Operation Redwing
1956
US Atomic Veterans
Richard Cowan
From: SURELY55@aol.com
Date: Wed, 27 May 1998
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: OPERATION REDWING
My name is Richard Cowan PFC. 505th MP ( US Army ) Battalion stationed at Perry Island, Eniwetok, and participated in Operation Redwing. Was on the island
from March to July 1956. Was looking at my papers prior to getting Social
Security and found my certificate issued to those participating in Operation
Redwing.
Decided to check Internet and see if any might remember me. Contact
me at E-mail Surely55@aol.com.
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Re: Atomic Veteran (Operation Redwing)
Hey Keith
I was with the 505th MP Battalion stationed on Perry / Parry Island. This was the headquarters for Holmes & Narver civilian contractors for all the utilities, buildings, etc. Also, this was the assembly site for the H bomb that went off at Bikini. We had to quard the bldg while "IT" was being assembled. We called it "Big Boy". When you were walking around the bomb (inside in the bldg.) the geiger counter really went wild.
The best part was the chow - all those civilian scientists
and contruction people wanted GOOD FOOD! We had steak and strawberry
shortcake every Saturday night.
The snorkling was terrific on our off hours. And we fished for sharks at night.
We got to see quite a few A bomb blasts from the islands up the line 10-15 miles. Quite an experience. I also remember when they set off "Big Boy". It was 5:00 AM, pitch dark, and you could read a magazine from the light "Big Boy" emited. This was 300 miles away at Bikini atoll. 5 minutes later you heard the rumble.
Have you heard from anyone else stationed at Perry Isle? The island is the first one up the line from Eniwetok.
Thanks again.
Dick Cowan
SURELY55@aol.com
--Keith Whittle
August 12, 1998
Operation Redwing