94-year-old is the lone survivor of the USS Indianapolis sinking, Sgt. Edgar Harrell tells his story
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- Опубліковано 31 тра 2024
- Sgt. Edgar Harrell, is the last surviving Marine from the World War II sinking of the USS Indianapolis, the ship that carried the atomic bomb that would be dropped on Hiroshima to an airbase on Tinian Island. Four days after dropping off the bomb known as "Little Boy," the ship was attacked.
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#ships #USSIndianapolis #Hisroshima
This guy is 94 and sounds more lucid and intelligent than most modern politicians. He's incredible.
He makes Joe Biden sound like... well, Joe Biden.
More lucid than Biden.
It's sad where we are now isn't it
Light years ahead of dementia dump.
RIP Sir! Mr. Edgar Harrell died at 96 yrs old on Jan 6, 2020.
I can't get over how excellent his memory was at 94. Amazing man that I wish I had known . It took heroes like these men to make our country survive WW11.
It was karma for the bomb they dropped on hiroshima. I’m an atheist but this gives even me pause
Died 5/8/2021
@@DC-bp8sx So men who were serving on a ship doing their duty, not knowing what was on board received the "karma". That makes sense!
@UChsOAlKzONaEWCaWVNQ0KzA,f you. None of those young men had any part of the decision to drop the bomb, why did they deserve to die or even suffer?
@@DC-bp8sx So it was ok for Japan to take the Philippines, parts of China to rape, pillage, cage people, torture them, skin them alive, destroy Pearl Harbor for their quest for the world without stopping them?? You're some kind of intelligent! If someone comes to chop you up with a machete you just going to let them??
He floated in the middle of the pacific for 3 days with no water covered in diesel fuel in shark infested waters that's a true nightmare.
He and thousands of other men did it without question; there's a reason his generation is considered "the GREATEST"
@@Thecolonelshinn not thousands 300 or so only lived
Nearly 5 days
I'd be completely broken by it
This guy came and told this story to a classroom of 10th graders. Honored to have met a real American hero.
Amazing, 94 and sharp as a tack!
Most of the Survivors that are alive currently are in very good shape which is good
And no ptsd. He's one tough guy.
@@owenwammes4052 ... Most of the survivors of that time are now deceased of natural causes. I do not know where you are getting that they are still well. They are all our country's heros regardless and deserve the ultimate respect.
@@AdamSmith-xt2tg, you can't know that. He may well have PTSD but has gotten into a place where he can control it.
It isn't a joke and it can be cumulative. Do some research to understand it better.
@@bcaye It was suppose to be a compliment. I do agree with you that ptsd can be coped better. Whatever the case may be, he was sharp and calm when telling his story. Take it easy.
In 1998 my brother and I went deep sea fishing on a charter boat on South Padre Island. We got on board before dawn and were disappointed to see a group of elderly old men would be sharing the boat with us. After a few hours we realized we were in for an unforgettable experience. Those elderly old men were a group of Marine World War II veterans who got together every year for their reunion. We drank beer with them all day, 12 hours continuous drinking, learned new curse words and heard uncensored horror stories of many Pacific Island battles. Hardcore guys.
You were disappointed about a group of old guys joining you? Wow!
and i bet after 12 hours of drinking they could drink anyone under the table!
@@markwaring5100 we were under the impression we had chartered the boat ourselves.
@@jaytotheell I vomited after a while, but remained on my feet and kept fishing. Cutting raw bait and drinking at the same time just was not my cup of tea. Those guys seemed unaffected by endless beers, raw bait all over everything and the boat bobbing around every time we stopped. Amazing.
He has kind eyes, his wife is a lucky lady. I'm sorry he had to experience something so horrific. Blessings to him and his family.
He was a kind man. Very personable.
He greeted my national guard unit with grace and dignity.
It was depressing that I was the only one that recognized the significance of the USS Indianapolis on his jacket.
By golly they knew after I introduced them.
