There may be hope for some of you people.
Marine vet finally promoted to sergeant 73 years later
Cpl. Edgar Harrell floated in the shark-infested Pacific Ocean for four-and-a-half days.
He swam aimlessly in the salt water — mixed heavily with black oil and blood — with a group of 80 other men who had jumped off the fiery USS Indianapolis after it has been torpedoed by the Japanese during the closing months of World War II.
It was July 30, 1945, and it was 110 degrees. They had no water. Dehydration left their lips covered with sores and their tongues swollen.
By the afternoon of the third day, the group dwindled to just 17 men. Shark fins and the torsos of those they had killed surrounded them. One would scream each time as they were pulled under, just for unrecognizable parts to bob back to the surface. Harrell prayed continually.
A video of him explaining some of his experiences made 4 Years ago.
“We have a saying that once a Marine, always a Marine. We might be a little late with this one,” Maj. Gen. Paul Kennedy said in the quick but emotional ceremony. “The Marines have been inspired by the legacy of (Harrell).”
And in a moment not too soon, the three chevrons were at last pinned to Harrell’s jacket. The now sergeant turned to look at the group who stood and clapped for him.
“Stay faithful,” he said simply, touching on his faith that he credits to have saved him at sea.
I got no problem with him being promoted to Sergeant or any other rank for that matter, Semper Fidelis Sergeant Harrell.
Comments
31 responses to “Corporal with 73 years Time in Grade finally gets promoted to Sergeant”
Semper Fie, Sergeant. Live long and prosper. You have so far!
The E4 mafia takes care of own…
We can’t even imagine the true horror of all of this that he and his shipmates went through. Didn’t see in the picture his comfort critter, blanket, coloring book, safe space, ect (sarc). No problem with any rank either, hell oughta at least give him retroactive back pay too. Semper Fie Sgt Harrell.
Rank? The man is beyond rank.
I don’t care if he’s a buck private, he rates a salute from me.
Looking at his pic, he has a Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Ribbon. There are men, and then there are MEN. Welcome home SERGEANT Harrell, that is one well earned promotion.
Good job, Sgt Harrell. Well done.
Hmmm… who knows. In 28 years maybe I could get promoted to light colonel!
Sergeant Harrell is one tough Marine NCO! Glad to see the Corps recognize this old warrior with a well earned and deserved promotion. It’s called the “greatest generation” because of men like him.
Here’s a “Together We Served” piece that is excellent and it has a photo of him as a 20-year old Marine. Said Harrell in 2010, “As I reflect upon those bittersweet years of blood, sweat and tears mingled with the joys of family, friends and faith, I must confess that I wish our country could go back to those times and recapture the core values upon which our nation was founded.” (Man, I hope the link stays inside the cmt box. If not, if someone can tell me how to keep the link in the box, I would appreciate it.
https://marines.togetherweserved.com/usmc/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxReflectionProfileByName&displayName=Edgar.Harrell
Wow…Just wow.
He’s quite the writer. He should write his memoirs.
Never mind. He did write one! Next time I’ll read to the bottom before commenting.
What a story (both there and at ussindianapolis.org)! I would love to read his book. What a shame that it took so long to present Sgt Harrell with his promotion, and an even greater shame the way the Navy treated his ship’s captain, CAPT McVay.
I think the promotion should come with 70 years of back pay.
Ditto. But he’d probably turn it down.
You definitely don’t know how the Corps works. They probably didn’t even want to back date the warrant.
Powerful stuff.
Thanks & BZ, Dave Hardin.
This man is a true hero, I’m sorry we don’t have more like him! BZ Dave!
I will happily relinquish my title as CplMajor of the Marine Corps
OOOOORAH!!! Congratulations Sergeant ?? Semper Fi!!
The E4 mafia lost a helluva man with this promotion. I salute you, SGT Harrell!
WAR STORY ALERT: Almost like the Air Force Air Police E-4’s with ten years in grade for E-5 we had in 59′ and 60′.
In his 90s and his mind is sharp as a tack. I hope I’m anywhere near as sharp when I am his age.
BZ, Sgt. The horror you went through is beyond my understanding.
Seventy years? That man has a -brutal- cutting score for his MOS.
Nice gesture…
Congratulations, Sergeant. By the way, you have duty this weekend.
BWAHAHA!
Why now? What is there to gain?
Being promoted to Sergeant, the Navy Relief Representative will be able to squeeze a few more bucks out of him.
Sometimes making things right is just the thing to do. Because it is right.
Nobody “gains” anything. Good that it was done anyway.
the number of survivors is incorrect. there were 317 men who survived the sinking.