And the Sinking of the USS Indianapolis - An Unforgettable WWII Story of Survival

As a child of an Army Air Corp. tail gunner, I salute the men of the USS Indianapolis! I was born and raised in Indiana live in Indianapolis today. I have seen the memorial on the Canal Walk and am inspired every time.

Having my uncle killed and go down with the Indianapolis gave me a real appreciation of what these men went through for me and my family. I loved the way the Lord was honored and glorified.
A great book

The book is enjoyable a quick read but paints the picture of the authors experiences on the Indianapolis very well. He writes through his conviction for God and Jesus Christ and quotes much scripture, passages that he ran through his mind while floating helplessly in the Pacific Ocean, trusting in God to deliver him through his ordeal.
I especially enjoyed the details regarding post war investigations and the creation of the survivors group.

This book will make you realize the true cost of freedom. This should be required reading for every school aged child in USA schools without censoring the horrendous details and the spiritual references. We need this book to move us beyond our petty world of "it's all about me!" Thank you for writing it, including your battle of faith in the midst of it and the victory you have found in Jesus Christ.

"Every life story either bears witness to His sovereign grace or denies it. But no life has ever been lived apart from the purposes of God."

Harrell's story of the little told event of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis in the last days of WW2 is a stellar read, and told from the perspective of a mature follower of Christ. A pleasure to read.

Edgar Harrell Who is the author of Out of the Depths really touched my heart.
Mr Harrell and his friends fought for their life literally in the Pacific Ocean,fighting
Hunger,thirst,saltwater of the ocean,and fighting for their lives against the Sharks.
I believe God,Jesus,and their guarding Angels were with them ALL.

An account of US history told by one who has reflected well upon the event treating most fairly the persons involved and the God who permitted such for reasons which we believe has purposes. Every young man needs a copy.

Excellent on its premise, this book told a great first-hand account of survival (barely) at sea. And also very timely with the recent location of the USS Indianapolis wreck site. Unfortunately the author used an otherwise very valid platform to trumpet his Christian beliefs, pervading the story with same to the point of distraction from the story itself..

Just after midnight on July 30, 1945, only weeks before the end of WW II, a Japanese submarine launched torpedoes at the USS Indianapolis. Two found their mark and within fifteen minutes the cruiser went down without a trace. Some 900 men were in the shark infested waters of the Philippine Sea. Only 317 remained alive when rescue occurred five days later. This is the story of one of them.

Harrell recounts his experience on the USS Indianapolis, the battles, transporting uranium-235 that would be used in the bombs dropped on Japan, and the submarine attack. His experience in the ocean is amazing. He gives all the glory to God saying it was God's unfailing presence that sustained him. He helps us understand what happens to the body when in water that long. He tells of the thirst, the shark attacks, crying out to God, twelve foot swells, rain, the life jackets getting water logged, and then the miraculous rescue.

There was a naval cover up of the incident as blame was placed on the skipper. The truth finally came out fifty years later when documents were declassified. Several of the men formed a survivors group and went to battle for the skipper, ultimately seeing his name exonerated.

This is a timely account of that war. Memories of WW II are fading and many of the younger generation know nothing of the heroes of that era. This is a great book to remind us of what that generation sacrificed for our freedom.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

Had no intention of reading this book in one sitting, but could not put it down. This is an amazing story of survival in the hardest of conditions. The authors give glory to God throughout the book. Makes it clear why that generation is referred to as the greatest generation. The book is easy to read, yet thought provoking. The question of "what would I do in such a situation?" is inevitable. In a world where there is too much entertainment and selfishness, and not enough focus on purpose and meaning, this book is refreshing. I'm ashamed to say that there is much I didn't know about WWII, particularly the Japanese side of the war. Most of what I've read has been focused on the war in Europe. Every high school student should be required to read this book.

I was a little hesitant about this book at first, but after the first few pages I could not put it down. It is the story of the USS Indianapolis. Harrell relates his experiences in simple, convincing detail. His description of training and life on the ship revealed the same experiences found in several other firsthand accounts lending authenticity early on to this story.

As he continues certain questions arise as to the conduct of the war and the level of secrecy that was maintained by the leadership at the highest levels. And finally as the Indianapolis is sent out without escort or knowledge of the danger they could and did encounter the reader begins to understand the repercussions of policies in place at the time. The ship is sunk by a submarine, the crew left to fend for themselves without any action to question the fate of the ship when it did not arrive as expected.

After his return stateside he and others set about the task of clearing their captain’s name after he had born the weight of guilt for the disaster. Yes, according to this book, the government was definitely culpable in a cover up to keep the populace from knowing the extent of the event and the lack of response. The survivors did finally succeed in their efforts, years later and only after the captain had endured the shame and hate spewed at him.

But that is not the total point of this story. Harrell’s reason for telling this is much deeper and totally related to the God that he believed remained in control of this situation the entire time. In the final chapter Harrell comes to grips with the need of forgiveness---even toward the commander of the submarine that ordered the attack on his ship.

I do recommend this book fully. If you have ever wondered how somebody got through a really difficult time in their life, this one will give you lots of insight as to the part God played and the part the person played.

Outstanding description of a horrific disaster and its nightmarish aftermath. The author's sincere Christian faith tempers the horror somewhat, but even I - a Christian and religiously inclined - was somewhat put off by the constant references to Bible passages. I can appreciate that non-believers would find these parts of the book irritating - but then again, they reflect the author's deepest feelings.
Also interesting is the shameful cover-up by the Navy and their destruction, personally and professionally, of the blameless captain of the ship, in order to hide the navy's culpability in the disaster. We tend to idealize the 1940's as a time when honesty and decency were more prevalent than today, but even then, powerful organizations like the Navy would viciously lie & blame others in order to protect their reputation. They let the public believe that the captain was solely to blame.
Author Harrell brings up a mystery that remains unexplained to this day: The Indianapolis and other major Carriers had conveniently been very-quickly moved from Pearl Harbor, their home port, shortly before Dec.1941, giving credence to the idea that the coming Japanese attack was known about in advance by individuals.
"Out of the Depths" is a real mind-blower of a story that may well have you in tears. Highly recommended.

This is the story of the tragedy of the USS Indianapolis told from firsthand account. I was familiar with the basics of the story before I read this book but had never read about the incident in detail before. The book pretty much had me hooked from the beginning. It's a difficult story to read but the author tells how his faith and his belief in God grew because of the experience. It also details the cover up blaming the captain following the incident which was difficult to read after there had already been so much suffering. I am a history buff so I found this book a compelling read, but the writing was excellent so I think even someone who did not love history would enjoy this book.

Bethany House publishers provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Thursday 9 August, and Monday, 6 August 1945 ===> US drops 1st and 2nd atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki….

A remarkable irony to me that on these same days in 2017, I have also just finished reading the amazing story of the USS Indianapolis ===> Out Of The Depths.

This book tells a heroic and horrific story. Inspiring on so many levels the reader will be intrigued, appalled, horrified, terrified, and alas, take faith and inspiration on the most spiritual level imaginable.

Only know this—to be compelled to know this amazing story of irony, incompetence, and rock-solid faith… The USS INDIANAPOILIS is the ship that delivered the components for the atomic bombs to be dropped on Japan. After completing that mission, the ship was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine and sunk. Hundreds of the crew died instantly, and hundreds went into the ocean… to begin a tale of survival that is unimaginable… yet true.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

A very readable true account about the tragic WW2 sinking of the USS Indianapolis. 900+ men forced to abandon ship at night into shark infested waters...approx a third of their number rescued after 4/5 days at sea...they were "the survivors."

This account is harrowing and will upset some readers. There is no bad language or sexual content. The violence is a necessary part of the story but is graphic in places.

The author gives all of the glory for his rescue to God. He quotes Scripture throughout his account and was heard praying, reciting Bible verses and crying out to God whilst stranded in the sea. His witness led to the conversion of at least one other survivor. The author is clear that those who describe him as one of the "lucky ones" are fundamentally wrong. Luck had nothing to do with it. It was all part of God's sovereign plan for his life.

His recent reunions included Japanese enemy combatants. The author candidly states that initially he had problems with anger in relation to those that had wounded/killed so many on their vessel. However, in time he realised that those on the ground were just obeying their governments directives, as indeed he was doing. He also makes the point that evil is orchestrated by Satan himself and those willing to submit themselves to his authority.

Although I was shocked and saddened by the details of this tragedy it was an eye-opening read. The author places God at the centre of his story and clearly explains the Gospel message for those still in darkness. I would recommend it for all adults especially those with an interest in war-time events.

The USS Indianapolis was torpedoed in July of 1945, having delivered the major components of the weapons that ended World War II. And, if you have seen the movie Jaws, you are well aware that many of the men aboard ship survived the sinking, only to die in the water from the elements and the sharks.

Out of the Depths by Edgar Harrell, a Marine aboard the Indianapolis on that day, retells not only the story of the sinking, but the aftermath. Harrell provides many more details than Quint brought up on the Orca.

The primary emphasis here, though, is not on the sinking of the ship. While Harrell explains what happened, and he consistently speaks highly of his shipmates. The experience that Harrell and his fellow Marines and sailors endured is beyond understanding. That any of them survived is a marvel.