5/9/2022 I had lunch with one of the two remaining survivors. He's my uncle in law. My wife and I drove my mother in law to visit him on her birthday. It was a special moment. Cleatus Lebow, 97 years old. He's a character. I have a deep voice so he can't hear me speak. That doesn't keep him from carrying a conversation, he's a talker. Rest in peace Mr. Harrell, mad respect.
Thank you for mentioning this. I just chastised the Milw Journal Sentinel, supposedly a major paper; for not even doing the basic research to know that Edgar Harrell was not the 'lone survivor' 4 years ago - Harold Bray of California is still alive today on 8/3/2023 so he IS the lone survivor, and your uncle Cleatus Lebow, was alive then (sorry for your loss), and there may have been others - I asked the J/S to do their research and correct their title as it is disrespectful to Mr. Bray, Mr. Lebow and perhaps others.
Wow! I read this comment and the name Lebow sounded familiar. He’s often mentioned in a book I’m currently reading called “Indianapolis”. I checked the index and sure enough I see Cleatus LeBow.
A true American hero! My immense thanks to you, sir! God bless you!
Dude STFU he was in the water for a while chill
@@socketzrapz5039 Do you know how Dangerous floating in the Pacific is for 3 days? Being exposed to hot sun, shark attacks, possible infection, starvation and lack of thirst. You want to be cast in the Pacific on a raft and left to die by shark, salt poisoning or starvation. Show some respect for this Man.
socketZ rapZ I guarantee you would give up and try to drown yourself if you went through what this man went through
@@MoreTrenMoreMen69 so what if I did not doing so doesn't make me a hero and delivering A FUCKING NUKE! to drop on a large city killing millions also doesn't make me a hero
@@20thCenturyManTrad bruh I'm not showing respect for being in the middle of the ocean after delivering a nuke not an hero for almost dying punk
It is an immense honor to hear your story sir. I especially liked the part about to little brunette at home, I’m sooo glad she waited and that you had 71 years.
71 years together?? 😮😵. That is beyond belief!
Well god bless him!
Girls nowdays would be on social media posting pics and looking for someone else within 5 days
God bless all the men who went through this terrible event.
They were eaten alive.
I'd say blessings were the last thing bestowed upon them if at all...
Sgt. Edgar Harrell died on May 8, 2021 at the age of 96. Thank you for your service! R.I.P.
Amen. Thank you for your service, Sgt. Harrell.
Never forget this tragedy.
Kudos to the "brunette" who waited and shared the life of this hero. Rest in Peace. Merry Christmas everyone!
71 years married! Wow!
As an Englishman, I take my hat off to this truly brave marine, R.I.P. sir.
As an Englishman
What an honour
@@edwardjones2202 Who else has had the biggest empire on earth, from such a small island? It is an honour.🇬🇧🏴🤔
He looks great for 94 years old
Doesn’t even look 94, looks like he’s in his 70's.
That's a handsome man! I would love to see what he looked like younger and in uniform
absolutely
@@guardsmengunner 60 even
@@beetlewater I'd say around 67 if I just met him
What an amazing story. Both my grandfathers fought in the war, but neither of them was ever willing to recount their experiences in any detail. Sadly, they've both passed.
I met this man. Beyond blessed so happy to meet a man that survived. Thank you for your service!!! ❤️
No you didn’t
My great grandfather was a survivor of the Indianapolis he passed away in 2017 though
mad respect to your great grandfather, rest in peace
What was his name ?
MAAAAD respect to your great grandfather, he is a hero.
??@@Ellie-xp3gi
I am sorry for your loss but Heaven gained a great man. And I never knew him.
I salute you, Sir. A true hero. You and all the boys on that ship, and in that war. You will be remembered forever.
That’s how men should be - brave and humble
And so many of them are exactly like this man. I'm not sure we will ever see their like again in this country. God bless them alive or dead.
A real man....much respect
Truth hurts, rad
@Radical Thunder stupid and immature
the Navy's dealings with this tragedy is a disgrace. It reminds me of the disgraceful mismanagement that was the Pat Tillman tragedy. God bless the men that served aboard the USS Indianapolis
Wow, just wow. I served in the Air Force for nearly 10 years and I have nothing but respect for this man.
