Operation Redwing
US Atomic Veterans
William C. Leeuwenburg
William C. Leeuwenburg sent email about his duty at Operation Redwing.
From: charles@wcleeuwenburg.com
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Death Notice
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 2005
My father fought a 13 year battle with lymphoma that claimed him 09 August 2004. As his son, I am charged with settling his affairs. While digging through his personal effects, I found his Certificates of Participation in Operation Redwing. Would like to donate these - is there an atomic warfare museum? I'm afraid that these will be lost into obscurity if I don't place them at a proper location.
My father enjoyed communicating with you - it brought him much happiness being in contact with fellow veterans.
Best regards,
Charles Leeuwenburg
W.C. Leeuwenburg, Inc.
706 Arendell Street #3481
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 726-2963
From: BLeeuwenbu@cs.com
Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2000
Subject: Operation Redwing
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Keith
I served on the USS George Eastman YAG 39 from September 1955 to August 1957
as a Quartermaster 2nd. As you probably know we were involved in gathering
fall out information on several shots. As I recall when we were involved in
this we only had about 10 men aboard. ( I heard later that we were all
volunteers)
Our duty was to run the ship from our position in a room below
surrounded by water for protection. Everything was by remote control. We did
this for several days, following the fallout path and then returned to
Eniwetok atoll where we lived in tents on Parry Island. There was a
construction company base there so we ate in their mess halls which was
excellent. When we were not active doing the above we were required to work
several hours a day aboard the ship.
On some of the shots that we were not involved in I was transfered to the USS
Estes AGC 12 for temporary duty in communications.
Life on board the YAG 39 was a relaxed duty. Shorts, tee shirt, ball cap and
flip-flops was the uniform of the day. Entire crew was made up of 47 men and
4 officers. The YAG 39 was a WW11 liberty ship with much radiation detection
gear aboard. A house built with a variety of materials was placed on the
helo-pad to see how radiation would effect it and of course the famous
champayne glass on the mast.
I would also like to hear from anyone that was aboard the 39 during this period.
Thanks,
Bill Leeuwenburg
Titusville, FL.
Email:BLeeuwenbu@cs.com
Keith Whittle
December 26, 2000
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