Hardtack 1958
US Atomic Veterans
George Coulston
George Coulston sent email about his duty at Operation Hardtack.
From: Ewlmja@aol.com
Date: Wed, 11 Jul 2001
Subject: Operation Hardtack
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
I was a yeoman aboard the USS Joyce DER 317 during the Atomic tests of
May-June 58. We were dispatched from Pearl Harbor for what
was to be something like forty plus days in the Marshall Islands. Can't say
how far in advance I knew of our assignment, if it was when it became general
knowledge or earlier because I was cleared to handle classified material up
to category secret.
I believe we took part in five shots. I was the Captains phone talker on
the bridge. On one particular shot the OOD was taken ill and the skipper gave
me his eye protection therefore allowing me to stay to view the shot and not
clear the bridge. We were all equipped with dosimeters.
The shot went off (air or surface). There was a very bright flash as you
would expect. I don't remember hearing anything at that moment. What is
pictured in my minds eye, I believe, is that I saw the shock wave coming
across the water towards us. It was looking like heat waves coming up from an
ashpalt road on a hot day. It was like something that was rolling towards us.
Moments later there was a tremendous noise. It may have been when what
whatever it was made contact with the ship. For a moment it seemed as if
everything stood still. Like everything stopped moving, even the white caps and
waves appeared to me to stand still for that instant.
I think the sprinkler system may have been used to wash down the ship
after this shot. I don't know for sure. In fact, the whole description of
what I think I remember sounds so strange now saying it that I am not sure of
anything. The ship had been equipped with an exterior wash down system in
the Boston yards earlier that Spring while we were drydocked.
If I remember correctly, part of our assignment was to track the
monitoring devices sent up into cloud after the shot and if necessary assist
in the retrieval of same.
Maybe this will be helpful to you and it may bring back memories for
others as Englehorn did for me. I will have no problem with anyone that
contradicts what I have stated here. Forty three years is some time back.
George Coulston
Email: Ewlmja@aol.com
Keith Whittle
July 25, 2001
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