Naturally, though, there were aftershocks that we have rarely considered. As the last major vessel lost by the US Navy in World War II, there were more consequences and concerns afterward than any other sinking. In fact, Captain McVay was one of the only (if not the only) Captain court-martialed for the sinking of his ship. (Side note: it was formerly, 17th-18th century, the practice of the British Navy to automatically court-martial a captain who lost his ship, to ascertain facts of the event. )

Harrell goes to great lengths to explain how he and many of the survivors he knew felt Captain McVay was treated unfairly. He felt that the captain was scapegoated, and that the overall failure was systemic.

Overall, though, this is a story of faith in the midst of trials. Harrell clung strongly to his faith in God throughout his ordeal, and further used that faith to provide comfort to his fellow survivors. He also sees the events as important to understanding justice and the pursuit of truth, noting how Captain McVay was finally exonerated some 30 years after his death.

This is not an easy book to read, as it details the struggles against the elements and the attacks of the sharks. Every moment is not detailed, but the ones that are can be cringe worthy. These were truly men who faced a string of challenges and pulled through.

I can heartily recommend this as a look at one of the most-known-on-the-surface events of World War II. Many of us know it happened, but few know what occurred.

Free book from the publisher in exchange for the review.

Out of the Depths: An Unforgettable WWII Story of Survival, Courage, and the Sinking of the USS Indianapolis

Out of the Depths by Edgar Harrell is a true story of faith, courage, and heroism. This is a book about the sinking of the USS Indianapolis in WWII where out of almost 2000 men only 317 survived and what the survivors faced waiting to be rescued. This is Edgar Harrell’s story of what happened and how he was in the water waiting to be rescued, relying on his faith in God to make it through his ordeal.

I was captivated by the heroism shown in the face of such horrendous circumstances and how hope was found in clinging to faith in God, Edgar Harrell tells his story and the others that survived with him from before, during and after the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, including the cover up and the making of Cpt. McVay the scape goat for the sinking. It is well written and easy to read and also told in a way that is not too graphic, but at the same time the reader is able to understand and picture the ordeal the survivors faced while in the shark infested water waiting for days to be found and rescued.

This is a book that those who love history, especially military history will want to read. It is also for those who want to read about how your faith in God can and will see you through any circumstance. It is a book about strength, courage, heroism and faith in the time of one of the worst tragedies of the NAVY during WWII. I would recommend this book to be added to your must read list of books.

One of my favorite line of the book was when Edgar Harrell realizes the ship is sinking and he is facing death and he prays and calls out to God, “I knew within my heart that God was answering my prayers and was going to see me through. As the finite security of the great Indianapolis slipped away beneath my feet, the infinite security of the Almighty bore me up and gave me peace-a supernatural peace promised in His Word” pg67

Until Next Time:

GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP ON READING!

“Every survivor of war has stories to tell – stories of triumph and tragedy, faith and fear – stories like mine, where fact is often stranger than fiction. Since that fateful night in 1945 when I stepped off a sinking ship into the unknown depths of the Pacific Ocean, there has never been a day when I have not reflected upon the horrors I experienced in the four and a half days of swimming in shark-infested waters. However, while those frightening memories remain vivid in my mind’s eye, one memory eclipses them all – namely the unfailing presence of God that sustained me.

Luck had absolutely nothing to do with my survival. I believe with all my heart that it was solely by the providence of God that I lived through those dreadful days and nights.”

When a book starts out like that, you know it’s going to be an intense, yet inspiring tale. And I promise you, that’s exactly the kind of story Out of the Depths: An Unforgettable WWII Story of Survival, Courage, and the Sinking of the USS Indianapolis is.

It reads easy, but I don’t mean the material itself is easy to take in. It’s an incredible tale, but harrowing. Even while reading his descriptions, I cannot imagine surviving in the Pacific Ocean for that long after your ship sank in 12 minutes. It’s beyond amazing.

“It was a living hell. I’ll never forget the fires, the horrified faces, and the cacophony of screams. I can still hear the explosions and the screeching metal being twisted and torn by the tons of water the ship was taking on.”

War is ugly. But even in such darkness (like WWII), stories of amazing survival emerge and you can’t help but be inspired. Harrell’s tale is one everyone should read. His faith is also an incredible example of what it means to truly trust God when it is the absolute darkest of times. Even the words of his fellow survivors and what kept them going for those five days was inspiring: “I prayed silently for the first time in my life. Don’t let anyone tell you he cannot pray; even an atheist cannot deny the existence of God. We prayed to God to ease our pains. We prayed to God not to forsake us, not let us die, to save us. The soothing effects of prayer linked us together as we began to try and to help each other.” Even in the most unimaginable circumstances, God is always there; from how many survived each night to how they were eventually rescued shows that truth in an incredible way.

“If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me, and Your right hand will lay hold of me.” Psalm 139:9-10

Harrell also includes photos and other survivors anecdotes, giving a complete picture of their journey. It gave faces to names and their stories.

This was an excellent read for history buffs, but also for anyone. I really makes you stop and think of all that was given so we can be the country we are today and also for the gift of freedom we have. Not everyone today does and there are those fighting to make that happen. Freedom isn’t free. It’s the courage and sacrifice of men and women that have made it possible. I’m humbled and thankful once again after reading this book.

If you liked Unbroken, then you definitely need to pick this one up!

What are some of your favorite World War II favorites?

(Thank you Bethany House for the copy in exchange for my honest opinion)

Originally posted at: [...]

Character, someone said, is what you do when no one is looking. Edgar Harrell and the survivors of the U.S.S. Indianapolis exhibited selflessness and courage as they faced the long, dark nights and incredible days in the pacific ocean. Out of the Depths: An Unforgettable WWII Story of Survival, Courage, and the Sinking of the USS Indianapolis is an amazing story that left me near tears when I closed the last page.

The forward is written by Lt. Col. Oliver North. His definition of heroism is:

"...a person who has wittingly put himself in grave physical jeopardy for the benefit of another. Heroes are people who overcome evil by doing good at great personal risk. Through self-sacrifice, fortitude, and action, whether they succeed or fail, heroes provide a moral and ethical framework--and inspiration--for the rest of us." What North explained in this chapter was how our re-definition of heroism is not the true definition. It is not, "the athlete who just set a new sports record," "Nor the 'daring' movie star or even the adventurer out to be the first solo climber to scale Mount Everest. They may be brave--but they don't meet the definition of hero, for whatever they achieve benefits only themselves." (emphasis mine).

The survivors of the U.S.S. Indianapolis were afloat at seat with just debris or flotation devices for five days. Nine hundred, oil-soaked survivors of a torpedo attack during World War II were in the shark-infested waters, and at the end of five days, only 317 were still alive. Hypothermia, shark attacks, dehydration, and many other maladies thinned out their number. Edgar recounts those five terrifying days in morbid detail, but what rose above the terror was Edgar's faith in a God greater than death. He kept his comrades, to the best of his ability, close, keeping them encouraged. Some tried to commit suicide, but Edgar tried to keep them from giving up. He writes of amazing peace that he found from the moment he went into the water. This is what North described as heroism.

Edgar and his men could have done a hundred things more self-serving, and yet through the five days, they tried to keep each other alive. When they were rescued and had to sit in a rescue plane while the rescue plane waited for help, many of the men, including Edgar, remained honest about their water rations so that their fellow soldiers might get their rations before the water supply ran out. In this culture, I'm not sure people would do that anymore. It seems like our everyday decisions are me-focused, for our comfort only, even if it means we lie about it. In that instance, I believe we justify a small lie to satisfy an intense desire for something or to do something. In the case of Edgar and the surviving men, severe dehydration and illness did not stop them from making sure other soldiers got first serving.

Edgar demonstrated how courage is a mindset. It's something you put on every morning, like a coat or a shirt. In this case, Edgar read scripture. That scripture kept him strong during those horrific five days. The mindset of courage before disaster strikes is shown in Edgar's behavior in the sea. It helped him make the right decisions under pressure. Every good moral compass needs a scriptural foundation in which to point north from. I gave this book five stars because it almost made me cry.

*book given by publisher to review.

The unforgettable story of the sinking of the USS INDIANAPOLIS as told by one of the survivors is something to behold Folks for anyone interested in US History, faith and forgiveness!

Here are the facts: On 30 July, 1945 at 0014 hours, the USS Indianapolis was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in the Philippine sea and sank within 12 minutes.
Of the 1,196 men on board, approximately 300 went down with the ship. The remainder or about 900 men, were left floating in shark-infested waters with no lifeboats, most with no food or water.
The ship was never missed by the Navy and by the time the survivors were spotted (helped by Divine intervention and a PV-1 Ventura Bomber) four days later, only 316 men were still alive.

With amazing clarity born from this ordeal, Edgar Harrell recounts with God given grace this harrowing event.
Surviving sailors and marines drifting in twelve foot swells, some seriously injured, most could not even swim, the shortage of life jackets, the sharks circling and attacking...

