Take a Look Back At the Tragedy of the USS Indianapolis -- New Book Reveals What Happened and Who Survived During the Dark Day of World War II

RICHMOND, Va., June 17, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Over sixty years have passed since the USS Indianapolis was lost in the Philippine Sea. Due to the notorious circumstances of its demise, the Indianapolis holds a place in every history book. Having witnessed and survived the tragedy himself, Lt. Cdr. L. Peter Wren, USNR (ret.) shares to readers, for the first time ever, his personal experiences and the testimonies of many patriots with the release of his new book We Were There: The USS Indianapolis Tragedy.

We Were There takes a long look back at the destruction of the Indianapolis as well as the experiences of many people involved. It is a collection of letters and oral histories that tell the story through the views of sailors and airmen who were there. As the author was there in a rescue boat pulling his fellow men from the sea, he was able to prevail on the survivors and others to join him in recalling the rest of this true story. This work will help others who follow to know and understand the bond that brings mariners together and behind the tragedy are stories that readers and even historians have never discovered. As the story unfolds, this book will give aid and comfort to the many families who lost a loved one when the tragedy happened. From the first page until the end, We Were There will immerse deeply with its compelling drama and sheer honesty.

To order a copy of this engaging read, feel free to visit your local bookstore or log on at Xlibris.com today.

About the Author

Lt. Cdr. L. Peter Wren, USNR (ret.), entered the U.S. Navy on December 28, 1941, and completed "boot camp" in Norfolk, Virginia, in January 1942. The highest rate earned as an enlisted man was SK first class. He was commissioned as a line officer from Columbia University in April 1944 and was assigned to the USS Coates (DE-685) in the Atlantic fleet. He was transferred to the USS Bassett (APD-73) in April 1945. On July 26, 1945, the USS Indianapolis delivered the atomic bomb to Tinian Island for later dropping on Hiroshima. The USS INDY was sunk by a Japanese submarine on July 30, 1945 and 152 of the 317 survivors were rescued by the USS Bassett. Wren was a boat officer pulling the survivors from the sea. Wren was released from naval service in April 1946 and received his degree from Michigan State University in 1948. He was recalled for the Korean War and served on the USS Halsey Powell (DD-686) from January 1951 until December 1952. He was released to the fleet reserve where he completed twenty-plus years of service and retired as a Lieutenant Commodore.

        We Were There * by L. Peter Wren, L. Cdr., USNR (ret.)                    The USS Indianapolis Tragedy                 Publication Date: September 26, 2005          Trade Paperback; $18.69; 258 pages; 978-1-4134-9426-6        Cloth Hardback; $28.79; 258 pages; 978-1-4134-9427-3 

To request a complimentary paperback review copy, contact the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 7479. Tear sheets may be sent by regular or electronic mail to Marketing Services. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (610) 915-0294 or call (888) 795-4274 x.7876.

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