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Indianapolis: The True Story of the Worst Sea Disaster in U.S. Naval History and the Fifty-Year Fight to Exonerate an Innocent Man Kindle Edition

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 3,327 ratings

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * “GRIPPING…THIS YARN HAS IT ALL.” —USA TODAY * “A WONDERFUL BOOK.” —The Christian Science Monitor * “ENTHRALLING.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) * “A MUST-READ.” —Booklist (starred review)

A human drama unlike any other—the riveting and definitive full story of the worst sea disaster in United States naval history.

Just after midnight on July 30, 1945, the USS
Indianapolis is sailing alone in the Philippine Sea when she is sunk by two Japanese torpedoes. For the next five nights and four days, almost three hundred miles from the nearest land, nearly nine hundred men battle injuries, sharks, dehydration, insanity, and eventually each other. Only 316 will survive.

For the first time Lynn Vincent and Sara Vladic tell the complete story of the ship, her crew, and their final mission to save one of their own in “a wonderful book…that features grievous mistakes, extraordinary courage, unimaginable horror, and a cover-up…as complete an account of this tragic tale as we are likely to have” (
The Christian Science Monitor). It begins in 1932, when Indianapolis is christened and continues through World War II, when the ship embarks on her final world-changing mission: delivering the core of the atomic bomb to the Pacific for the strike on Hiroshima.

“Simply outstanding…
Indianapolis is a must-read…a tour de force of true human drama” (Booklist, starred review) that goes beyond the men’s rescue to chronicle the survivors’ fifty-year fight for justice on behalf of their skipper, Captain Charles McVay III, who is wrongly court-martialed for the sinking. “Enthralling…A gripping study of the greatest sea disaster in the history of the US Navy and its aftermath” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review), Indianapolis stands as both groundbreaking naval history and spellbinding narrative—and brings the ship and her heroic crew back to full, vivid, unforgettable life. “Vincent and Vladic have delivered an account that stands out through its crisp writing and superb research…Indianapolis is sure to hold its own for a long time” (USA TODAY).
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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

An Amazon Best Book of July 2018: As anyone who's ever watched Jaws remembers, many of the Indianapolis's sailors were eaten by sharks in the four days before they were discovered adrift in the Pacific during World War II. While the horrifying shark scenes will spark many readers to pick up the book, the rest of the Indianapolis's story is equally as tense, from its top-secret mission to deliver materials for the first atomic bomb dropped on Japan, to the sailors' frantic attempts to get out a distress call after they were torpedoed at night, to the court-martial of the captain—a court-martial that his crew fought against even after McVay's suicide. The clear, tight scenes brim with first-person details, and seasoned author Lynn Vincent and documentary filmmaker Sara Vladic include not only the expected tales of heroism under duress but the just-as-human stories of willpower bending and sanity breaking. This is history writing at its finest, shining a spotlight on a wartime tragedy that still echoes within the survivors and the Navy today. —Adrian Liang, Amazon Book Review

Review

“A wonderful book . . . Thanks to Indianapolis, we now have a complete and accessible story of this saga. It is a gripping and engaging tale that features grievous mistakes, extraordinary courage, unimaginable horror, and a cover-up. . . . Vincent and Vladic spent years talking to the dwindling band of survivors and giving voice to their stories. . . . This exhaustive and comprehensive assessment is as complete an account of this tragic tale as we are likely to have. It is compelling history.”
Christian Science Monitor

“Sharks, torpedoes, deadly secrets . . . In
Indianapolis, Lynn Vincent and Sara Vladic expose what really happened that day in 1945 when a Japanese submarine torpedoed the Navy cruiser.”
New York Times Book Review

“Gripping . . . This yarn has it all . . . Stories of courage, cowardice, and sharks—lots of sharks . . . The disaster has been the subject of numerous books . . . [and] you wouldn’t think there would be much left to say. But, as it turns out, there is. Vincent and Vladic have delivered an account that stands out through its crisp writing and superb research.
Indianapolis also goes where past books haven’t, to the full story behind the decades-long movement to clear the captain’s besmirched name. . . . Somehow, Vincent and Vladic manage to weave the story of the fateful voyage with events occurring fifty-five or more years later, making for taut action throughout the book. Is this the definitive and final narrative of the Navy’s worst sea disaster? Indianapolis is sure to hold its own for a long time.”
USA Today