This horrific scenario lasted 5 days, many lost their lives also to hypothermia, seawater poisoning, succumbing to their injuries or sharks attacks yet others stayed alive, their faith placed in God's hands, their conviction rescue would eventually reached them.

I tried for one moment to imagine the survivors holding prayers for each other whilst encouraging one another to hang on and live...Nothing in the world prepared these sailors and marines for this ultimate test!

Their story did not end there however. Harrell pursues his tale with the USN account of this naval catastrophe, the subsequent trial of the USS INDIANAPOLIS' Captain, the release of declassified documents decades later of the incident and the final outcome of those findings.

An emotional read for certain, a tale of courage and faith in the Almighty, to honour those dead and those rescued and finally the heroism of the flight crew who not only found them but remained by their sight until the last survivor was delivered out of the depths of the Pacific.

A page of History no one should ever forget.
5 Stars!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book courtesy of BETHANY HOUSE as part of its promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The book, written by former Marine and Indy survivor Edgar Harrell, and co-authored by his son David, is a short and quick read (took me about 2 evenings to finish it), and details the plight of the torpedo-sunk USS Indianapolis. It was concise yet heart wrenching, and gave me a good understanding of the event, and the sacrifices of the men of "Greatest Generation".

Just before the end of the War in the Pacific, late summer 1945, the USS Indianapolis had just left Tinian in the western Pacific, having delivered some top-secret components of the nuclear bomb that, just weeks later, would end the War in Japan. On it's way back, the Indy was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine and sunk, leaving the 1100-some man crew trying to survive in the open ocean. Because of the nature of the top-secret mission, no one seemed to know where they were, so for 5 excruciating days, the survivors of the Indy watched their numbers dwindle from shark attacks, dehydration, terminal burns from the ship's explosion, drowning, and even suicide. The book details the horrors of each day including some difficult to read passages discussing the pain and suffering the men endured, with Edgar Harrell sharing how his faith in Jesus gave him the hope to survive and remain calm in the midst of a horrifying ordeal.

On the 5th day, and only by the grace of God, (Harrell explains the odds of their being spotted "by chance" on the open water were literally zero, making it a miracle they were spotted), the USS Indianapolis was rescued. Of the nearly 1200 Marines and sailors initially on board, only 316 survived. The book then goes on to discuss how, in an effort to keep the top-secret nature of the mission classified, the Navy took a scapegoat in the Indy captain, Charles McVay, though he was not truly at fault. McVay later took his own life, but an act of Congress in 2000 exonerated him from culpability, to the joy of his crew, who knew the Indy was sunk from no fault of McVay.

This book was definitely worth the read, and while some of the scenes were graphic, it gave me a greater appreciation for the sacrifices these men made for their country. I recommend this book to any history enthusiast, and any high school and college student.

*Thank you to Bethany House Publishers who provided me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Out of the Depths
By Edgar Harrell, USMC
with David Harrell

An unforgettable WWII story
of survival, courage, and the sinking of
The USS Indianapolis

Out of the Depths is a true story. This is one man's recollection of the events surrounding the sinking of the USS Indianapolis in July 1945.

This was a time of war, but the USS Indianapolis was assured the waters were safe and so was sailing the South Pacific unescorted. But assurances were of little value when your ship comes under attack by a Japanese submarine.

As Edgar Harrell put it he was face-to-face with my mortality (pg 67) and he prayed because there was no one to help him, no one but the Savior of his soul. And as the security of the ship slipped away he turned to God. So began a 5 day struggle as he and his fellow shipmates struggle to survive the dangers of both the ocean and the elements

This is one story that will leave an impact on your life. There are pictures from the time of the book throughout adding to the reality the author portrays with his words. And there remarks and remembrances from other survivors every few pages. This book will move you to tears at places it is that powerful.

Sometimes it is hard to comprehend the truth of despair those who survive might have felt, but this book helps one grasp some of these feelings. It is amazing how many said this time of trial made them cry out to God in prayer for deliverance.

This would be an excellent addition to any library. It would also make for an interesting Book Club discussion title.

I was provided a copy of this book by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

This brief memoir of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, written by survivor Edgar Harrell USMC, will appeal almost exclusively to history buffs. That's unfortunate, because as far as WWII stories go, this very short account of one man's survival against all odds would benefit any reader. Harrell's experience encourages us to trust in God at all times, but also importantly, it keeps truth from being buried in the dust bin of history. In fact, Harrell's account of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the ordeal of survival that followed are not the main focus of this book; rather, Harrell's main emphasis seems to be on setting the story straight and fully exposing the political cover-up that followed the tragic sinking of the Indianapolis, in particular exonerating Captain McVay, who became the Navy's scapegoat in the affair.
I enjoyed this book- fan of history that I am- and for the most part I appreciated the straightforward, matter-of-fact style of writing- it certainly made for easy reading. Harrell's depiction of the three days he spent drifting in the Pacific Ocean, waiting for rescue while watching those around him die felt very detached and almost emotionless...yet, at some level I understand that emotional detachment might be the only way to write about and relive such a horrific experience.
I appreciated the inclusion of quotes and brief comments made by other survivors, as they added to the idea of this being more than one man's story. I was sorry that my Kindle did not support or download the many pictures that were featured in this book as I would have liked to have seen them.
If your experience with historical non-fiction has been yawning, falling asleep, or giving up a few chapters into some thick, boring military tome then you may want to consider giving "Out of the Depths" a chance. This book is so short it would be hard not to finish it, and although it is somewhat dispassionate it is far from dry.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

I recently received a complimentary copy of Out of the Depths by Edgar Harrell with David Harrell from Bethany House. Once again, I must admit. I do not normally read autobiographies. I jumped at the chance for this one, because I am very interested in WWII and I thought it would be an interesting read. I was right. I did not know much about the USS Indianapolis before I read this book. Not only did it inform me about the events of the sinking of the ship, but it also gave me a renewed respect for our veterans.

This book is written by Edgar Harrell and his son, David Harrell. Mr. Harrell, Sr. is a retired USMC veteran. He writes in this book the events surrounding the shipping off of the USS Indianapolis, its sinking, the rescuing of its sailors, the attempted cover-up of its sinking, and the final recognition of the brave men who were lost or injured. The USS Indianapolis was the cruiser used to deliver the elements needed for the first atomic bomb. Harrell writes that they brought the secret cargo aboard and left the shore with a quickness, that they understood the importance of their mission even without knowing what they were transporting. They found out later they were carrying the ammunition that would help end the war.

A little after midnight on July 30, 1945, a Japanese submarine fired torpedoes on the USS Indianapolis that would quickly sink the ship. There were over 1,000 sailors on board at the time of its sinking. Out of those 1,000, only around 900 made it into the water. From that 900, only around 300 were ever rescued. Due to the how quickly the ship sank, most sailors who made it off the cruiser, made it off with only the life jackets on their backs. Sadly, this was the least of the horrors they would face.

The sailors faced trials such as: saline poisoning (from the salt water), shark attacks, hallucinations, hunger/thirst, etc. The sailors that survived these horrible events were rescued around the fifth day of them being in the water. Harrell explains their rescue as an act of God. A pilot, who was flying over the ocean, was having a problem with his radar equipment, when he "just so happened" to spot the survivors in the water. I say "just so happened", because, like Harrell, I don't believe it was an accident, or luck, that allowed the radar to act up at that exact spot. Harrell, a Christian, had been praying with the men and had peace that the Lord was going to protect him and allow him to be rescued.

This book is a reminder of the horrors that war brings, but also a reminder of the goodness of God, even in horrible situations. I'm sure many of the men who died during this time were Christians. Just because they died doesn't mean God didn't care about them. Our finite minds will never truly understand why bad things happen to good people, but we do know that our God has a plan for our lives. Mr. Harrell now lives a few hours from me and I'm hoping to be able to meet him someday to thank him for his service to our God and to our country.

Read this book.

The sinking of the USS Indianapolis is a well-known story to most every student of the second World War, and many who know little about those dark years have still heard of the Indy. It's one of the great tragedies of America's war history, and reading about it is never easy. But the book Out of the Depths, written by USS Indianapolis survivor Edward Harrell (United States Marine Core) brings a distinctly Christian perspective to this heart-wrenching tale.

Out of the Depths is a very well-written book, and the author does a terrific job of recognizing God's hand in the events detailed throughout each chapter. The facts are laid out in combination with Mr. Harrell's own personal perspective, and the incident along with it's after-effects are described with enough detail to give the reader a clear understanding of what took place, but with no extra "gore" added for drama's sake. It's clear the author has opted to glorify the Lord through this book, and that is refreshing for a military/historical work.

Reading this book reminded me once again of the grave cost of war, which is actually a grave cost of sin. The way Mr. Harrell weaves his faith into his book is a wonderful reminder of the hope we have in Christ, even in the darkest hours of our lives. I really enjoyed reading Out of the Depths...although it does not "feel" correct to use the word enjoyed when sharing about a book detailing the sinking of the USS Indianapolis.

In fact, I have decided to make Out of the Depths a part of homeschool's high school history coursework. It's one small piece of American and world history, but it's an important piece. This book does the tragedy justice.

On my "Page Turner Scale" of 1 to 5, I gave this book a 5.

