Operation Crossroads
US Atomic Veterans
Rufus Whitfield
From: RufusWhitfield@webtv.net (Rufus Whitfield)
Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2001
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: INFO
Keith
Rufus Lee Whitfield, Jr., US Navy from 1945-1945. Took Boot Camp at Camp Perry Va. From Camp Perry Va to Moffet Field Ca. To TIl Went on board USS Thomas Jefferson to Pearl Harbor. Picked up USS Chowanoc ATF 100 from 1946-1947. Then to the Crossroads tests.
I am not sure but I think we towed a floating dry dock to Bilinil But I do remember going to a beer party on the beach. Somebody tore my head up!. From Chowanoc I went to USS Mount Katmai. I was a deck ape on the Chowanoc. I was a boom handler on the Katmai. I loaded and unloaded ammunition.
After 55 years my mind is a little slow, but I remember the blasts! We were on deck facing away from it. After it exploded we turned around. We were hosed down on the fantail.
Thanks,
Rufus
RufusWhitfield@webtv.net
--Keith Whittle
April 27, 2001
Operation Crossroads