Operation Redwing 1956
Operation Hardtack 1958
US Atomic Veterans
James A. Leggett
From: "JAMES A LEGGETT" SAMVALVES@prodigy.net
To: "Keith" pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Operation Hardtack and Redwing Memories
Date: Tue, 29 Dec 1998
During Operation Redwing in 1956 I served aboard the USS Knudson APD 101 as a seaman.
As I remember before each Atomic blast we were required to assemble on the 01 deck in a sitting position facing away from the blast and with our bent arm covering our eyes. No matter how tightly you thought yours eyes were covered and eyelids closed you could still see the bomb flash as it exploded. And it seemed like two minutes later you could hear the sound of the blast. It was deafening!
Once I remember after a blast I was assigned to a work party to pick up stores from another ship and on our return we noticed that the water sprinklers were on and the ship was buttoned up. In order for us to get aboard ship we were required to strip naked and go down the forward hatch to showers and use a scrub brush and soap to cleanse our skin of any possible radiation exposure. Then we were checked with a geiger counter to make sure that we were radiation free. What had happened was that the wind changed unexpectedly and put us in the radiation fallout area.
I also remember during this cruise that an outsider on a private raft, can't remember it's name, showed up to protest nuclear testing. It was escorted out of the area. I also remember an underwater Atomic test. And what a beautiful sight it was. Plus others.
With regards to Operation Hardtack, I was serving aboard the USS DeHaven DD 727.
How lucky I thought I was I was going to participate in another series of Atomic Bomb Blasts.
We spent alot of time at Eniwetok and Bikini. At this time I was an SH3. I have memories of the liberty which we had on Bikini Atoll drinking beer and playing baseball. As I remember we were allowed to go ashore a few hours every three days.
I also remember on this cruise that on occasion when a blast occured they would shoot missiles through the mushroom cloud. Sometimes with live animals (monkies) it was said.
I also witnessed an Atomic blast that was detonated in the air from Johnson Island and it was reported that you could see it from Hawaii which was approximately a thousand miles away.
Keith, I would like to receive any information you have regarding VA benefits and information as where I can write for my military dose records. And thanks for adding my page to the others.
James A. Leggett
SAMVALVES@prodigy.net
Keith Whittle
January 1, 1999
Operation Redwing
Operation Hardtack