Operation Hardtack.
US Atomic Veterans
Jim Rogers
Jim Rogers sent email about his duty at Operation Hardtack.
From: "Jim Rogers" jimrogers34@attbi.com
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Atomic Veterans
Date: Tue, 11 Dec 2001
| I was stationed on the island of Eniwetok from 9 Feb 58 - 16 Jan 59 during Operation HARDTACK. I was a member of the 4951st Support Squadron, a S/Sgt assigned to the Administrative Services Section. My primary duty was Chief Clerk. Included in my responsibilities was that of processing and safekeeping classified documents, some of which pertained to the specific Tests that were to be conducted. Click on the picture for a larger view. |  |
I recall that the old timers jokingly referred to new arrivals as "white meat". It didn't take long in the tropical sun to blend right in
I do not recall how many shots I witnessed, it has simply been to long. However, I will never forget the beautiful snow white clouds in various formations created by these explosions as well as colors of the fire ball during this process. Also, the many shock wave sounds shortly after detonation (loud boom, metal buildings rattling, etc.). Similar to an aircraft breaking the sound barrier but most seemed a lot louder than that to me.
My most vivid memory is of a shot that was referred to as the Tidal Wave Shot. My group was positioned on the edge of the island next to the lagoon to insure a good view. The detonation was to take place a specified distance out beyond where we were. We were briefed on what was to take place and basically what to expect if all went as predicted (???).. We were required to wear high density goggles for eye protection and a poncho in order to cover our body as much as possible. We were allowed to face and watch other shots just wearing high density goggles, not this one. Because of our close proximity and expected heat from the fireball, we were required to face the opposite direction. Just prior to the blast everyone was instructed to put on high density goggles, face the opposite direction from the blast, put the poncho hood over our head, and squat down.
Immediately after the blast occurred, I recall the heat from the fireball becoming so intense that my back was getting very hot. What seemed like minutes to me was in reality several seconds. As the fireball begin to diminish, so did the extremely uncomfortable feeling of heat on my back. We were then given permission to turn around, remove our goggles, and observe what was taking place. I could hardly believe my eyes. Everyone was in absolute awe. I saw a very large and extremely tall white cloud mushrooming at the top. The water was being sucked upward into the cloud as a result of the explosion. The water in the lagoon was disappearing right before my eyes and the water level in the lagoon was lowered considerably for a short period of time. Shortly after that, we could actually see the shock wave coming. It was in the form of a shadow just above the water moving rapidly toward us. Very shortly after the shock wave started moving our way the disappearing water reversed direction and started coming back toward us refilling the lagoon. We were then instructed to proceed quickly toward the other side of the island because no one knew how wicked the wall of water would be or how far it would come up on the island.
Naturally, we kept looking back at this awesome sight anticipating a lot of water on the island.. I can still recall the sound of the rushing water sloshing up on the island and coming toward us. We stopped a little over half way accros the island. At that point we could see that we were not in any real danger from the depth or force of the water. The water came about half way across the island where my group was located and not all the way as predicted. We were at or near the highest point on the island. To put things in perspective, the island at this point was probably no more than 600 - 700 feet wide. This shot certainly created some anxious moments. It was a unique experience to say the least.
I recall an early morning shot (before daylight) that took place near Bikini lighting up the sky on Eniwetok briefly. I knew what it was but was very surprised that the shot created that much light from so far away.
I understand that there are reports of fallout on Eniwetok two days after a detonation near Bikini in May 58. To the best of my knowledge, no one in my unit was made aware of this at the time. I have not been contacted by a government agency to inform me of potential health problems as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation and fallout during Operation HARDTACK.
Everything was classified for so many years that many like myself were not aware that we can now request and receive information pertaining to our radiation exposure. I commend you for your efforts along with that of the NAAV who make known the steps to take in acquiring information and submitting claims requesting compensation. Keep up the good work
This assignment was certainly different for me in terms of military attire. Our daily work uniform was Khaki Shorts and Shirt, Blue Canvas Shoes, Baseball Cap and a Device for measuring radiation exposure. We watched a lot of outdoor movies under the open sky (even in the rain sometimes). I also remember seeing a USO show while I was there. We ate well on Eniwetok. I made an occasional trip along with a couple of friends to Japtan on Saturday evening to eat. They had real good food there. Some kind of small sea vessel ran back and forth between Eniwetok and Japtan and it didn't take long to make the trip.
Mail Call was a special time for me and seemed to be for others as well. I had not been married long and we were expecting our first child. As I recall, we only got mail once or twice a week and that seemed to make us look forward to it even more.
| The chart was used by many members of my unit to record their time on Eniwetok. It seemed rather foolish to me at first. After a few months I could fill in some blocks so I joined the rest of them. Perhaps the two palm trees represent the only trees on Eniwetok. Click on the picture for a larger view. |  |
I still recall driving a chevy pick-up that was assigned to our unit. It did not have doors. Instead, it had straps that snapped across the opening to keep anyone from falling out. The saltwater air was notorious for rusting anything that was metal, the doors were the first to go I guess. The saltwater rust problem necessitated what my unit called "Corrosion Control Day". Once a month the day was devoted to preparing and re-painting things made of metal that had begin to rust.
While stationed at Eniwetok I shared a room with T/Sgt Wesley Durant from Durant, Oklahoma. He was a Communications Inspector with Quality Control. I have since lost contact with him and do not know his status. My participation in Operation HARDTACK left me with a lot of fond memories of working with a great bunch of people on a unique assignment.
I remained in the Air Force until September 1979 at which time I retired as a Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) with 27 years of active duty.
HEALTH PROBLEMS: Malignant Skin Cancer and Severe Hearing Loss in both ears.
Jim Rogers
Email: jimrogers34@attbi.com
Keith Whittle
December 13, 2001
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