Operation Redwing
US Atomic Veterans
James Oscar Carrell
Marvin
Emory Carrell
James Oscar Carrell sent email about his duty at Operation Redwing.
From: Obieatdamb@cs.com
Date: Sat, 4 Aug 2001
Subject: Redwing
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
My name is James Oscar Carrell seaman second class. My brother is Marvin
Emory Carrell seaman second class. Our outfit was 7.3 Boatpool stationed at
Cornado California temporarily attached to USS Catamount. LSD 17.
We were in all 18 tests in Bikini Atoll. We were supposed to be 28 miles from the blasts. At 5 o:clock the morning of the blast we were laying on the deck with our
arms across our eyes and told not to look untill we were told to. We were
wearing Khaki shorts, t- shirts and ball cap as that was the uniform of the
day. I saw the shadow of the bones in my arm and felt the heat like you
would back up to a fireplace. We were given no warnings or protective gear
and had no idea of the danger of these tests.
My brother Marvin Carrell was diagnosed with cancer of the thyroid. He is
now on permanent disability. I have not been tested yet and am currently under
the care of a Veterans Admistration doctor. I have been having mental and
trauma conditions since 1956 but am just now following up with the medical
problem at the Veterans Administration.
Would appreciate any help or
information of others on the USS Catamount.
Yours Fraternal
James Oscar Carrell
Marvin Emory Carrell
Email: Obieatdamb@cs.com
Keith Whittle
August 5, 2001
[ Operation Redwing ]