Operation Hardtack.
US Atomic Veterans
Don Lawson
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999
From: don lawson griddow@yahoo.com
Subject: Hardtack
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
My name is Don Lawson, Jr. I came across your web site and noticed a
comment from a sailor who was on the USS Mansfield during the Shot
Wahoo test. I was an electronics technician on the USS Orleck DD 886
and am not sure what should be said about this but since the Orleck is
on the list of ships at Hardtack, it is probably safe to mention that
the Orleck was the ship even closer to the shot than the Mansfield.
Quite a sight and quite a jar. There were two subs involved. One, an
AEC test vessel with no crew, painted white, with no upper
superstructure and a fully manned sub which I will not identify, as I
note that the subs are not listed on the Hardtack list. It got
bounced really hard. We were tracking it.
I agree with others that when we were close to those shots, the sound
that they made was a very sharp report and not a rumble. And it got
very hot immediately at detonation. Also the x-ray effect mentioned,
i.e. saw the bones in my fingers. That will get your attention.
Several shock waves on the underwater tests. One through the water,
one through the air and some echoing off nearby islands.
We participated in many tests and the experience was tiring,
interesting and, on occasion, terrifying. God help us all, if these
things are ever used in anger, again.
I will write again, in the near future.
Don C. Lawson
griddow@yahoo.com
Keith Whittle
January 27, 1999
Operation Hardtack