I have seen the movie 'Jaws' probably 200 times and I can quote Quint's version of the story word for word. I don't know why I never researched the Indianapolis until today. It is very close to Quint's version. I can't come close to imagining what these heroes went through. It is truly anyone's worst nightmare. I can't put my gratitude in words to all 1100+ and their families. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! After reading the story, it is my opinion that the men who concealed the information and court marshalled the captain deserve to rot in hell. They had radio intel from the Japanese sub that the ship had been hit and they kept quiet?! That is the most unbelievable story I have ever heard. To deliberatly allow those poor sailors to live that nightmare for 4 days is inexcusable. I'm sure the ones who made those decisions are dead by now. If any of them are still alive, they deserve to be dropped into the middle of the ocean and left there. I was just so touched and angered by this story, I had to do something to get this off my chest. Again, for the crew and their families, I can't tell you how much I appreciate their service and bravery. I am an avid sports fan and I have always worshipped Bear Bryant. But these sailors are TRULY my new heroes. Thanks again and God Bless.

Thank you. That means alot to the men and their families! On behalf of my father, I appreciate your kind words.

Hey Rolltide. you'll be glad to know I know of ONE Alabama fan that was an Indy survivor...my Dad.  He was born and raised in Abbeville, AL., and entered the US Navy V-12 program from the recruiting center in Dothan in early 1944.  After he and his classmates purposely flunked out of the 1 year aviator training program because they heard the war might end before they graduated, they went in enlisted.  Dad entered radio school and graduated, then was assigned his first ship...the 5th Fleet Flagship of Admiral Spruance...the USS Indianapolis.  You know the story from there, however what you might want to know is that he didn't give up on the Navy...he re-entered in 1950 to go to Korea, and later served in Vietnam as well.  Jim Belcher retired as a Chief Petty Officer in July 1969.  A little known fact I learned last year...8 years after my Dad passed away in May 2001...there were two boys from Abbeville on the Indy when it sank on July 30, 1945...George Strickland did not survive the ordeal, and according to my mother, Dad never really forgave himself for that.  Also from Alabama on the Indy were Woody James (who later settled in Utah. and is now deceased) and moving to Mobile was Maurice Bell, who has since passed.  I cannot speak to the love for Alabama football of the others, but my Dad was THE FAN of Alabama football...to the tune of having a nephew and niece who are Tide grads...(we won't speak about the other two nephews who are Auburn Tiger grads...lol).  Anyway, because of him, we are all Alabama fans for life, too!  Take care, and God bless.