"Out Of The Depths" By Edgar Harrell USMC is a very powerful book of how he survived the sinking of the USS Indianapolis during World War 2. I know you are probable saying never heard of it well neither did I before reading this book. Even if you are not a fan of reading history books or war history to me this is a must read for everyone. Mr. Harrell was on the USS Indianapolis when it made a very important and secretive delivery of uranium-235 to our base in the island of Tinian which unknown to him and his fellow soldiers this was the fuel for the atomic bombs that would be used on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Four days later after leaving there delivery in Tinian the ship was sank by Japanese submarines in the Philippines waters. For fours days men that survived the sinking had were trying to survive on the debris of the USS Indianapolis suffering from injuries, and oil burns. These men had to watch as friends and fellow soldiers would die from injuries, shark attacks, and salt water poisoning. The book is very graphic but is needed to be wrote about, so I am very glad the Mr. Harrell wrote this. Now as Christian man Mr Harrell also talks about the providence of God and shows his faith in all of this nightmare that happened to him which is big blessing to read. He continues to write about their miraculous rescue (no one knew that that the ship was missing for 4 days so know was looking for it) and then the cover up. Yes I said cover up our military tried to cover up and even shifted blame on this tragic incident in our military history. I won't go into details but even with that he still shows his respect for the military. I was very impressed by this book and it helped me understand more of the Pacific side of World War 2.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishers for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

The book tells the story of the tragic sinking of the USS Indianapolis, one of the crown jewels in the U.S. Navy's fleet during World War II. I have to admit that, despite having a grandfather who fought in WWII (and who, ironically, was from Indianapolis) and a father (his son) who taught American history, my knowledge base of World War II is fairly limited in scope. In fact, I don't recall much teaching on the Pacific side of WWII when I was in school, aside from the bombing of Pearl Harbor; most of the teaching seemed to focus on Europe in general and Nazi Germany, specifically. (In all fairness to my high school history teacher, trying to cram 200 years of American history into one school year is a fairly daunting task; we were lucky if we got to the Vietnam War before summer.)

Given my limited knowledge of this part of American history, I enjoyed the book from a fact-finding viewpoint, as it opened my eyes to the dramatics taking place with the Japanese in the Pacific. After being sunk by a Japanese submarine, the survivors of the Indianapolis spent five horrific days on the open water, surrounded by sharks, dealing with injuries and suffering from dehydration. Harrell, one of the survivors who was a young Marine at the time, shares his ordeal and the amazing circumstances that ultimately led to his rescue. He discusses how he and other survivors drew on their faith in God to save them and how thoughts of family and home provided hope and purpose when others were ready to give up.

Harrell also discusses the remarkable chain of events that led to the sinking of the Indianapolis, and to the miscarriage of justice that occurred in the Navy singling out someone upon whom they could place blame for the incident.

Some 70 years later, Harrell speaks about the Indianapolis to groups around the country and uses the incident as a platform for the message of reconciliation and trust in God. Although he still suffers the anguish of the painful memories of the sinking and the days leading up to his rescue, he finds peace in knowing that God was in control of it all. Even if you're not a history lover, I think you'll still appreciate the message of hope that Harrell had, a hope that is available to each of us who believe.

"For me, the ordeal of the USS Indianapolis will never be over until the Lord takes me home to be with Him," Edgar Harrell, USMC from his book, Out of the Depths: An Unforgettable WWII Story of Survival, Courage and the Sinking of the USS Indianapolis. In this book Edgar Harrell gives the incredible and intimate account of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis. The ship had just delivered precious cargo and was on its return trip when it was torpedoed by a Japanese sub at the end of WWII. Harrell is one of the few survivors of that tragedy and he tells of his days spent desperately trying to stay alive in shark infested waters, while waiting for help to come and watching many of his fellow crewmen die. Harrell not only gives credit to God for his survival, but also relates the trust he had in his Savior through his whole ordeal.
This isn't just a good read, but a needed read for all of us. We need to be aware of the sacrifices our sailors, soldiers and pilots have made for our freedom over the years and continue to make long after there enlistments are over.

The story of the sinking of the U.S.S Indianapolis during the Second World War has always fascinated me. I never could imagine that the ship went down without the Navy launching a search for her. She had delivered her highly sensitive cargo and was heading back through the Leyte Gulf. They were traveling under the conditions and instructions outlined by CINCPAC. However, these instructions were false. The captain and crew were under the impression that the waters they sailed in were relatively free of enemy ships. “Out of the Depths” by Edgar Harrell, USMC, along with David Harrell is the story of one man’s journey – out of the depths.

Unknown to the skipper, their ship was being monitored by a Japanese submarine and at the most opportune time, the sub launched torpedoes which wrenched the front of the Indianapolis away from the rest of the ship. There were almost 1200 sailors, marines and passengers on this ship. Only 900 lived through the sinking and of that 900, more than 600 perished during the next five days and nights before they were rescued. Those men died from horrible wounds sustained during the sub attack, died from salt water poisoning, or from constant shark attacks on those trying to stay afloat on the surface of the Pacific Ocean.

I was totally immersed in the story of Edgar Harrell and him comrades as they struggled to survive in the most horrendous of conditions. Mr. Harrell’s faith was strengthened during this ordeal, as many others either found God or a renewed devotion to Him. They had nothing else to rely on as they waited almost in vain for rescue. There are many reasons to blame the fate of the Indianapolis on CINCPAC, the Navy, and those who could not admit that the United States was responsible for the deaths of over nine hundred souls.

This is a well written book and a testament to the faith of those who served our country…faith in God, in our nation and in themselves. It is a story of unprecedented courage and resourcefulness. I cannot imagine these young men experiencing this horrible fate and cannot fathom how they kept from despair in the face of certain death.

I was sent a free print copy by NightOwlReviews.com in return for my honest review. You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-cI, on Good Reads at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1071048419.

Out of the Depths: An Unforgettable WWII Story of Survival, Courage, and the Sinking of the USS Indianapolis

Out of the Depths by Edgar Harrell is a true story of faith, courage, and heroism. This is a book about the sinking of the USS Indianapolis in WWII where out of almost 2000 men only 317 survived and what the survivors faced waiting to be rescued. This is Edgar Harrell’s story of what happened and how he was in the water waiting to be rescued, relying on his faith in God to make it through his ordeal.

I was captivated by the heroism shown in the face of such horrendous circumstances and how hope was found in clinging to faith in God, Edgar Harrell tells his story and the others that survived with him from before, during and after the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, including the cover up and the making of Cpt. McVay the scape goat for the sinking. It is well written and easy to read and also told in a way that is not too graphic, but at the same time the reader is able to understand and picture the ordeal the survivors faced while in the shark infested water waiting for days to be found and rescued.

This is a book that those who love history, especially military history will want to read. It is also for those who want to read about how your faith in God can and will see you through any circumstance. It is a book about strength, courage, heroism and faith in the time of one of the worst tragedies of the NAVY during WWII. I would recommend this book to be added to your must read list of books.

One of my favorite line of the book was when Edgar Harrell realizes the ship is sinking and he is facing death and he prays and calls out to God, “I knew within my heart that God was answering my prayers and was going to see me through. As the finite security of the great Indianapolis slipped away beneath my feet, the infinite security of the Almighty bore me up and gave me peace-a supernatural peace promised in His Word” pg67

Until Next Time:

GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP ON READING!

From the publisher:
July 30, 1945--The USS Indianapolis and its 1,196-man crew is making its way toward a small island in the South Pacific. The ship is sailing unescorted, assured by headquarters the waters are safe. It is midnight, and Marine Edgar Harrell and several others have sacked out on deck rather than spend the night in their hot and muggy quarters below. Fresh off a top-secret mission to deliver uranium for the atomic bombs that would ultimately end World War II, they are unaware their ship is being watched. Minutes later, six torpedoes are slicing toward the Indy . . .

For five horrifying days and nights after their ship went down, Harrell and his shipmates had to fend for themselves in the open seas. Plagued by dehydration, exposure, saltwater poisoning, and shark attacks, their numbers were cruelly depleted before they were miraculously rescued. This is one man's story of courage, ingenuity, and faith in God's providence in the midst of the worst naval disaster in U.S. history.

________________

This is a gripping story of survival. The extent of what these men lived through is unbelievable. Yet Harrell lives through it all with faith in God.

For those who are interested in the human side to the USS Indianapolis, this is a gripping tale. I appreciated that while Harrell describes the horrors he went through, he doesn't do it in a way to leave unnecessary gory details in your mind's eye. Instead he describes the horrors as tastefully as possible, but in a way that still will leave readers shuddering.

An additional thing that I liked about the way this book was put together is that through out Harrell's account, there are also little excerpts from other survivors. This allows you to get a fuller picture. There are also read photographs through out the book that will help the reader really appreciate and feel for the men and what they went through.

