Operation Sandstone
1948
US Atomic Veterans
Bill Fielder
Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999
From: Bill Fielder capobj@earthlink.net
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Operation Sandstone
My name is Bill Fielder. I was a SA on the USS Marsh DE-699 during
Operation Sandstone. My observations are about the same as the ones of
Hank Ware, except for the duties of our ship. We were assigned patrol
duty, and were allowed to anchor 3 times during our 45 days at Eniwetok.
I was on watch when all 3 shots were made, so had access to the special
glasses, and got to see all of the awesome sights. I don't remember any
noise from the bombs, although the shock wave traveling across the
water, and the heat were very evident.
I remember the quonset hut on
Perry Island that had a reefer full of COLD BEER. The trip was made from
the Marsh in a LCVP, which must have been provided by the Comstock.
Other than the explosions, the most memorable things were chasing a
Japanese fishing boat out of the restricted area, and shark fishing from
the fantail. All of this is from memory (51 Years) ago, so don't hold me
to the accuracy.
As for ill effects, I don't know of any problems from being at Eniwetok.
I have the usual heart, blood pressure, arthritis, etc. that goes with
being 71 years old. Hope this proves interesting to someone, and would
love to read about others experiences from Operation Sandstone..
Bill Fielder
capobj@earthlink.net
--Keith Whittle
Sept 15, 1999
Operation Sandstone