Operation Plumbbob
1957
U.S. Atomic Veterans
Bob True
Bob True sent the following email.
From: tgst@nc5.infi.net
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Plumbbob
Date: Sun, 1 Nov 1998
My name is Robert H. True (Bob). I was a 2nd. Lt., USMC and served as a press escort at Operation Plumbob in July 1957. The first test we were to participate in was a misfire, I believe the only one up to that time in the history of the AEC testing. We were with the largest element of Marines used (some 2000+) and waited for the next shot, which turned out to be the largest above ground shot at that time - about 90 kilotons. I don't know the name of that shot, but it took place July 5, 1957.
I would like to join the NAAV. I would also like to share any medical information available on the parathyroid problem recently in the press. I have just been diagnosed with the early stages of osteoperousis caused by the malfunction of the parathyroid glands, and I suspect it may be directly related to the atomic test. I know I have been very lucky thusfar, because I was one of the ones that went to ground zero right after the blast, but any information that could be shared would be greatly appreciated.
Keith, thanks for your help.
You are correct - it had to be the Hood shot on July 5, 1957. I was
assigned as a press escort along with other junior grade officers.
My orders were to see that not a hair got singed on the head of Charles Denton,
a chief correspondent out of San Diego for (I think) UPI. He was back at
newsnob on the Diablo shot and when he heard the orders given to us in the
trenches about the misfire, he panicked, stole an AEC vehicle and bugged
out. That night his bold front news headline was "Marines experience fear
and frustation in trenches" General Tsrugi's (sp) went crazy, wined and
dined him and talked him into going in the trench with us for the next shot.
It worked - his next headline was the best publicity the Marines had since
the Iwo Jima flagraising.
More later. Thanks again. I truly appreciate the info.
Bob True
Email: tgst@nc5.infi.net
Keith Whittle
November 9, 1998
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