Operation Hardtack.
US Atomic Veterans
Red Stratton
Red Stratton sent email about his duty at Operation Hardtack.
From: "Red Stratton" redstratton@jam.rr.com
To: pdxavets@aracnet.co
Subject: Eniwetok
Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2002
Hi Keith. I will try to get a line or two to you about my tour with the 4951st at Eniwetok. I changed over from the 82nd Airborne in June of 1957 to the Air Force and was assigned to Eglin AFB in Florida.
In April of 1958 I received notice that I was being transferred to Eniwetok. I sure didn't know much about that place. Well, what a shock I was in for. I arrived on the Rock around the end of July 1958 and was there until the end of June 1959.
Upon my arrival I was met at the terminal by my sponsor and all the other folks in their shorts and nice tans and with the shouts of others calling us whitemeat. I was assigned to the headquarters working in the comptroller shop.
The heat really got to me at first. I must say it was a pretty good assignment as far as the recreation part ect. The deep sea fishing for the sharks was most enjoyable when we were able to go out on the Crash boat. Also enjoyed the skeet shooting that was available on the weekends. Had a lot of fun in the softball league also, and at the NCO club and at Duffies. I can remember the Navy troops coming in their for liberty, wow what a place for liberty. We really had some good times when they would arrive. I also could not wait until the six months time was up to be able to go on R&R to Hawaii.
I can remember we could also carry five fifths of liquor with us. We took off in the C 154 I believe it was and I really thought we might not make it to Hawaii but we did. The Mail Calls were exciting times for us as they didn't come too often. I'll never forget all the good friendships we made while over there.
One more thing I need to mention, that prior to my leaving Eglin AFB I had taken a sterility test and had found out I had a very low sperm count. We had been married for 5 years so I figured after having my wife checked so many times it was my turn. When I arrived at Eniwetok I found out about the radiation so I got scared and went to the Dr. on the island and discussed my problem, thinking I might need to get off the island. Well the Doctor said he would send me to Trippler Hospital in Hawaii and have me checked again. I went to Trippler hospital and was tested again and the results were the same, very low. I told the Dr. there that I didn't think the island was good for my problem and may be I should not return. Well he did not agree so back to the Rock for the remaining time. To finish the story, upon my arrival at maxwell AFB after leaving the rock. I was supposed to take a biopsy of my testacles which I didn't care to take. I didn't take the test but sent my wife to work and bought a new home ect. A lot of expences knowing my wife could not get pregnant. Well needless to say, right after I moved in our new home my wife got pregnant and we ended up having five children from June 1960 till June 1965. I guess the radiation had nothing to do with my sterility problem. I am sending you some pictures.
Bill Stratton
Comptroller Group
Eniwetok Atoll Map
Wetokers Best Friend
Headquarters Staff 4951st
NCO Party
NCO Club
Barber Shop on the Ocean.
Ronald Stratton
West Monroe La.
Email: redstratton@jam.rr.com
Keith Whittle
February 3, 2002
