In Harm's Way

A horrifying account of what happened before and after the sinking of the USS Indianapolis in the waning days of the war. I’ve read quite a few books about WWII but none as gripping as this. It is well researched well written and contains accounts from survivors of that awful event and it’s aftermath. I read it upon its publication many years ago and the deaths of those young men still haunt me. Read it!

Anyone who reads this will cry and have more gratitude for all who serve to protect the freedoms of our United States.

As a teenager, I had never even considered the fact of joining the military. Everything about it scared me. Being shot, being bombed, being sunk on a ship. All those were true fears of mine. One weekend, at a party; talking to a army veteran, I made a rather impulsive decision and by the end of that week, I was making dates to go to MEPS with the US Navy. Events like the ones that occurred in this tragic disaster always were in the back of my mind. But they all seem like silly things that never had happened before. I didn’t hear about the Indianapolis story until boot camp. It terrified me about what I had signed up for, and never really went further into wanting to know about it. What convinced me to read this book was the incredible peers I worked under. The family of brothers and sisters I had never met before but who I would give my life for if need be. My first DIVO was a Purple Heart recipient because he was in the USS Cole attack. The stories and inspiration that, now retired LTCDR Bloodsaw, gave me where where I truly felt now as part of the ranks. Every tragic event involving the US Navy now felt personal. This book highlights the team and strength that we embody, and although extremely unfortunate, it’s something that we learned from hopefully. I just can’t say how amazing this book is and how it made me feel more pride and willingness to do more to fight the fight for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice before us. Hooyah US Navy, may god have those sounds of my shipmates by his side and may god bless those still alive and may god bless the United States Navy. -JEV

Chilling book. Sometimes you forget to breathe. Its like watching a train wreck in slow motion. Literally.

These men had it. Bravery and determination in the worst situation imaginable. It's hard to put into words the experience these men went through, but the author definitely did exactly that. A well told and riveting story to be sure.

Best story ever told. Sad, inspirational, vivid, truly a work at literature from the most epic experience a human being could encounter. Bravery, honor and the ultimate sacrifice for liberty. Thank you. Forever my heroes.