Hardtack 1958
US Atomic Veterans
Dave Stewart
Dave Stewart sent email about his duty at Operation Hardtack.
From: "Dave Stewart" Comanchedave@home.com
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Eniwetok
Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2001
I was on the USS Renville during the Operation Hardtack phase. I was a welder on the ship and it was my responsibility to install a sprinkler system on the weather side of the ship. After some of the bomb explosions we turned they system on and went steaming through the explosion area.
We did get exposed to some radiation but I know of no one that had their radiation tags change color, at that time. I have been checked a few times for ill effects of the experience but nothing has been found. My health is good, even at 64.
We were close enough to one of the blasts for the shock wave, traveling through the water, to break one of our main water lines inside the ship. Many of us did get the "skin burn" from the flash but it was minor. It was quite an experience.
Funny how we all seemed to trust the government. I don't now, I realize the system if full of liars.
Dave Stewart
Email: Comanchedave@home.com
Keith Whittle
August 17, 2001
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