I salute every single man of this ship!!!!! I am unable to imagine their fear!
What an honour to hear some of these veterans' stories. I have nothing but respect for these men of the greatest generation that every lived.
What an amazing man. At his age to be so sharp with an amazing memory. You sir is what the “Greatest Generation” is all about. R.I.P. hero!
Sharp as a tack for 94. Incredibly brave man.
Just watched the movie. Breaks my heart to know they were being picked off by sharks. Must have been so terrifying to be out there. Such brave men. I truly appreciate their sacrifice. With their loss, we gained freedom. I will never forget that, ever!
Picked off? More like thrown in a blender. It was the worst feeding frenzy and largest shark attack on humans in history.
What movie?
@@mbapache64 USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage
This government shitted on captain Mcvay it’s sad
I wished my country gained freedom
He’s 94! He’s looks 75
A real hero
My great uncle was lost at sea on the Indianapolis, Francis (Frank) McKinnon, 19 years old. He was my sweet great grandmother’s baby, the youngest child of 6, and my mom’s favorite uncle. So thankful the wreckage was located.
wow you have some rich family history there.
The more and more I listen to this story in this interview. The more I am so blessed that I got to read about the USS Indianapolis in the comfort of my own home. We all think that we are tough and we're ready to go. The real heroes were the courageous ones and never giving up hope with the conditions with everything else especially the sharks but there was a certain brunette and 71 years later waiting for this gentleman when he got back home. Thank you for being there and sharing that story.
I'm so glad you survived to tell the story of that ship and what happened to your shipmates. A heroic storyteller indeed. God bless you.
I'm a daughter of a veteran Vietnam soldier and of course my dad is still alive. I have a huge respect to Military and anybody who had to fight for wars for the last century. Whoever did this interview, thank you for doing this. Also I watched the movie, USS Indianapolis & it was really amazing. If I ever see a survivor of USS Indianapolis, I would give him my big hug & I would tell him u r still here bc of ur courage & ur family appreciate you. This is amazing story. Salute & thank u for your courage & for service for this country. Amen!
tleesmith781 Fun fact, most of us veterans aren’t really in need of thanks and appreciation nor do we want it.
@@gabriellowe9929 , Fun Fact, the children and grandchildren of men from the opposite side of the conflict watch these UA-cam videos too. They don't think too much about it, except for being happy for American soldiers and sailors who could return to their families and country. While they had to live with murdered family members and a devastated country. Ironically, the Indianapolis shipped the bomb, which vaporised the family of the commander and sailors of the submarine that torped the cruiser. Wondering if that thought will ever sink in.
Zein Saeed Yeah? I’ve had buddies I served with not come back, and I’ve seen my fair share in Afghanistan. I was an 11B, bud. You want to talk high and mighty about stuff? What have you seen or been through in any sense related to combat? Ever been shot at? No?
@@gabriellowe9929 , nothing Sir. Just talking sh** to start a food fight. My Father served in the Army though. He oversaw one of the Mujahideen training camps the CIA was secretly funding to shoot down Soviet aviation. All the while the Soviets were building a Steel Industry and Shipping ports in the country. In one encounter with a Soviet construction team of the steel mill, the Soviets remarked something along the lines of: We know you are directly involved in training our enemies and causing instability to the mission of our country. Yet we will continue to build your industry because ... [can't recall but was about friendship or honour something like that]. Now I'm not taking sides here, but in hindsight the buddies you lost is wake from the boulder shoved off the cliff. So the high and mighty I want to talk about is my Father pulling me out of the Army, to be not told to shut up, shoot first, and become Demolition Man. Instead I spent time working on creating jobs that employs people from all over the world. Because at the end of the day once a house runs of money, it becomes a house of cards. No disrespect. Want to hear what you have to say.
Zein Saeed Sorry, I flew off the handle. Apologies for being a dick, I took your first reply wrong and lashed out. You did good choosing your path, and I respect your decision. You take care of yourself.
Oh what I’d give to have had a better interviewer handling this ultra-rare opportunity to speak with this survivor.