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers

I read Unbroken a few years ago and loved it. If you loved it too, Out of the Depths is for you. It’s equally inspiring and moving. The author credits his survival on the open seas to God and his story of faithfulness is apparent in the pages of this book.
Throughout the book I was just amazed at all the author and his fellow shipmates endured. It’s a hard to story to read–both in terms of war details [about the atomic bombs in Japan] and the horrific conditions the sailors endured on the water. But it’s an important one that I enjoyed learning about.
Being from Indiana, I was surprised that the story of the USS Indianapolis isn’t taught in schools. But I did learn that there’s a memorial in Indianapolis that I’d love to visit next time I’m there. I shouldn’t be surprised though, because many of the circumstances surrounding the sinking of the ship was kept hidden until the late 1990s.
For the most part, I enjoyed the way this book was written: focusing in detail about each day. The story was told in enough detail to be compelling but not too much to be boring. But parts of it felt forced and too much like a history book and too little like a personal account. That’s just a minor complaint though.
Overall, the book was excellent. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in World War II history. It was neat reading the epilogue and learning the author lives in the Nashville area! :)

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. However, I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed above are entirely my own. Thanks to Bethany House for the chance to read this great book!

Most of my WWII knowledge centers around the Holocaust side of things and the Invasion of Normandy on D-Day. So I devoured this book about the sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the first hand stories from the Pacific front.

Edgar Harrell shares with excruciating detail his experiences aboard the USS Indy including the night it sank and the 5 days he spent floating in the ocean praying for rescue in shark infested waters. The most amazing part of his story has to be the incredible peace he felt knowing that God was in control. His ability to trust and hope in God in the midst of true despair was amazing. What he and his fellow crewmen lived through was akin to torture. For days they had no food, no water, no shelter, no rest, no protection and in most of their eyes no hope. And in addition to all that they watched as many of their friends died whether it be from starvation, salt water poisoning, shark attack, other elements or injuries from the initial attack.

Harrell's recollection of the events is amazing. I hope it was healing in a way for him to get the words put down on paper and I am truly thankful to him and the other men that served in WWII for sharing their experiences with the rest of us so that their sacrifices won't be forgotten.

In the book the movie Jaws is mentioned because there was a character in the movie that was a USS Indy survivor. I'd seen Jaws more than once but didn't remember so I googled the scene and here is the clip: [...]

I don't blame Harrell for telling us that he's never seen the movie nor set foot in the ocean since his rescue.

I really appreciated reading this story from his own personal viewpoint as an actual survivor. But more than that I loved how his story was infused with his faith and hope in God. He readily admits that is the only way he survived. I love that he uses his story to share the Good News.

Part of why I signed up to review this book was because I love history and I love the stories of the men who served in WWII. But another reason was because my husband an I live in Indianapolis and are only about 4 miles from the museum for the USS Indianapolis. We will definitely be planning a visit after reading this book! And if you are in the area I suggest you visit too.

If you are a history buff you'll love this book. If you love memoirs and biographies you'll love this book. If you love reading stories of God's divine intervention you'll love this book.

This book was provided to me by the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for my honest review.

If you like history, like I do, then this book is a must read. Out of the Depths is actually one of the best-written first-hand accounts I have read. The authors (father and son, Edgar and David Harrell) are very articulate with a nice style that is pleasant to read.

The USS Indianapolis was one of the fastest ships in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Somewhat suspiciously, it was removed from port just hours before the bombing of Pearl Harbor saving it from the mass destruction that followed. After delivering a shipment o)f uranium (that would ultimately end WWII), the ship is sunk and the crew spends five days in open sea before being rescued. This book tells the story of dehydration (while surrounded by water), exposure, saltwater poisoning and shark attacks. But along with it comes one man’s story of survival and his faith in God during what is known as the worst naval disaster in U.S. history.

I am fascinated by the history of WWII (and the conspiracy theories that abound) and have found Out of the Depths very interesting. I love how the author keeps things personal, adding little anecdotes (like the fact that President Roosevelt had a swanky bedroom aboard ship) to make it more interesting.

This really is a good read, though, and I would recommend Out of the Depths to others, not just for the read, but for the depth of faith that is shown through the worst of circumstances. I’m always reminded that even though I may complain about circumstances someone, somewhere, has it worse than I do!

*I received this book as a review copy from Bethany House Publishers. All opinions in this article, however, are my own.

Edgar Harrell, USMC was a survivor of the USS Indianapolis and the writer of Out of the Depths. His pastor son, David Harrell co wrote the book. I had not heard a lot about the USS Indianapolis up until this point in my life, but I have always enjoyed learning about WWII so I was excited to get this book. I was captivated within the first few pages and did not want to put the book down until I finished it. Even then I found myself thinking about the horrific events that took place. Edgar Harrell's account is truly inspirational. His faith in God was a key point in his survival and I believe his prayers and quotation of scriptures helped his fellow crew members at that time and thereafter. The events that took place during the rescue was simply miraculous and shows of God's grace and mercy. The author no doubt wishes for God to receive all the glory in his retelling of this historic event.

I found it difficult to wrap my mind around the terrible events that took place while these men, men who chose to serve and defend our country, were waiting out their fate in the ocean and then to read about the cover up that took place afterwards makes my heart sick. The fact that Harrell has remained strong in his faith is an encouragement to me in my own christian walk. I think this is a great book for American's to read. Many of us have no idea the suffering that has taken place in exchange for our freedoms.

***This book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Out of the Depths: An Unforgettable WWII Story of Survival, Courage, and the Sinking of the USS Indianapolis is an autobiography of Edgar Harrell's experiences while in the Marines.

If you know much about me, I am so far from a history buff. Even choosing to read this book was a stretch for me. I enjoyed the personal experience that Edgar was able to add to this time period of history. There was not a huge time period covered in the book which helped me to be able to follow along.

One cool thing about the USS Indianapolis was that they transported supplies to make the atomic bomb.

The crazy part of this story starts when the USS Indianapolis was stuck by a Japanese sub. The ship did not take long to go down. The adventure just begins at this point.

Obviously, we know the ending of the story since it is an autobiography, but how Edgar makes it out is quite interesting.

Thanks to Bethany House for allowing me to read this book for an honest review.

First I want to say that before I read this book, I did not consider myself much of a religious man. Knowing that this book was a true story being told by a survivor I gave it a chance and I soon found I simply could not put it down.

"Out of the Depths" is a firsthand account of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis which many consider the greatest tragedy in the history of the U.S. Navy. Marine survivor Edgar Harrell gives his account of the role that the "Indy" had in WWII from before the attack on Pearl Harbor to it's tragic sinking over the shark infested waters of the Philippine Sea. He shares with us his belief that God and the power of prayer helped give not only himself but many of his fellow survivors the strength to endure the many dangers including saltwater poisoning, starvation, dehydration, and the countless shark attacks that followed the sinking.

I have read a few reviews of this book and was disappointed to see that a few chose to judge it on it's religious views. Yes, the book makes many references to religious scripture but it is done so to provide a thought process that took place throughout this horrifying event. Who are we to question how this man pushed himself and those around him to hold on long enough to survive? Many of the men that add their own viewpoints throughout the book make claim to the fact that their belief in God changed following this event. They believe that the chain of events leading to their rescue were simply too improbable for it to be explained any other way. After reading this book, I have to believe that the evidence supporting their argument certainly has a lot of weight.

Speaking as a sailor who has spent the last 3 years on sea duty, this book really did a lot for me. When I enlisted in the Navy I had all the motivation in the world to serve. Hard sea duty has a way to test that motivation. Two things have restored my motivation over that time. Making the trip to visit the USS Arizona War Memorial in Pearl Harbor and this book! Thank you for sharing a story that must have been incredibly heartbreaking to relive in it's telling Mr. Harrell! My fellow shipmates can't wait to read it. It is an honor to follow in your service!

I love history.

In particular, I love to read about the generation that served during World War 2. They have often been referred to as the "Greatest Generation."

Out of the Depths is the story of the USS Indianapolis. The men of the USS Indianapolis fought valiantly during the war. Then the unthinkable happened. On July 30, 1945, she was hit by two Japanese torpedoes. The Portland class heavy cruiser sunk to a watery grave in twelve minutes. Only about 900 of the 1,196 men aboard entered the water. A series of Naval mistakes meant that no one knew the USS Indianapolis had been sunk. For five horrifying days the men drifted at the mercy of the seas. They were exposed to shark attacks, hypothermia, severe dehydration and salt-water hallucinations. Finally, the 317 men who had survived this terror were accidentally spotted and rescued.

Written by Edgar Harrell, one of those survivors, Out of the Depths takes you on board the USS Indianapolis as it fulfills its missions during WW2. Edgar's first person account is coupled with the memories of other survivors and paints a vivid and horrifying picture of the struggle to survive against overwhelming odds.

Despite those odds, Edgar also shows how the hand of God was with them during these terrifying days. This is a story of sacrifice, courage and faith that grips you as you read through the accounts of what happened during those 5 terrifying days. It is a miracle that anyone survived this ordeal and throughout Edgar's story, you see how God provided for he and his shipmates as they drifted on the waters day after day.

This book is a must read for any history buff and for anyone who yearns to see God moving in peoples lives today. Edgar Harrell shares the story of the disaster but also of the recovery and the impact it has had on his shipmates and their families today.

Do yourself a favor and pick up this book today.