“Vividly detailed . . . In a brisk, fact-based narrative,
Indianapolis mixes horror and scandal. . . . With diligent reporting and sharp writing, Lynn Vincent and Sara Vladic have accomplished a daunting chore facing writers of historic nonfiction: take a story whose outline is known to the public and craft an account that is compelling yet comprehensive.”
Los Angeles Times

“Enthralling . . . Meticulously researched . . . A gripping study of the greatest sea disaster in the history of the U.S. Navy and its aftermath.”
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Simply outstanding . . .
Indianapolis is a must-read . . . Sea battles, adventures, the secret mission to deliver materials for the assemblage of the atomic bomb to the Pacific Islands, tragedy, disaster, an epic ordeal—sharks included—in the open ocean, courtroom drama, political intrigue, and the uphill battle by the band of survivors to exonerate the ship’s captain will all have readers unable to put this book down. . . . Vincent and Vladic have produced a tour de force of true human drama.”
Booklist (starred review)

“The story of USS
Indianapolis is movingly and vividly captured in this visceral account, the result of more than a decade’s research and interviews conducted by its authors. . . . This is an eye-popping book, with as many twists and turns as an airport thriller. . . . Vincent and Vladic’s extraordinary book morphs from high seas adventure to courtroom drama and congressional hearing. . . . It is a work of serious naval history and a detective story, told with passion.”
The Times (London)

“Haunting . . . Lynn Vincent and Sara Vladic do a fabulous job of bringing this tragedy to life and setting it in its proper context.”
Christian Science Monitor

“Chilling . . . The facts are more horrible than fiction.”
New York Daily News

Indianapolis is a gripping and emotional read. You may know part of the story from the famous speech in Jaws, but this book goes far beyond that. The product of extraordinary research, it is a brilliant, stunning, and stirring book.”
—Don Winslow, author of The Force and The Cartel

“It was the worst sea disaster in U.S. naval history and
Indianapolis, by Lynn Vincent and Sara Vladic, tells the grisly story without flinching. Their tale has almost everything. There’s a secret mission, an honorable enemy and a scapegoated captain. There’s madmen, heroes and cannibals. There’s enough in this tale for several movies.”
San Diego Union-Tribune

“Simultaneously a gripping narrative, a convincing analysis, and a pitiless exposure of institutional mendacity . . . The systemic oversights and misjudgments that enabled this tragedy remained obscure until this investigation, which drew upon new sources clarifying how the file was amended. This exposé will be valuable for scholars and general readers alike.”
Publishers Weekly

“Valuable and illuminating. Vladic and Vincent’s work brings to life the history of this valorous and extraordinary ship.”
—Doug Stanton, # 1 New York Times bestselling author of In Harm’s Way and The Odyssey of Echo Company

“Our hearts quickened while racing through this page-turning book. You may think you know the story of the worst seafaring disaster in the history of the United States Navy. You would be wrong. As Lynn Vincent and Sara Vladic’s propulsive narrative segues from wartime action-adventure to riveting courtroom drama, their newly unearthed mountain of details encompassing this tragedy and its shape-shifting aftermath will not only enhance your understanding of the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of the American sailors so evocatively portrayed in
Indianapolis, but shine a light on their dogged pursuit of truth and justice. It is astonishingly rare when such a significant work of history also brings tears to your eyes. Vincent and Vladic’s ultimate tale of redemption accomplishes just that feat.”
—Bob Drury and Tom Clavin, #1 New York Times bestselling coauthors of Halsey’s Typhoon, The Heart of Everything That Is, and Valley Forge

“Vincent and Vladic have rendered this long-overdue story in a way few writers of narrative nonfiction could ever achieve. They are consummate storytellers, and their research is impeccable, including accounts not only from the sailors and officers who survived, but also from the Japanese kamikaze and submarine commanders who were there. The authors reveal all that is good and all that is bad about humanity: the destruction and the courage, the selfishness and selflessness, and ultimately the shared respect and dignity of those who were once enemies. Few other books will satisfy a reader’s longing for a true and truly great story more than
Indianapolis.”
—Gary Kinder, New York Times bestselling author of Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea

“This is an absorbing book. The attention to detail is superb, the clear result of lots of plain hard work. Yet the detail doesn’t get in the way, but rather serves, along with a driving narrative, to get the reader as close to experiencing this most tragic episode of World War II as is possible without living through it.”
—Karl Marlantes, New York Times bestselling author of Matterhorn

