William (Bill) Nelson sent email regarding his duty during Operation Dominic.
From: Thehawk121@aol.com
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2000
Subject: Re: A-Vets Advisors
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Keith, I was in H-Division on the USS Princeton LPH-5 during Operation Dominic.
I have maps with the locations of most ships participating in Dominic. I
was an E-4 corpsman aboard the Princeton. My 1st duty station was guam!!!! I
have all of the DOE tapes, but I gave many of them away to people who
couldn't afford them. I have been the treasurer for NAAV for the past 4
years. My term is up in October. I am a life member of DAV, VFW, American Legion and
Blinded Veterans Association. I also belong to the National Association of
Radiation Survivors, Navy League, and Vietnam Association of America.
NAAV needs a lot of help and strong support to give people confidence once
again in NAAV.
I remember 2 days of going ashore on Johnston island for r&r.
Swimming in the waters. I'm told agent orange was already being stored on
Johnston island in 62. I witnessed all 9 detonations. Many nights they were
cancelled because of Russian subs in the area.
I lost my left eye in February of 1991 due to a melanoma tumor. In 1995 I was awarded 40%. In 1999 I was awarded 100% for the eye and PTSD. I was diagnosed at a VA
C&P exam with a posterior subcapsular cataract. The VA refused to use it when adjudicating my case.
Many senators, congressmen/women later, the case is before Togo West.
Many vets are denied this, but I plan on winning the case. Where do they
think my left eye was in 62? That said my right eye wasn't exposed to
ionizing radiation. Over the past several years, I have helped a half dozen
members win their case. The DOE said I was their biggest FOIA customer.
If I can help, let me know. thanks, bill.
William (Bill) Nelson
Email: Thehawk121@aol.com
Keith Whittle
June 17, 2000
[ Operation Dominic 1 ]