You can also read an interview with Edgar Harrell here: http://apperson.blogspot.ca/2014/05/5-questions-with-edgar-harrell.html

I could not wait for this book to come and the rewards were far greater than I could imagine. The book is the true story of a surviving Marine of the USS Indianapolis disaster in World War II. Anyone who has seen "Jaws" remembers the harrowing account of surviving the disaster told by Quint who was portrayed as a survivor. As one can imagine, the actual account was much more grim than that.

Edgar Harrell, USMC, told the tale of his survival in such an intense, page turning way, and it was evident that not many details were spared. I could not put the book down and finished it before I even knew it. The actual account was far more horrifying than I could imagine or that had been portrayed in any films I had seen before. Harrell also touched upon issues surrounding the sinking that I had never even knew were issues, which made this even more interesting. But the thing that made it the most interesting of all to me is that this story is the testimony of Harrell, and he uses this in a completely unselfish way, as can be expected.

As the Greatest Generation meets their destiny with God and time, soon we will only have the stories left behind to draw on, this story is one of those and I am grateful the author selflessly shared his story with the world.

This book changed forever what I will think of when I hear someone was shipwrecked. The author goes into graphic detail about what happens to your body when it's in salt water, being surrounded by water which you can't drink and how your throat closes up. The sharks circling, the baking sun and the men didn't have rafts, only life preservers. It was a gripping story.

But what the author wants his reader to get from this is to see God's presence through it all. Edgar Harrell was already a Christian and before he stepped off the sinking ship into the Pacific Ocean he felt that God told him he was going to survive. And he clung to that promise the whole five days as his ship mates died one by one.

One day God sent a little rain for their parched mouths, another a crate of rotten potatoes that a little of the insides were ok to eat. Scriptures came to mind for him to recite and pray. And the eventual rescue was nothing short of miraculous.

Our brave soldiers, airmen and sailors need people to know what they give up for our freedom. And Christians need to let people know how good and merciful our God is, no matter what we are going through.

I was given a copy of this book by Bethany House to review.

On July 30th, 1945, The USS Indianapolis and a crew of 1,196 were making its way to a small island in the South Pacific. Unescorted in waters that are thought to be safe, the ship falls victim to a midnight torpedo attack. Six torpedoes later, it is estimated that over 900 of the ship’s crew found themselves in shark-infested waters. Some were injured, all were frightened and all longed for a rescue ship…a wait that would last for five days. Less than 1/3 of the men in the water survived to be rescued.
Edgar Harrell tells his personal story of faith and survival in “Out of the Depths.” This is a stirring tale of horror and faith. Harrell doesn’t paint himself as a superhero, just a young man suddenly cast into the depths of a tragedy he never could have foreseen. This very personal story of how his faith helped him through the darkest of days and nights is moving and inspiring. Harrell also tells of the aftermath of the sinking. This is a book suitable for readers in middle grades and up (although I wouldn’t give it to anyone heading on a cruise!)
This book was provided to me by the publisher for this review. The opinions, however, are entirely my own!

At first I was surprised and then a bit embarrassed that I had never known the story of the USS Indianapolis. How many times had I walked past the memorial on the canal walk in Indianapolis without ever taking the time to know what was being memorialized? The story, it turns out, is one of amazing courage and survival.

On July 30, 1945 the USS Indianapolis was struck by torpedoes from a Japanese submarine. Of the 1,196-man crew, only 317 would survive the ordeal. Some men died in the attack, and many more died in the water, succumbing to wounds or being attacked by sharks.

Out of the Depths provides a unique perspective of this tragedy as told by survivor Edgar Harrell, USMC. Mr. Harrell gives us a glimpse into the horror that these men faced while waiting to be rescued. Their courage in the face of adversity is heroic and there is much to be learned as we understand this story as seen through the eyes of a survivor, especially one who saw the hand of God through it all.

This is a short and inspiring read. If you don't already know this story, you owe it to yourself to read this book. As a pastor and a leader, there is much to draw on here in regards to leadership and sermon illustration. I appreciate the bravery and service of men and women like Edgar Harrell, and I am grateful that he found the courage to relive the story so that we could know and learn from this unforgettable event.

I was provided a copy of this book for free for review by Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions expressed here are mine.

SUMMARY:
Having survived one of the worst catastrophes at sea, the author, Edgar Harrell, USMC, lived to tell about it. In 1945, his naval ship, the USS Indianapolis, has a 1,196 man crew when it is targeted by no less than six torpedoes racing towards it. For five grueling days and nights, the shrinking crew battles sharks, salt water, dehydration and fear. Were it not for the strong faith encouraged on the open waters, perhaps no one would have survived…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Having heard the story before of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, I was intrigued to read the story from a narrative point of a survivor. Written in a compelling and gripping manner, the crew’s unquenchable faith was apparent. For what must have seemed an eternity, those five days spent on the sinking ship and waters must have been sheer torment. By the grace of God, the author lived to recount his story of courageous survival and determined faith with others. Definitely a book to absorb and share.

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Out Of The Depths from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review*

"Out of the Depths" is a true story of the USS Indianapolis survivor, Edgar Harrell, author of the book. Even though it has been many years since the event took place but he relives those difficult days and nights at the ocean infested with sharks and filled with dead bodies in the middle of nowhere with the reader. There is also some historical background in the story for obvious reasons and a little bit of the author's perception of politics. I was curious to know what he thinks about Pearl Harbor since there are so many debates over it these days.

This book was very interesting to me mostly because of the miraculous survival. Obviously every life is very important for this country and we see many missions launched to help individuals out of dangerous situations in hot spots of the planet. Even more so we are important to God who moves mountains to rescue us. The story is really touching and inspiring. It is a legacy for the future generations in more ways than one.

P.S. I received this book for free from Bethany House for my honest opinion.

Whoa. That is what I said many times while reading this amazing story. This story gives the gruesome and horrific details of a true story that many people don’t truly know. Edgar Harrell, a Marine aboard the USS INDIANAPOLIS, tells his story in a very real way. This is the type of story where after your done reading it, the story stays with you and you can’t stop thinking about it.
There were many aspects of this story that I was unaware of and I am sure isn’t taught in history classes. This story not only tells what happened during their survival at sea, but what also happened to the survivors afterwards. Like how badly they were treated, how blame for the incident was placed on the wrong person, and how justice was never truly served until 50 years later. This is such an inspiring story that will remind you that with God you can get through anything. And I honestly cannot think of anything else that would be worse than what those service men went through.

The first two chapters in the book start out by giving you background information on Harrell and the ship. Then when you hit chapter three, the tragic story unfolds. Throughout the book are old photographs that make the story come alive even more. There were a few spots in the story that looked like a repeat of what was said earlier in the book, almost like they moved part of the story to a different page in the book and forgot to delete it from the original spot. However this did not hurt the story in anyway, whether the repeated facts were intentional or not. While this book doesn’t have the most incredible writing style or the best structure, I didn’t really look at that while reviewing this book. Because I knew that the author was not a professional writer, he was a survivor that needed to tell his story.

This book is a must read for anyone who loves history, true war stories, and anyone who doesn’t know true story of the USS INDIANAPOLIS.

This is a well written, easy to read, book regarding a major tragedy at sea during the very final days of World War ll. The scene is well described, from the rural youth of the author, through an introduction of the massive ship, the Indianapolis, the torpedoing of that ship and the hundreds of deaths, many from four days in the ocean among sharks that killed many of them.

The author goes into reasonable detail, especially for us who do not demand finite and endless details. It offers very good insight into the whole issue, including some of the finger pointing of blame that followed.

I highly recommend this book to all who may have an interest in World War ll or military history, be that land, air or water oriented warfare.

Out of The Depths is a harrowing tale about the sinking of the USS Indianapolis on ,30 July 1945.
Mr. Harrell tells a gripping tale of deception by the government in that the Captain of the USS Indianapolis was responsible for not keeping the ship safe during wartime.
God intervened when the ship sank as the sailors were abandoned by their superiors who never knew what had happened to these young men.
They fought off hunger, sharks, dehydration during this time in the ocean as they floated, they captured packages of rotting potatoes to eat, and kept their spirits up by singing and praying.
The only reason they made was by God’s providence and faith. I truly enjoyed this story and showed me that God does work miracles and has angels in different forms.
This is one story that should be told over and over and never forgotten.
I received this book from Bethany House free for an honest review.

This is an excellent book. There may be points I could make against the writing but I won't because the book isn't about how vividly it recounts the ordeal that Harrell went through, nor is it a book that I think they want you to get 'lost in' while reading. No; this book has real emotion and enough detail that it will wretch the gut of those who have compassion and a hope in the Lord.

When I began the book I thought it slow-going but I had to shift from a novel reading mentality to a nonfiction book about an experience in war. Harrell gives backstory- his, the USS Indianapolis, and a bit of the circumstances ultimately leading to the ordeal he and his crewmates endured. One of the things that kept me reading was the very evident belief that God would get him through whatever he encountered. In the book, Harrell mentions that before leaving for the war he hadn't really accepted God- he had be a churchgoer but did not have a relationship with God. That changed right before he shipped out.