“The voices of the Greatest Generation come alive in
Indianapolis. Through first-person accounts we hear horrific stories of fear, pain, and anger but also of resilience, hope, and courage. Stories of the friendships the sailors forged with each other on board and the sacrifices they made for each other in their darkest hours are inspirational. Ultimately, Indianapolis is about the sacrifice these men made for our country at a time of unparalleled risk and of their lifelong search for justice for the captain of their ship. It’s a beautifully told and incredibly detailed narrative that brings this famous disaster to life.”
—Kate Andersen Brower, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Residence and First Women

“This is a brilliant, highly readable, and ultimately groundbreaking account of a proud ship’s life and times, not simply a rendering of her tragic ending. Absolutely superb.”
—James Stavridis, U.S. Navy Admiral (Ret.), Supreme Allied Commander at NATO (2009-2013), and Dean of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B078MFB5BH
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster; Reprint edition (July 10, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 10, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 89291 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 852 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 3,327 ratings

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4.7 out of 5 stars
3,327 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book compelling and well-researched. They praise the writing quality as excellent and easy to read. The history is praised as noble and important. Readers describe the emotional content as heartbreaking, profound, and compassionate. The storyline is described as a true tale of heroism, mystery, sacrifice, tragedy, and adversity.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

401 customers mention "Story quality"401 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging. They praise the authors' skill in telling the story. The book covers decades and is a good read, with an amazing human drama told on multiple fronts on both sides of the war.

"...and publisher of this book for providing such a complete, compelling account...." Read more

"Indianapolis is a terrific tome on the final voyage of the cruiser Indianapolis towards the end of WW 2...." Read more

"The book is excellent reading. For anyone that likes the Navy. Plus the historical significance of the USS Indianapolis...." Read more

"...It's a great read. If you like History, specifically WWII you'll greatly enjoy this book!" Read more

168 customers mention "Research quality"168 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's research quality. They find it well-researched, detailed, and informative. The authors did an excellent job researching historical records and providing extensive citations. Overall, readers find the book comprehensive and well-written.

"...this happen. The authors have done an excellent job in researching extensive historical records...." Read more

"...and Sara Vladic have put together a well-written, unputdownable account of the USS Indianapolis, her last voyage, the sinking of ship, the incredible..." Read more

"...It is rare to find a book so well researched and presented...." Read more

"An excellent book on the Indianapolis, Flagship of the 5th Fleet, the ship that delivered to Guam the first atomic bomb which leveled Hiroshima...." Read more

168 customers mention "Writing quality"142 positive26 negative

Customers find the book well-written and easy to read. They appreciate the clear, emotional events and vivid imagination. The text is free of editorializing, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. Readers also mention the depth of research and vivid storytelling.

"...Lynn Vincent and Sara Vladic have put together a well-written, unputdownable account of the USS Indianapolis, her last voyage, the sinking of ship,..." Read more

"...Especially for anyone who has been in the military. The book is well written. With quite a few exact happenings. I highly recommend this...." Read more

"...The writing is revetting and grabs you by the throat in this section in particular...." Read more

"...The authors do an excellent job of describing the entire career of the Indianapolis; from being FDR's preferred ship of state to the devastating..." Read more

150 customers mention "History"138 positive12 negative

Customers appreciate the book's history. They find it a compelling and important read for those interested in naval history. The story of the sinking and fight for survival is authentic and real. Readers also appreciate the stories of survivors, their courage, and the adversity they had to overcome. Overall, the book serves as an important lesson in our history, and it should be remembered.

"...Reading this is an emotional, agonizing and inspirational experience...." Read more

"...and her crew is one that deserves to be told, honored, and remembered." Read more

"...For anyone that likes the Navy. Plus the historical significance of the USS Indianapolis. I previously knew about the ship. I'm somewhat related...." Read more

"...Most certainly is it the non-fiction book of the year, or perhaps of the past decade and ranks in the top of written histories of the war in the..." Read more

58 customers mention "Emotional content"52 positive6 negative

Customers find the book moving and emotional. They describe it as a profound story of war told with compassion and concern. The book touches readers' hearts with its depiction of heroism, tragedy, and triumph.

"...Reading this is an emotional, agonizing and inspirational experience...." Read more

"...This is a book that will make you sob hysterically, copious amounts of tears that will come so hard and fast you won't be able to see the page in..." Read more

"...n't the book for them, but if you want a complete story, told with compassion and concern with achieving some level of closure, which I think is..." Read more

"...- the full spectrum of heroism, cowardice, survival, madness, and tragedy...." Read more

52 customers mention "Storyline"52 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline. They find it a true tale of heroism, mystery, sacrifice, tragedy, scandal, and courage. The book is described as an incredible survival story about overcoming adversity. Readers appreciate the bravery, tenacity, and refusal of survivors to give up. They are inspired by the devotion to the sailors and the integrity of the Japanese sub commander.

