Operation Sandstone
US Atomic Veterans
Harold Criger
From: "H.Criger" hcriger@internet8.net
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: operation Sandstone
Date: Tue, 12 Sep 2000
My name is Harold Criger, I was onboard the USS Curtiss ( AV - 4 ) during the 3 Tests conducted in the Marshal Islands in 1948. I was an SN at the time & this was my FIRST cruise since entering the Navy in August 1947. I am now 70 years young and have had no medical problems associated with the A- Bomb tests.
I don't have a lot to relate about my cruise on the Curtiss AV-4 during operation Sandstone. We left San Diego & on the way to Pearl Harbor. Some of us in the 1st Division decided to cut our hair as close as the Clippers would cut it cause we knew we wouldn't be back in the states for 4-5- months. I was the last one and the clippers fell apart when they were half way done so shifted to a electric razor which didn't last long either so then went with a straight razor. When we arrived in Pearl Harbor 3 days later I had just a stubble of hair on my head, which acted like velcro tape. I couldn't lose a white hat in a 50 knot gale ! !
We were in Eniwetok Atoll for 3 bomb tests, one which I was lucky enough to view with the special goggles the Govt. provided, an awesome sight to see but I was glad we were as far away as we were. I do not know of anyone that has had a problem due to radiation fall out or contamination.
While waiting for the test we did have some R & R over on one of the islands. We found out that if you mixed your two (2) cans of beer with coconut juice you would have a pretty good buzz on after you drank it. The chaplin couldn't figure out how we were able to get half cocked on only two cans??
On one of the Islands the carpenters build a pier under the direction of Cdr. Wilkinson, the Exec. at that time. Then they blew up the Island & the pier!
If any one out there, that was aboard at that time, reads this, drop me an E-Mail. I'd be glad to hear from you.
I haven't attended any of the Curtiss reunions yet, but I hope to next year or the one in 2002 in Kentucky..Last Liberty boat is about to leave so I gotta go.
Harold Criger
S.N.,Curt Maru (AV-4)
Houma,LA
hcriger@internet8.net
--Keith Whittle
September 19, 2000
Operation Sandstone