Hardtack 1958
US Atomic Veterans
Jack (John) Empson
Jack (John) Empson sent email about his duty at Operation Hardtack.
From: "Lynda Empson" LYNDAE841@hotmail.com
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Eniwetok, Operation Hardtack, Joint Task Force 7
Date: Thu, 9 Mar 2000
I was there from April, 1958 to March 1959. I witnessed underwater and above ground shots.
I was in the 4951st Support Squadron as an aircraft mechanic and worked on L-20 A/C. |
L-20 and Crew. Photo from Jack Empson
The names from left to right, 3rd from left is me (Jack Empson) next is S/Sgt George Perwault, (I don't know if last name is spelled correct)14th or next to last is Albert (Skip) Martel.
Click on the picture for a larger view.
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I can't remember how many shots there were from April to October when we stopped above ground testing but I know that the last shot was the biggest of all. That was the one that got so hot it was like being in an oven. I do remember we were told to wear long sleeve shirts and long pants for that one.
Photo from Jack Empson
Promotion photo, from left to right, S'Lee A. Hinshaw, Donald N. Caricofe, Albert J. Martel, LTC.Stincross, William J Broussard, John M. Empson and George R. Oliver.
Click on the picture for a larger view.
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When you are only 18 years old you think that your government wouldn't do any thing that could hurt you. But as I got older I felt like we were used as human guinea pigs and to this day I haven't been contacted by any government agency to check on health or any other problems I might have.
If there is anyone you know that I should contact please let me know . I would like to hear from others that were on the ROCK.
Jack (John) Empson
Email: LYNDAE841@hotmail.com
Keith Whittle
March 20, 2000
[ Operation Hardtack1 ]