Throughout the book, Harrell relays the verses that kept him holding his head above water- literally. There were so many who were without the peace he had; did they not know God?; did they not have a relationship with God? Many did not; many gave up. Harrell says that the peace he had helped him be okay with however his plight turned out. In one instance, his buddy Miles Spooner, who had major damage to his eyes and was in a lot of pain, wanted to just let go and sink. Harrell prayed with him. Here is what is in the book:

Years later, my Marine buddy Miles Spooner gave an interview to a newspaper and described me as "a 'hard-shell' Christian, (who) quoted Bible verses, prayed, and pleaded with God during their extended time afloat."
"I didn't care much for religion then," Spooner said, but he's changed his mind over the years. Did religion save him and Harrell? "Probably so," he said, in a choked voice.
I am thankful that the Lord gave me a steadfast hope and a desire to pray to Him during such an agonizing ordeal. But make no mistake; it was the God of the Bible, not mere religion, that saved us. pg. 138

Towards the end of the book, Harrell talks more about after the rescue; the lack of reception for the survivors; the hush-hush attitude of the higher-ups; the strange court-martial of Captain McVay; and the "Journey for Justice," the last chapter. I will say that it leads one to believe that the circumstances surrounding the sinking of the USS Indianapolis were avoidable and that the US government handled this in a very poor manner. Harrell references other books if one is interested in researching it further. I appreciate that he does included those references as opposed to stating only his feelings on the matter, although this is a biography of his experience.

All-in-all, a very good book. It doesn't take long to read but it stays with you for awhile. It does have quite a bit of detail on the explosions of the USS Indianapolis, but without such gory detail as to be unreadable. And when they are in the water, Harrell accounts the shark attacks that took many of his crewmates

I am giving this book to my almost 15-year-old son to read. It is a great book about courage, but mostly faith in God during extreme trials.

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers for the purpose of this review. All opinions stated are my own.

Out of the Depths: An Unforgettable WWII Story of Survival, Courage, and the Sinking of the USS Indianapolis is an autobiography of Edgar Harrell's experiences while in the Marines.

If you know much about me, I am so far from a history buff. Even choosing to read this book was a stretch for me. I enjoyed the personal experience that Edgar was able to add to this time period of history. There was not a huge time period covered in the book which helped me to be able to follow along.

One cool thing about the USS Indianapolis was that they transported supplies to make the atomic bomb.

The crazy part of this story starts when the USS Indianapolis was stuck by a Japanese sub. The ship did not take long to go down. The adventure just begins at this point.

Obviously, we know the ending of the story since it is an autobiography, but how Edgar makes it out is quite interesting.

Thanks to Bethany House for allowing me to read this book for an honest review.

"Out of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord" Psalm 130:1 (KJV).

Out of the Depths: An Unforgettable Story of Survival, Courage, and the Sinking of the U. S. S. Indianapolis is the personal experience of WWII veteran Edgar Harrell (USMC). He was one of the 317 survivors from a crew of almost 1200 men on the Indianapolis when it was torpedoed by a Japanese sub in Philippine waters on July 29, 1945. The title and the Bible verse from which it came describe how Harrell relied on God during five days of drifting in the ocean with other sailors without rafts or provisions. It's a gripping account of the horrors he experienced. It's also a story you may not have heard before because ship's mission was secret. Plus, there was a subsequent attempt to cover up the Navy's mishandling of the situation.

The Indianapolis had delivered the critical components for the atomic bombs that ended the war to the U. S. base on Tinian. The ship had left Tinian and was in the general vicinity of the Philippines when it was sunk. Some men were killed in the actual sinking, but many of them were left to drift in the ocean for days. Many died from exposure and salt-water poisoning, but some were killed by the sharks. And the worse of it---nobody knew they were out there. No distress signal was sent, probably because it happened so fast. The home port did not question when the ship did not arrive at scheduled time. Finally, an American plane spotted some of the survivors and started the ball rolling on rescuing them.

I can't imagine anything more agonizing than what Mr. Harrell went through. His son, pastor David Harrell, co-wrote the book. Like many WWII vets, Harrell had not shared his story during the immediate aftermath of the war. But, the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon prompted Harrell to finally speak out. He felt that 9/11 was Pearl Harbor all over again. He wanted America to know what it took to win WWII.

He does an excellent job of telling the story and sharing instances in which he felt God heard his prayers. His writing style keeps you reading. In fact, it was a hard book to put down. I highly recommend Out of the Depths for all Americans. Those of us who grew up after WWII have no idea what people went through during the war. Families didn't hear from their loved ones for months on end. Some were killed or MIA. Soldiers, sailors and marines were wounded physically or emotionally, but they still came home to work at keeping America strong. Edgar Harrell raised a family and ran a thriving business, but he never set foot in the ocean again.

Disclaimer: Bethany House sent me this book at no charge in exchange for an honest review to be posted here and on retail bookseller site. This fact in no way influenced by opinion.

A firsthand account of tragedy, courage, survival and as always, a government cover-up. It is amazing to think what these men went through for their country and others whose graves became the sea. One of the most moving parts of the book is at the end, a picture of the author, Corp. Edgar A. Harrell and a little girl. The picture portrays the power of forgiveness and a life free of bitterness.
"Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me." -Psalm 139:7-10

Why I Choose this Book:
I've been interested in the story of the USS Indianapolis for several years now. We have a friend, Bob Welsh, who is a storyteller and has an amazing talent of weaving true historical accounts into verse. I've sat spellbound many times while listening to his poem, Sleep Well, Ye Men of Indy's Crew. (The poem is rather long, but well, well worth listening to!) A couple of years ago Bob even brought one of few survivors to meet our family - it was history come to life.

What I Thought About this Book:
For some reason this book was extremely hard for me to get into. Like, over two years hard to get into. I started it in 2014 and picked it up several times during the next 24 months, but it didn't hold my interest. Then I picked it up a couple days ago and like a switch was flipped, I hardly wanted to put the book down. It was incredibly interesting and pulled me in and made me almost feel the horror myself.

The story is amazing - really a miracle, and I don't use that word lightly. The author is very clear that he believes it's only by the hand of God that they were saved. He describes how so many different elements worked together to create their rescue, and it's astounding.

True war books always leave me sad. It's horrible and the cost of life is staggering. I'm so very incredibly thankful though for those who offered and gave their very lives so that we could live in freedom.

I'm so amazed at how the survivors were able to hang on. I have no clue how anyone could have a strong enough will to fight through what they did as the days slipped away in agonizing pain and terror with little to no hope of being rescued. The group of men from the Indianapolis are truly astonishing.

The crew from the Indianapolis unknowingly played a huge part in ending the war and yet because of Navy politics weren't fully recognized for around 50 years. I feel honored to have been able to thank one of the survivors in person for fighting for our freedom.

Conclusion:
This book isn't for kids. It describes in some detail the horribleness of what the crew endured and it was gruesome. At the same time though, I don't think the author went into too much detail, it just isn't suitable for kids.

Rating:
I'm giving Out of the Depths Four Stars (eight out of ten).

*I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review*

Edgar Harrell is a survivor. He would have to be to come out alive after going though the ordeal that he did. As a marine aboard the USS Indianapolis‘ last voyage Harrell experienced firsthand the hellish aftermath of the ship’s sinking the resulted in the loss of over 800 lives. From the burning decks of the Indy to the shark-infested waters filled with raving humanity Harrell takes readers into the struggling mass of humanity into the Pacific.

Almost everyone has heard the story of the USS Indianapolis that was sunk by a Japanese submarine. Oftentimes the number of those who died in the sinking and in the aftermath while being stranded at sea for days becomes a mere statistic. Not so with Out of the Depths. In his heartbreaking account Mr. Harrell shows readers both how hopeless it was to be stranded at sea and watch brothers in arms die by gruesome deaths while also giving his personal account and how his faith got him through the worst of it. This is a must-have book for both maritime enthusiasts and also for those who are looking for a book that doesn’t seek to make the whole disaster so, so utterly depressing. Because although it was a truly horrific thing for anyone to have to go through and those that died as well as survived will always be remembered one marine shows us that not all was lost.

In closing I would like to note that there were some things I wasn’t sure I agreed with but overall it is well worth a read. All too often authors seek to dwell on only the very worst of the event making for very heavy reading (not that I have anything against that; it was a true catastrophe), and it was good to see a book released that allowed a bit of hope into the pages.

DISCLAIMER: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” we would like to note that we received an electronic copy of “Out of the Depths” provided by the publishers Bethany House, through NetGalley.com in exchange for our honest review.

Out of the Depths: An Unforgettable WWII Story of Survival, Courage, and the Sinking of the USS Indianapolis is an autobiography of Edgar Harrell's experiences while in the Marines.

If you know much about me, I am so far from a history buff. Even choosing to read this book was a stretch for me. I enjoyed the personal experience that Edgar was able to add to this time period of history. There was not a huge time period covered in the book which helped me to be able to follow along.

One cool thing about the USS Indianapolis was that they transported supplies to make the atomic bomb.

The crazy part of this story starts when the USS Indianapolis was stuck by a Japanese sub. The ship did not take long to go down. The adventure just begins at this point.

Obviously, we know the ending of the story since it is an autobiography, but how Edgar makes it out is quite interesting.

