Torpedoed: The Remarkable WWII Survival of Ray Downs and His Family | E121

In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into the remarkable WWII-era survival story of 8-year-old Ray Downs and his family. On May 19, 1942, aboard the merchant ship Heredia, the Downs family’s voyage from South America to New Orleans takes a devastating turn when their ship is struck by torpedoes from a German U-boat. The episode recounts young Ray’s vivid memories of the terrifying moments following the attack, the incredible ordeal the family faced floating for 18 hours at sea, and the miraculous series of events leading to the rescue and reunion of the entire family. By the end of their harrowing tale, listeners will be amazed by the resilience and ingenuity displayed by Ray and his family in the face of overwhelming odds. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:15 Setting the Scene: World War II Era 00:55 The Downs Family Background 01:53 Voyage on the Heredia 04:30 The Night of the Attack 09:10 Chaos and Survival 14:11 Adrift in the Open Ocean 14:47 A Father's Ingenious Distraction 16:55 A Miraculous Rescue 18:56 Reunion Against All Odds 23:20 Life After the Ordeal 26:38 Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ More reading about this story: https://www.historynet.com/conversation-with-u-boat-survivor-ray-downs/ https://www.amazon.com/So-Close-Home-American-Survival/dp/1681774321 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.