All the Drowned Sailors Raymond B. Lech

All the Drowned Sailors – Raymond B. Lech

A harrowing account of one of America’s greatest wartime tragedies, All the Drowned Sailors investigates the controversial sinking of the USS Indianapolis during World War II. On July 30, 1945, after delivering components of the atomic bomb to the Pacific front, the Indianapolis was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine, sinking in just 12 minutes. Of the nearly 1,200 men aboard, around 880 perished—many falling victim to dehydration, exposure, and relentless shark attacks while awaiting rescue.

Raymond B. Lech meticulously examines the events surrounding the disaster, exposing the failures in naval leadership that delayed the rescue operation and led to unnecessary loss of life. Through survivor testimonies and official records, the book reveals a shocking tale of incompetence, cover-ups, and the tragic consequences of bureaucratic mismanagement. A gripping work of military history, All the Drowned Sailors is an essential read for those interested in World War II, naval warfare, and historical justice.