Thanks to Bethany House for allowing me to read this book for an honest review.

I cannot describe just how amazing this book is. It is gripping, intense yet encouraging. In face of unthinkable horrors this soldier holds to his faith in God. Harrell tells his story of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, about surviving 5 days and nights among constant terrors and his miraculous rescue. Through it all he gives God the glory. Truly inspiring!! This book gave me more deeper appreciation for our soldiers and made me yearn to strengthen my own faith.

I heard about Edgar Harrell's story by accidentally clicking a viral internet video on Facebook. That video was showing the reunion of the survivors of the USS Indianapolis. I had never heard of this important piece of history. The story even hit home more because we share the same faith. I cried and cried through out the entire book. Mr. Harrell is my real life hero.

Heard the author on the radio and ordered the book. He is a survivor of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, living three days in shark infested waters before being rescued. This is an updated edition from the original, with info about the family of the Captain of the submarine that sunk them.

A personal reminiscence of a survivor of the historic disaster of the Indianapolis. I saw "Jaws" again this Summer and heard the reference to man-eating sharks. Well, this is the real deal. A courageous and awe-inspiring tale.

Couldn't get past about chapter two. It gets really really religious really fast. Once I read that the author survived because "God saved him because he was special and let all the other men on his ship die" because I guess they weren't special (what?!), I couldn't read any more. Those poor men were eaten by sharks and died horrific deaths and the author dismisses this as he was more important to God. Awful.

Much better accounts minus the gratuitous, in-your-face religion.

Good book, but I did not care for Oliver North comparing the 9/11 terrorists with Japanese pilots of WWII. He put the 9/11 terrorists on the same level as soldiers in the military fighting a war. Maybe he did not mean to do that, but he did. Read the book. Skip the forward by Oliver North. Edgar Harrell is a good writer. Oliver North is not.

Although I have the utmost respect for our heroic Veterans of WWII and all of our wars, I would return this immediately if it was still within the 30 days. I did not expect a bible thumping, racist, conservative manifesto spin on this historic disaster. I was going to pitch it into the trash after the first few pages, but I was waiting for someone to have a medical procedure and had nothing else to read, so I took an hour to finish it (that's all it takes-30 minutes if you skip over the new testament quotations-50% of the content). There are other, excellent books on the subject.

Edgar Harrell, a Marine during World War II, tells his true story of being aboard the USS Indianapolis when a Japanese submarine bombed it multiple times. In a matter of minutes, the battleship sunk, while the crew tried to jump for their lives into Pacific Ocean.

The Indianapolis was caught completely unaware as it did not have equipment on board to warn them of submarines in the area. Although a request had been made for a destroyer escort to protect the Indy from submarines, it had been denied. The ship had also been misinformed that the waters they were going through were safe, when in fact, they were very dangerous.

Mr. Harrell relates his ordeal of being in shark infested waters hundreds of miles from land. The men baked in the tropical sun during the day, but froze at night. Over nine hundred men were in the water to begin with, but by the time help arrived, there were just over three hundred.

The men were counting on rescue parties coming for them. But unbeknownst to them, the one SOS that the Indy sent was not translated correctly, so their call for help was never received. The dock where the Indianapolis was going had a mix-up about their arrival, so they were not noted as overdue. Without a miracle, no one would find them.

All these years later, the author was still able to paint a vivid picture of the horrors he and his fellow soldiers faced in the ocean. Mr. Harrell states unequivocally that God brought him through this torment. He is also quick to credit God for setting in motion the set of circumstances that ultimately caused them to be rescued.

Many of the survivors turned to alcohol or suicide to escape the memories of that awful time. Soldiers who experienced combat have stated this situation was the worst thing they lived through. The author attributes his faith in God, and the strength from Him, that has allowed Mr.Harrell to survive the memories of that nightmare without resorting to destructive behaviors.

Reading Mr. Harrell's experiences was difficult, but points out the tremendous sacrifices Americans have made for our nation. The survivors have formed a group, and have continued to meet down through the years. It was uplifting to read of Mr. Harrell's faith, as well as, the peace he has made with the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of the Japanese submarine commander who bombed the Indianapolis. I recommend this 5-star book to anyone who likes true military stories.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Bethany House Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

This is one of those books that when you finish reading it and put it down, it will stay with you. Each chapter starts with a scripture with brings hope and encouragement even in the midst of very despairing situations. I've always had a deep respect for those who serve to keep our nation free but never more so that after I finished reading Out of the Depths. This USS Indianapolis survival has an incredible attitude that gives God the glory for his survival, struggles and the ability to forgive those responsible. There is a lot of information in this book regarding the sinking of the USS Indianapolis and subsequent "investigation" and cover-up that I was unaware of. Unfortunately, when a tragedy occurs, the desire to hold anyone responsible, even if it is not the right person, many times overrides the necessity for true justice and a thorough investigation. In the end, however the author leaves the book on a high note with this statement "For me the ordeal of the USS Indianapolis will never be over until the Lord takes me home to be with Him. My experiences on board the Indy and my anguish of soul while lost at sea remain stunning reminders of the sinfulness of man, the providence of God, and His saving grace" and I Peter 1:3-9. This book reminds me that my struggles are truly only light afflictions, as the Apostle Paul said. Thank you Bethany House Publishers for sending me this book to review in time for Memorial Day, and most of all, thank you Edgar Harrell, USMC and the many other war survivors for telling your stories so we may remember that freedom is never free. Thank you to our veterans and their families who put your lives and futures at risk for the benefit of others for our great country. Our country would not be great without you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. Edgar Harrell was on the USS Indianapolis when it was sunk on July 30, 1945. For four days nobody knew that the ship had sunk, and the survivors were adrift in the ocean. Hundreds of men are in the water with only their life jackets to keep them afloat. Sharks are their constant companions.

This is an amazing story. I cannot imagine experiencing what these men did. They suffered unimaginable deprivation, constant horror and worry. It is a story that should be told and remembered. These men should be honored.

I found the material amazing, but I did not enjoy the writing style. The voice seemed almost detached. There was almost too much detail, it detracted from the overall feeling of the book.

Edgar Harrell has written a book "Out of the Depths" about the men who survived the sinking of the U.S. Indianapolis during World War II. And I think this book touched on one of my biggest fears, being alone - adrift at sea - abandoned in shark infested salt water for five days and nights with no hope in sight.

This book is about the faith and hope we have in God that enables us to have courage in dark times. But Edgar Harrell is not simply an author recording events, Edgar was actually a young marine who was aboard that ship when it sunk.

He is a survivor. Reading his brave story is truly a testimony to be blessed with the gift of each day.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes true-war stories, or tales of patriotism and bravery. How wonderful that this story has been recorded and preserved for everyone to read.

Thank you to Bethany House publishers for a preview copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This book is a great read, I would recommend it to any sailor in the US Navy, this book has a lot of rich Navy history in it. The great thing about this book is how short it is, I don't know about the rest of the Navy, but reading is not on the top of my to-do list, so the fact that it's a short book really helps!

Out of the Depths is a book about the USS Indianapolis, its sinking, and its survivors. It's the story told by a Marine survivor, Mr. Harrell. It's a book about World War 2 and the horrors of war.

I did not really care for this book. I don't so much like reading about war, yet I tried this book, so take my review with a grain of salt :) My husband enjoys WW2 history and enjoyed this book. Truthfully I didn't even care for the writing style of the book -- I thought it seemed more like reading a transcript of someone's verbally telling their story to an audience, it was a bit choppy and just not what I would call well-written.

If you enjoy WW2 History, you might like to check this book out. It is another telling of the story of the Indianapolis, some of the things that perhaps led up to its tragedy, the horrific end to many of its servicemen, the amazing survival of some of them, the perhaps unjust treatment of some of them after survival, and more.

I did read this book in Kindle form, and there were many issues with that which made the book very difficult to read, hopefully by the time the book is officially released these issues will have been fixed.

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. I was not required to write a positive review.

As a Navy Veteran, Honorably discharged, I have always been fascinated with U. S. Naval History and our victories and tragedies at sea. I was fully prepared to purchase this first account History of the U.S.S. Indianapolis. However, I noted at the last moment that oliver north had written a forward to the book. For that reason alone, I will not purchase same.

If one has expected to find the literal meaning of Semper Fidelis, this volume is not the one. It is a sermon on the sea water glorifying, not the free will of the individual human beings, the predetermination or rather the preternatural character of the Divine. On the morning of the third day of "the drifting" one sees the decaying bodies of deceased shipmates, the flesh on their faces decomposed, with their cheekbones protruding, and their eye-sockets mere holes, and yet one still sends up to the overcast nocturnal skies one's mendicant psalms praising one's Lord!

Couldn't even get started. I wanted a history book about WWII, not a book from the new testament. Barely made it through Oliver Norths Foreward (Really? The kamikazes differ little from the pilots from 9/11? So kamikazes were attacking innocent civilians in a surprize attack?) By the bottom of page one (where I learned that our author was obviously so special that God himself (herself? itself?) kept him alive, I just gave up. (Not sure what those other almost 900 who dies did to piss God off.)