Operation Plumbbob and Hardtack.
US Atomic Veterans
Bob Winters
From: Raebob4U@aol.com
Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2001
Subject: Fwd: (no subject)
To:pdxavets@aracnet.com
I served from 56 to 59. No Korea, Vietnam or any other combat duty. I
did serve aboard the USS Boxer in 58 and was, along with many others
subjected to many atomic and hydrogen bomb tests in the South pacific.
I was
turned down for membership in the VFW, that's OK, I realize I didn't serve
over seas during war time.
There are a lot of us dying off because of
radiation exposure but somehow we don't rate any kind of acknowledgment for
what we went through. A simple ribbon, patch or even a ball cap that says
"Atomic Vet." Like the Foreign war vets, we didn't have a choice. We went,
we did the job and came home. The difference is some of the Nam boys and
girls didn't make it home. They paid the price up front. Were paying the
price now with all forms of cancer.
A little "Thanks a lot guys and girls"
would go a long way. Not all the way but it sure as hell would help.
Former Marine SGT.
Robert E. Winters
HMR(L)361
From: Raebob4U@aol.com
Date: Mon, 4 Jan 1999
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: atomic tests
Sir,
As a young marine, I witnessed some tests at Yucca Flats in 57 and also many tests at Bikini and Johnson Island in 58.
So far my health seems to be ok.
My god what a show!
My outfit was HMR-361, 3rd Marine Air Wing. We were the
transportation for the poor souls that were lucky enough to get to squat in
the trenches.
We went to Bikini aboard the USS Boxer in early 58 and came
back in August, that year. I can't remember how many tests at Bikini, at least
two in the lagoon and one 5 megaton fired from Johnston Island in a Redstone
rocket.
Bikini is a little different. I know there was at least one
blast, maybe two, although the second one my have been canceled. We would take
the AEC boys to the barge and they would climb down a rope ladder from the
helo to arm it then all would get aboard ship and scoot. After it went off we
would steam back, launch helo's and head for ground zero. We would go till it
got too hot, set down and wait, and go again. They took pictures and we got
out of there. When we got back I remember stripping and taking a long shower.
They burned all our clothes.
Off to Johnston Island. Don't remember much. They did set off a + or -
5 meg bomb launched in a Redstone rocket to about 50 miles, I think we were
about 25 miles from the island. That has got to be the most awesome show I've
seen in my life! The newspapers reported that Hawaii was being invaded - or
close to it. I dug out some old papers, all I find is Hardtack and Johnston
Island stuff.
Thanks for trying to get us all together Keith.
I haven't seen or heard from any of the guys since I got out in 59.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Semper Fi
Bob Winters
Raebob4U@aol.com
Keith Whittle
January 29, 1999
Operation Plumbbob
Operation Hardtack