"...the events of the sinking and the days that followed - the full spectrum of heroism, cowardice, survival, madness, and tragedy...." Read more

"...A must read for those wanting to experience the bravery and heroism in World War II...." Read more

"...the wildly capricious nature of chance in wartime and the refusal of survivors to give up, both at the time of the disaster and fifty years later...." Read more

"...I am so glad I read this compelling account of incredible courage and perseverance...." Read more

38 customers mention "Visual style"35 positive3 negative

Customers find the book visually appealing and engaging. They appreciate its narrative style that draws them into the real lives of the men involved in the disaster. The book provides excellent details about how the survivors fought to clear the area, as well as remarkable views and perspectives from both sides.

"...NetGalley, but knew within just a few pages of this beautifully written non-fiction account of the USS Indianapolis's history that I HAD to own a..." Read more

"...Admittedly, however, some are fascinating! Pictures are great too. Don't miss this one." Read more

"...allowed for frequent reflections on what was written, as well as visualizing scenes...." Read more

"...and struggle in the water are accurately brought to life in a vivid manner...." Read more

36 customers mention "Pacing"30 positive6 negative

Customers find the book's pacing engaging. They appreciate the individual interviews with survivors and the details of survival and rescue. The book covers the disaster itself, the subsequent history, and the military trial that followed.

"...her last voyage, the sinking of ship, the incredible, harrowing experiences of the survivors and the unthinkable moments of those who lost their..." Read more

"There are some good elements to this book. The authors make extensive use of interviews and primary and secondary source material to give a robust..." Read more

"...not in destructive riots, but to defend their beloved country is profoundly moving...." Read more

"...It is a true tale of heroism, mystery, sacrifice, tragedy, scandal, and victory spanning nearly three quarters of a century...." Read more

Local born seaman who lost his life on the USS indianapolis
5 out of 5 stars
Local born seaman who lost his life on the USS indianapolis
Learning the history of this event.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2018
    The story opens on March 18, 1945 when the heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis (CA-35) is battling attacks by a Japanese dive bomber. The ship is in a convoy with sixteen aircraft carriers. The Indianapolis had recently supported the Marines’ invasion of Iwo Jima and would soon participate in the battle to capture Okinawa. Only thirteen days later, while supporting that battle, the ship would be severely damaged during a kamikaze attack. The damage was so great that it would require extensive repairs back at Mare Island, California.
    On July 16, 1945, with the Indianapolis now deemed fit for sea duty she heads back into the Pacific at flank speed. This time the ship is carrying a mysterious package, a large box that is guarded continually by Marines. On July 26, Indianapolis made Tinian Island and the contents of the mysterious cargo box, two large metal canisters, were unloaded and taken ashore. One of the ship’s crew, a sailor who had read Time magazine, knew the canisters contained radioactive material. Indeeed, they held components for the atomic bombs to be later dropped on Japan.
    Indianapolis had been ordered to return to Leyte in the Philippines. The next chapters describing the ship’s passage, without an escort, are filled with tension and fear. The authors switch us back and forth as she is tracked by the Japanese submarine I58 commanded by Captain Hashimoto. At midnight on July 30, Hashimoto found the Indianapolis and fired six torpedoes, the first striking the bow. The scenes which follow are painful to read as men are burned or drowned while fighting to save the ship. Captain McVay finally gives the order to abandon ship.
    Members of the Annapolis are struggling to stay alive in a dark and dangerous ocean. Reading this is an emotional, agonizing and inspirational experience. There are many instances of heroism as stricken individuals help each other try to survive. An aircraft spots the resulting oil slick and several bobbing live rafts so the search continues. Many rescue ships are quickly dispatched to the scene along with several aircraft. Of the twelve hundred on the ship, some 900 would make it into the water while about 300 went down with the ship. Only 316 would finally survive, including the skipper Captain McVay. But that’s not the end of the story by any means. Navy brass would want to know what the hell happened out there.
    The entire matter was eventually referred to a general court-martial, the most serious of judicial procedures in the armed forces. Even Captain Hashimoto was brought to the U. S. to testify at Captain McVay’s trial but his remarks seemed to have little effect. McVay was found guilty of failing to zig zag, and lost two hundred numbers in the lineal list of seniority. He eventually retired from the Navy and received a “tombstone promotion” to Rear Admiral.
    But this is not the end of the story. A teen age school boy, Hunter Scott, began a project to investigate the sinking of the Indianapolis and it soon took on a life of its own. Commander Bill Toti, who had been the skipper of the nuclear submarine by the same name, helped the growing surge to exonerate Captain McVay and managed to get the attention of Senator John Warner. Thanks to the combined efforts of these three individuals along with many others, fighting the Navy’s top brass all the way, Captain McVay was fully exonerated. Sadly, McVay did not live to see this happen.
    The authors have done an excellent job in researching extensive historical records. Many diagrams and photographs are provided along with a lot of other relevant supporting material.
    13 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2018
    How do you review a book like this? Where do you even begin? I originally received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, but knew within just a few pages of this beautifully written non-fiction account of the USS Indianapolis's history that I HAD to own a finished copy. I was unable to finish my ARC before the publication date, but the week it was published, I bought my hard copy. Let me say that the physical book itself is just as gorgeous as the prose within.