I pray there’s a lot more footage of this ... it’s all SO RUSHED. Granted, I don’t know the circumstances of the interview, but compressing this into under 9 minutes is painful.
He has a few more on you tube they will make you tear up
I suggest reading the book or listen to the audiobook. It has all the details. Some you may not want to know.
I agree with Jason, there's a lot more out there if you really want to know, but some of it you may wish you'd never known. Those men went to hell and back.
From one veteran to another, thank you for your service and courage under unimaginable conditions!
What a treat! I could sit and listen to his story telling all day. He is indeed, sharp as a tack! I hope to be that lively if I make it to 94 years of age. Thank you for your service, sir. You are truly a hero!
Where on earth will we be when we no longer have this generation with us? God bless these courageous men, in this life and the next! 😔
Is that pathetic sense of American exceptionalism the cause or the effect of your massive brain dammage?
@@kanonierable Stay mad commie
@@kanonierable Don’t be jealous Adolph! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
@@kanonierable You are a very rude, wicked, ignorant person.
Turn to Christ and live.
yeah and this generation has been brain washed into absolute stupidity..If this was the generation that had to fight either WW1 or WW2 there would be no American..
Rest in Peace Sgt. Harrell (May 8, 2021). I happen to be reading a book about the USS Indianapolis...and it was signed by Sgt. Harrell.
My uncle, Paul Mcginnis was on board and was also one of the lucky 317 that survived! I have so much love and respect for all of you ! This is part of my families history as well, as it is for so many other Americans! Sadly my uncle passed away and unlike others I never spoke with him about his ordeal and now that he's passed I regret it of coarse but unfortunately I can't change that now!
Eric McGinnis that’s awesome do you talk to him about it
@@joshuaallen5461 I avoided bringing it up with him because when he was around everyone hounded him and I wanted to give him a break! He has now passed away! So the only thing I have left is my memory and there is a short vidio clip of him on UA-cam!
Eric McGinnis sorry to here that I’m currently in the navy so this is really big to me. Sorry for what your uncle had to endure I can’t even half way imagine how hard those days were.
@@joshuaallen5461 well it was the 316 or 317 survivors that then lived on so in my oppinion they were Lucky but 880 soles perished and later captain Mcvey got railroaded so the big zigs wouldn't take the blame and be held liable and Captain Mcvey took his own life! Sad story! But thanks for your interest and your comments! Being in the Navy is a great career choice so you hang in there and in the future you will never regret it. I promise!
Amazing. Because of this brave Marine each and every one of us are able to place our head on our pillow at night and sleep peacefully. Thank you with all my heart and soul for your service to this great country of ours.
So much respect for these men, thank you Edgar! Anytime I think I have it rough I try and think of events like these and humble thyself quickly.
this man is a brave a true survivor. I only hope I can be as sharp when im 94
Much respect to you sir .. buck Gibson is or was my great uncle.. also a survivor. Thanks a million for your service sir.
Can i get a whatsApp call with any survivors.. Pls reply
God Bless You Edgar!! My paternal grandmother's brother was on the U.S.S. Indianapolis and when he saw the scene in Jaws while watching it with us one night, he got up and walked out from watching the movie. Afterwards, we were sitting in the kitchen and he described exactly what happened. I didn't blame him for getting up and leaving. He was lucky to even have survived. He died 8 days after his 58th birthday on the same day as his 97 year old mother in the VA Hospital in Brooklyn New York on 16 May 1981 from Lung and Brain Cancer. I"ll always remember him the night he described the horror of the U.S.S. Indianapolis more than any other time I saw him. We all listened in silence and after he finished we said nothing. It was a nightmare for which he got a medal.
RIP to a brave man who survived a literal nightmare in one of the worst times in human history.
Happy Memorial Day Sgt. Edgar Harrell thank you for your service you are a hero this world needs more people like this man it would be a more peaceful place to live
He is just one of them! There is 12 survivors still living as of July 2019.
Great to know, thank u!
@@tracyleesmith781 You're welcome
Down to 10 as of 5/9/2020
@@bonniearrant2675 thank you for updating me
Bonnie Arrant pretty much just finished the book In Harm’s Way. This story is insane! Like lone survivors.
