10-29-14
(Cleveland)- White County veteran and others who attended the 10th annual Veterans Appreciation luncheon Tuesday at The Bridge Church had the opportunity to hear a first hand account of courage and endurance during World War Two. The featured speaker for the event was Retired U.S. Marine Cpl. Edgar Harrell.
Harrell, who is 90 years old, was one of 316 men who survived what is described as the worst Navy disaster, at sea, the sinking of the USS Indianapolis during World War Two. He shared his ordeal of surviving shark infested waters for 4 ½ days. Harrell shared with the group the desperation he and other men in his group had after three days in the water, “ and there were 17 of us, and we had prayed, we pleaded with the Lord telling him that we can’t make it those planes up there 30 thousand feet they can’t see us, we have to have some help and so we are desperate,” said Harrell.
One of the brightest moments of the ordeal was when a plane was sent to look for them, but the ocean waves were to high to land, but the plane’s pilot was told by his commander not to land, but Harrell said, “ I’, thankful that he disobeyed orders and set that big goose down.” Harrell’s account of those horrific days was documented a few years ago by his son David in a book, “ Out of the Depths”
In addition to the intriguing account by Harrell, there was special music by White County Intermediate School Chorus, under the direction of Joel Rogers and singer Mary Beth Lashoto along with a special lunch and time to say “ Thank You “ to those who served.