    Lynn Vincent and Sara Vladic have put together a well-written, unputdownable account of the USS Indianapolis, her last voyage, the sinking of ship, the incredible, harrowing experiences of the survivors and the unthinkable moments of those who lost their lives, as well as the court-martial of Indy's captain, and his eventual exoneration. This is a book that will make you sob hysterically, copious amounts of tears that will come so hard and fast you won't be able to see the page in front of you. It will make you gasp in horror, shake with rage and indignation, and give you immense joy and comfort.

    Embarrassingly, I knew NOTHING of the USS Indianapolis before I picked up this book on NetGalley. I am heartily ashamed of the gap in my education. I am beyond grateful to NetGalley and to the authors and publisher of this book for providing such a complete, compelling account. Whether you know a lot about US Naval History or you know nothing, please, I beg you...get your hands on a copy of this book. The saga of the USS Indianapolis and her crew is one that deserves to be told, honored, and remembered.
    133 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2019
    Indianapolis is a terrific tome on the final voyage of the cruiser Indianapolis towards the end of WW 2. It is rare to find a book so well researched and presented. Although this is a strength it also comes across as boring or tedious at times as it is apparent that the authors intended to include everything they've learned about the fate of the ship in a single volume. Eventually you find yourself skipping over many of the incidents after the ship has sunk. Admittedly, however, some are fascinating! Pictures are great too. Don't miss this one.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Sheila M. Obst
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read...
    Reviewed in Canada on May 16, 2021
    I gifted this to my Friend who was the one telling me the .unknown story ...to me! He has been reading non stop...so very impressed by the detail and drama of the trial ... etc!

    Top honours!!!
  • Rackman
    5.0 out of 5 stars A genuinely well-written and accurate account.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 15, 2021
    This is a genuinely well-written and historically researched book, and one which should be among the definitive texts on the subject. Drawing on the usual historical sources it also brings in contemporary survivor stories, the efforts of the Indianapolis captain's modern day counterpart and latter day Congressmen to clear the record of one of the most ignominious events in the Navy's history.

    It fills out the story of a proud ship with an illustrious history, beloved of President Franklin Roosevelt and Fifth Fleet commanding admiral Raymond Spruance, skips over the atom bomb mission and concentrates instead on the events following the torpedoing of the doomed ship. Bungling by the Navy, compounded by petty, easily misinterpreted orders of the day regarding signals, ensured that when 900 men entered the water when Indy sank, they'd been effectively abandoned. The stories of the nights and days adrift are harrowingly told, as they should be, and pull no punches.

    The remainder of the book, following the sometimes heroic, sometimes traffic rescue, focuses on the Navy's response and obvious cover-up of the tragedy. The days following VJ-Day were meant to be ones of hubris, not recriminations, so the Navy went all out to squash the Indianapolis story quickly, pinning an easy blame on an already broken Captain McVay.

    I was surprised on reading the afterword to find the authors are seriously enthusiastic Christians - I would have expected a very different emphasis but they succeed in sticking to the facts and not embellishing or slanting the narrative as I might have expected, so my bad and more respect to them.

    This is a book I thoroughly recommend to anyone with an interest in the era, the Navy and even the movie Jaws. It won't disappoint!
  • deba
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great writing with reference to minute details
    Reviewed in India on August 4, 2019
    A book which grasps your attention on every page and keeps you wanting to turn pages
  • Mr. D.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you.
    Reviewed in Germany on June 21, 2019
    Thank you.
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Grpiping until the end
    Reviewed in Australia on July 6, 2019
    Well written. .personal reading

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