Operation Redwing
US Atomic Veterans
Wm (Bill) F. Schuppner
Wm F. Schuppner sent mail about his participation during Operation Redwing.
To: Keith R. Whittle
Operation Redwing
E-Mail "Bill Schuppner" wschup35@insightbb.com
I served aboard the USS Knudson as an Electrician Mate fireman during operation Redwing (May - July 1956) I found your website while surfing the web. I was surprised to find that five former shipmates had contacted you also. (There were 157 crewmembers on Knudson) I have exchanged E-Mail with them and read their letters on your database. My duties aboard Kundson included standing watch either in the forward or aft engine rooms and while not standing watch was assigned to maintain the electrical systems on the four assault boats carried by Knudson. Those former crewmembers have pretty well detailed their experience during detonations and mine are the same. Except during some shots I was standing watch in an engine room and we could tell that a detonation had taken place when the shock wave passed over the ship because the fresh air handling system would momentarily stop working. l can remember it was very hot at Bikini and Eniwetok and Knudson did not have air conditioning, only fresh air intakes. One of the most sought after items on board was talcum powder. It was used to keep playing cards from sticking together while playing poker because that was about all there was to do when not on duty.
After my enlistment was completed in the Navy I joined the U.S Air Force and was subsequently assigned to the 337th Fighter Group located in your city at Portland Intl. Airport. (Nov 1959- Nov 1962) one of the best assignment one could have back during those years - a great city with friendly people. l returned with my family for a vacation once and found that although the buildings had changed the people were the same. Now that I have retired, my wife and I hope to return someday for another vacation. Please pass this onto James A. Leggett if you know him.
Keep up the good work
Sincerely
Wm F. (Bill) Schuppner
559 Park Ave.
Belvidere, IL 61008
"Email:"Bill Schuppner"
Keith Whittle
November 14, 1999
Update email Dec 07
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