My Grandfather was a merchant marine during WW2. He was onboard The City of Atlanta merchant ship that was torpedoed by a German Uboat of the coast of North Carolina. He was one of two survivors of a crew of 45. He never talked about it much. Many years later i was at my friends house after a long day of fishing. I relayed this story and his roommate said wait a minute. He came back with a book he was reading call operation drum beat. It was an account omfrom the uboat commander and thier mission to disrupt shipping during the war. We skimmed thru it and sure enough , there was a picture of my grandfather in his hispital bed next to the other survivor. He was holding a picture of my grandmother he had gone back to his bunk to save the picture while the ship was sinking. The picture in the book had made the cover of i believe life magazine that year. Many sacrifices during that war.
amazing. bc of the news blackouts at the time people don't appreciate how badly the uboats were running rampant then in '41 and '42, having free reign up and down the east coast of the U.S and the Gulf of Mexico. people could see ships ablaze from the beaches of the Outer Banks! lots of places on the coast still have the old gun emplacements that were in use during that time.
What a GREAT guy! A honest HERO!
So the story that Quint tells Hooper and Brody in Jaws (1975) is based on a true event...
Yes
Oh yeah
Used to be taught in high school history.
You didn’t know that yeah it really happened
Oh yes. Very true.
Never ever give up - that is a strong motto from a guy stuck in the Pacific ocean for days. And lived for another 75 years...
God bless you and America thank for you amazing honorable service 🇺🇸
Jade Alyx oh stfu screw that they deserve more then thanks! They were set up by their own government on a suicidal mission! In the end charge their captain with false charges!! Save the Bs that flag flys low for the people who took part in that! They had no chance of survival! Bs
@@hermanhester9841 But thank God that bomb was delivered safely! Imagine the catastrophic effect a failure of that mission would have had on Hiroshimas tourism business over the past 60 or so years! Sometimes we must accept minor sacrifices as necessairy bumps in the road to success, right? Not everyone can be a winner and some people make bad choices. Going aboard that ship obviously was one of them.That free ride at the taxpayers expense via the military sometimes leads to shitty places. Some people will only learn their lesson the hard way.
after so many years he still remembers every detail.....jeezus he must have been thinking about it for 60 years...makes me want to cry....he cared so much about his brothers
The brain is like a recorder most things are remembered forever
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE SIR
As a USMC Veteran, I wasn't even aware of this Man and his fellow Marines, or their involvement with the sinking of the Indy.
Amazing what merely scrolling around EweTube can bring!
R.I.P. Sgt.! You were indeed part of the 'Greatest Generation!'
That’s what a hero looks like. I hope he found happiness and is still enjoying life. I thank him for serving our county.
God bless you sir! Your a true hero! I'm so glad you had a long life with your gal! I'm a navy vet but didn't even come close to what you did! Your generation gave us freedom! 🇺🇸
What a privilege to listen to this Marine. No one can imagine what he and his shipmates have been through. God bless you sir.
I just love this man so much. He tells the story so well. "God bless you sir, thank you for your bravery and service for our country. I am SO SORRY for that HORRIBLE nightmare you and your buddies had to live through." ❤🇺🇸❤🇺🇸
this woman sounds so cold. there is no empathy in her voice or questions. this is such a brave man!
He's 94. She probably knows him more than you do. When I talk to my grandpa, I have to speak clearly (not loudly) or else it'll be a long conversation
@@isa9ja what does this have to do with „she knows him more than i do“? just because i dont know him i can not have an opinion on that interview? i watched it again. and it sounds like she rushed through the questions, reading of a piece of paper. i just think she could have a little more compasion and empathy 🤷🏼♀️ you can speak loud and clear and still have a little more empathy. sorry, its my opinion that she sounded not really warm and welcoming 🤷🏼♀️
Edgar -- you and your shipmates will never be forgotten! "The Lord will descend with a shout ... and the sea shall give up her dead."
Great story and truly amazing recall at 94 years old. God bless him and all the young men who serve our country
Lord so neat he was able to tell his story at 94 years, we lose so much of history when we lose our older people. They are a wealth of historical knowledge.
