I AM THE GRANDSON OF RUSSELL LEE BRANDT, HE WAS A SURVIVOR OF THE INDY TRADGEDY. MY NAME IS RUSSELL THOMAS BRANDT BUT MY GRANDFATHER ALWAYS CALLED ME JACK. MY GRANDFATHER IS NO LONGER WITH US HERE ON EARTH BUT HE WILL NEVER BE FAR FROM MY HEART. I HAVE MANY GREAT MEMORIES OF MY GRANDFATHER, HE WAS A GREAT MAN, MORE THAN I CAN EVER HOPE TO BE. EVEN THOUGH WE SHARED ALOT OF TIME TOGETHER, AND WITH ALL THE STORIES HE WOULD TELL ME ABOUT HIS YOUTH GROWING UP IN CENTRAL ILL. HOW HE MET MY GRANDMOTHER ETC. HE NEVER EVER BREATHED A WORD ABOUT THE INDY. I MISS MY GRAND FATHER SOMTHING TERRIBLE, AND NOW WITH MORE MEDIA COVERAGE , AND MORE BOOKS BEING WRITTEN ABOUT THE INDY I AM STARTING TO COMPREHEND WHAT THOSE MEN AND MY GRANDFATHER REALLY HAD TO ENDURE. WITH THAT SAID I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO KNOW MUCH MORE, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ANY STORIES ANYONE MIGHT HAVE ABOUT MY GRANDFATHER OR ANY STORIES THAT RELATE TO THE INDY TRADGEDY. THE BOTTOM LINE IS THERE IS AN EMPTY CHAPTER IN THE MEMORY OF MY GRANDFATHER THAT IWOULD LIKE TO FILL...
SurvivorsDaughter said
Aug 18, 2007
Jack,
Thanks so much for joining the USS Indianapolis Board! What might interest you is the books Only 317 Survived. It was written BY the survivors. It is a compilation of many (over 100, I believe) individual essays. The copyright of the book is held by the USS Indianapolis Survivors Organizaiton and is all proceeds go to the Organization and the men that submitted their essays. It is an incredible book. Perhaps this would give you some more insight into what your grandfather experienced.
To purchase the book, email Survivor Mike Kuryla at IndyGrambo@gmail.com, or send a check for $35 ($30 book + $5 s/h) to Mike at USS Indianapolis Survivors Organization Book Order c/o Mike Muryla 1811 Rizzi Lane, Bartlett Illinois 60103. You won't be sorry you ordered it - and perhaps Mike will even autograph a copy for you if you'd like.
Take care, and please stay involved with the USS Indianapolis Second Watch Organization. We are a group of children, grandchildren, family, friends, etc that are committed to preserving the memory of the USS Indianapolis and her final sailing crew for many generations to come. For more information about this, go to the Second Watch link on the main page of this website and complete your application form for membership.
Patty said
Aug 21, 2007
Hi, I am the granddaughter of Delbert Dufraine, he died on the Indy. I have a book called "In Harm's Way" it was written by Doug Stanton. I really enjoyed reading it.I usually don't have time to read a lot of books, but I found myself making time to read this one, staying up half the night to finish it.
ReNEWIndiana said
Apr 28, 2008
Hello Jack. Can you come to the reunion this summer ? You will hear many stories and you may meet someone who knew your Dad.
combatmedicc said
Jun 28, 2008
Dear Jack, None of us will ever understand what your Grandfather and his fellow shipmates went through in those horrible days they spent in the ocean hoping for rescue. As a Medic in Vietnam, I still remember those brave souls who I could not save and finally had a thought that brought me some peace of mind that I respectfully want to share with you. Your Grandfather is with God and his shipmates, and will never feel pain or suffering again. He has crossed the Veterans Bridge.
THE VETERAN'S BRIDGEJust this side of heaven is a place called The VETERAN'S BRIDGE.When a soldier dies that has been especially close to someone here on earth, that person goes to the VETERAN'S BRIDGE.There a meadows, woods, lakes and oceans for our special friends to enjoy, there is always plenty of food, water and sunshine.Our friends are always warm and comfortable.All soldiers that had been ill or old are restored to good health.Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them.The soldiers are happy and content, except for one thing, they miss their loved ones left behind.They all enjoy their days at the VETERAN'S BRIDGE, but the day comes when one soldier stops and looks off in the distance.With eyes intent, a soldier breaks from the group, and starts to run over the grass, faster and faster. Oh yes, you've been spotted, and when you and your friend finally meet, you cling to each other in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.You salute each other, shake hands, and look once more into trusting eyes so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. Then you cross over the VETERAN'S BRIDGE together.Based on "THE RAINBOW BRIDGE"- Author Unknown
Thanks so much for joining the USS Indianapolis Board! What might interest you is the books Only 317 Survived. It was written BY the survivors. It is a compilation of many (over 100, I believe) individual essays. The copyright of the book is held by the USS Indianapolis Survivors Organizaiton and is all proceeds go to the Organization and the men that submitted their essays. It is an incredible book. Perhaps this would give you some more insight into what your grandfather experienced.
To purchase the book, email Survivor Mike Kuryla at IndyGrambo@gmail.com, or send a check for $35 ($30 book + $5 s/h) to Mike at USS Indianapolis Survivors Organization Book Order c/o Mike Muryla 1811 Rizzi Lane, Bartlett Illinois 60103. You won't be sorry you ordered it - and perhaps Mike will even autograph a copy for you if you'd like.
Take care, and please stay involved with the USS Indianapolis Second Watch Organization. We are a group of children, grandchildren, family, friends, etc that are committed to preserving the memory of the USS Indianapolis and her final sailing crew for many generations to come. For more information about this, go to the Second Watch link on the main page of this website and complete your application form for membership.
None of us will ever understand what your Grandfather and his fellow shipmates went through in those horrible days they spent in the ocean hoping for rescue.
As a Medic in Vietnam, I still remember those brave souls who I could not save and finally had a thought that brought me some peace of mind that I respectfully want to share with you.
Your Grandfather is with God and his shipmates, and will never feel pain or suffering again. He has crossed the Veterans Bridge.
THE VETERAN'S BRIDGE Just this side of heaven is a place called The VETERAN'S BRIDGE. When a soldier dies that has been especially close to someone here on earth, that person goes to the VETERAN'S BRIDGE. There a meadows, woods, lakes and oceans for our special friends to enjoy, there is always plenty of food, water and sunshine. Our friends are always warm and comfortable. All soldiers that had been ill or old are restored to good health. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them. The soldiers are happy and content, except for one thing, they miss their loved ones left behind. They all enjoy their days at the VETERAN'S BRIDGE, but the day comes when one soldier stops and looks off in the distance. With eyes intent, a soldier breaks from the group, and starts to run over the grass, faster and faster. Oh yes, you've been spotted, and when you and your friend finally meet, you cling to each other in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. You salute each other, shake hands, and look once more into trusting eyes so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. Then you cross over the VETERAN'S BRIDGE together. Based on "THE RAINBOW BRIDGE"- Author Unknown