into it at the table onboard. Even as a 6 yr old boy, to me it was among the most riveting scenes in that entire movie!
But to this day I doubt I could carry this story much beyond 5 min so a salute to you sir well done!
For those interested, Ken Burns film "The War" has a riveting chapter where survivor Maurice Bell goes into great detail about the disaster. He too talks of the men losing their minds & trying to get him to join them for "a cool drink of water at the fountain down below". And of course in grave detail the terrifying ordeals w/the sharks. He had friends right next to him eaten, yet they never bit him the entire ordeal. He joked about it in the yrs after that he must be too sour to eat.
There is a special place here & heaven for all those brave souls, both those that perished & those that survived to live out their lives.
Have the rest from the 7 books and interviews in there i left out. Books will still have new info i didnt cover. Crazy story it is and i bought 1 book to cover the sharks and the sharks to me are a small part of the story. Getting names and dates ready for the next tragedy, one i dont remember hearing of in school
@@SharksHappenmaybe it’s coming soon😯?
Thank you so much Hal for the rest of the story and the time and effort you put into this. This story is incredible and so horrific.
Hollywood could not even begin to come close to making this movie because, there would be people that would not believe it or, think that the effects of seawater could not affect your mind like this. They would think Hollywood was making it up. The way you tell stories Hal... I am seeing all of this in my head. I don't know how all these brave men survived and the brave men who tried desperately to survive. None of them wanted to die. All of them are heros. Every single one of them helped stop the war. Thank you Hal. They are not forgotten.
They have made a movie of it, Nicholas Cage played Captain McVay.
Great storyteller leaders are human, vulnerable, truthful and trustworthy. They are authentic and genuine, not being afraid to admit doubts, confusion or mistakes. That's the def of a gifted story teller and that's you !! I'm sure us lucky ones that have already discovered you would agree that you are probably the best story teller om CZcams ❤ ✌ i hope you realize that and will even tell stories of anything and people will find you and thank you
You do not disappoint 👏 Part 2 was incredible. The whole story is absolutely heartbreaking. I agree with so many comments.....you totally honored all those men. Fantastic story and yet, another reason to love your channel! I don't know how you can tell this story without notes in front of you! You really put your heart and soul into your work. God Bless you, Hal!
Your biggest fan from Washington State 😊🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲
Thank you for telling the story of the men of the USS Indianapolis. We owe them so much, and experiences that they went through have given us all our freedoms that we take for granted today. We must never forget and should be eternally respectful and grateful to those men. Cheers Darren from Australia.
I was binge watching first hand accounts from survivors after listening to your 1st Indianapolis video.
I am very glad to see this second half. I believe you have done an admirable job in peicing together the many details. One of the photos I seen from the rescue is absolutely chilling, which shows several men on a raft with several sharks just under the water and mere feet away, and the men have no energy left to even care.
Your telling of this tale is definitive, thank you for the work you are doing in this channel.
Indeed, wonderful storytelling of an incredible story. In part 2 Hal looks like he's been in the water couple of days, or had no coffee! Thanks Hal, that was majical.
One last thing, the Navy wasn’t going to do anything, but of course some in the victims family, RICH people with influence wanted someone to pay. The Navy wasn’t so Mcvey was the scapegoat, to the horror of the men.
.. part II - excellent.
How sad, that poor man. Like the memories of what happened to all that lost their lives wasn't punishment enough, people can be cruel, especially when hurting themselves. RIP to all
Apparently when it comes to the Govt. and the various military departments, the need to find one person to blame is SOP. My heart aches for what Captain McVay went through, and major kudos to his 1st wife for her efforts to protect him. These two videos need to be preserved for history. You have done a fabulous job as a host. My father was in the Navy in WWII, I'm certain he would have been grateful for your effort to set the record straight. Is this your own channel or do you work for a company that produces these? Always curious...
Just mine and just me.
Never did a channel before last April when i decided to come out with what i know about attacks before all the excuses were tossed around and most shark experts talking bout dogfish shark stats when people have been eaten