He’s so humble smiling for all he has endured
My great grandfather went down with 3 navy war ships when they were bombed in ww2 and survived all 3 sinkings
I saw and talked with you in a gun shop in DC, sir. You told me that why the ship went down so fast was because it was a hot day and the doors were all open due to no air conditioning. I was in the Air Force at the time. I salute you, sir.
@@richardsmith1331 are you a ww2 veteran ?
@@chloekit4861 No, Ma,am. I'm a Viet Nam vet, I served in the Presidential Honor Guard Drill Team. My dad was a WWII Army Ranger.
@@chloekit4861 No sir. Viet Nam is where was
After NAM, I was on White House duty.
Chloe remind me to never get on a boat with your great grandfather!
Amazing story. Thank you for your service.
What a lovely gentleman. So glad he survived, what a horrific time for him & an everlasting sad memory. God bless you sir.
Horrifying. What a story and what a man! So much respect for his generation. My grandpa served in ww2 in the Navy and he just turned 103 so he must have been a bit older I never asked him about the war but I should.
Gut wrenching story.... I can't imagine. God bless all those boys.
El Miguel ...
Have you read the book/audiobook of “In Harm’s Way,” by Doug Stanton?? If you haven’t, I guarantee you’ll feel lucky to have found such a great, highly detailed look into the entire event. 👍
@@ajconstantine3593 no I haven't, but I certainly will. Thank you AJ
Thank you for your service.
God bless that man , a true American hero
Wow, he's an incredible man, love these veterans!
Total respect Sir. Thank you for your service.
God bless you Sergeant!!! You truly are a hero!!! Thank you for your service and thanks to you for allowing me to grow up in a free country!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
” Were you afraid of the sharks? “
Really?
Hi
Yeah thats was a not so smart question. There were a few of those. She also tried to rush through the interview.
It's a woman asking......no comprehension of real pressure or strife.
@@rpmcmurphy214 Her pressure .. 'making news'.
I mean they could have been some that weren’t scared of the sharks I mean they were Marines
All my respect Sir
In my wildest mind, I can't imagine the terror they endured!!
That right there is a real man. I aspire to have a fraction of his level of character and bravery.
Wherever you are, thank you for your service and your story.
God Bless all that have fought and died for our country I sure hope when I am 94 I am Blessed as Sgt. Edgar. Thank You for everything....
ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. WHAT A MAN.
This man is a true American hero, no other generation will ever match their commitment to our country. God Bless this man!🇺🇲
We're all just passing through. No matter the age, or how you go, none of us are getting out of here alive. Just hope its fast!
Fucxin awesome how he's still able hold a conversation..
Just because he's an old man doesn't mean they go brain dead lol
I was born in ‘70 and I never knew my grandparents. I always wish I had a papa to tell me stories and guide me through life. It’s one of my biggest regrets in life.
These brave men make me feel so proud of - Thank you!
Thank you Edgar for telling us your story. First hand account of what happened. Home of the brave. Can't imagine this day.Thank you.
What an incredible story. Thank you for your service SIR! If anyone ever deserved to be at rest in peace, it is you.
Bless all those men who survived and those who didn't
This is the most encouraging story i ever heard...I salute you sir!
Thank you, sir, for your service to our country! May God bless you now and forever!
Thank you for your selfless service. Our Country is indebted you, and may God Bless you!
You are a hero! Thank you for your service and for sharing your story!
Semper Fi Sgt! We learned about the USS Indianapolis in boot camp. I can't imagine the horror you guys lived through!
7:00 omg how romantic! What a sweetheart.
Wow, what a tale of survival!
A true hero, and survivor!
He knew that there "was a certain brunette waiting for him and the were married for 71 years"
Beautiful!
**UPDATE**** I just saw an article about Sgt. Edgar Harrell. He passed away at the age of 96. May he rest in peace. :(
Thank you for your service and God bless you sir
Thank you for your story we appreciate it so much
I like his attitude. This is service worth honoring.
Thank you so much for your service sir !
Amazing man, story