Not the _Indianapolis_ (and I don't know which vessel on which he did serve), but he was in the water for a long time before he was recovered. Apparently there were very few survivors -- mainly because of the sharks.

He only mentioned it to his sister (my grandmother) once and then only briefly. And he pretty much lived the rest if his life without talking about his war experience. But he was understandably pretty messed up by it (from the accounts of my family members).

Can't hear about this without thinking about him. He passed away several years ago. Great guy. Now he is at peace.