Everett O. Withrow sent email about his duty at Operation Castle.
From: "Everett O. Withrow" eow5@netzero.net
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Application for NAAV Medical History & Questionaire
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2004
Hello Keith;
I was Aboard the USS Renshaw DDE 499 at Operation Castle.
I want to first thank you for your email. You are the first to answer me, thanks again.
I was on the 2nd tour to Korea with the Renshaw DDE 499, then we went to our home port, Pearl Harbor, went into the yards ror repairs and upkeep.
We knew we had orders and that was all. We did not find out til much later, after our yard piered, where we were going. Only we couldn't tell anyone, not even my wife. We could not have any means of signaling, such radios, flashlights, mirrors etc. We were told, if we did we would be subjected to Courts Martial.
After we were there and saw the tests, I have forgotten just how many we went through, again we were told not too tell anyone, what we did, saw etc.
We had to take natives off an island, the only thing they had were the clothes they had on. After decontamination, we gave them our clothes and we took them to Kwaj Island.
The ONLY protection we had was a spray of sea water from the wash down system. Myself I was port side look out on the flying bridge, for 4 hrs. I was up there in the wind and fallout which was getting more and more all the time. The De Con party ran a Gieger counter over me and it was a steady buzz. At that time I had 648 mr.
For over 40 years I've tried to get some one to listen to me, the VA etc. They don't want to listen. As of right now, I've had several skin cancers removed by surgery. I've had as high as 20 at a time burnt off my back, face, chest, and arms, over the last 30 years. I'm losing the use of my arms and legs. My face is covered with a peeling, flaking, red rash, all on my chest, back and arms. I have to use a wheelchair. And in the last 3 years, 2 spine surgeries and it continues getting worse.
Keith, thanks again for letting me bend your ear. If this helps some of the guys out there then at least I've done something.
God bless you all and keep the faith,
Everett O. Withrow
CSC Ret.
136 W. Piedmont Ave.
Port Orange, FL. 32129-7887
Email: eow5@netzero.net
Keith Whittle
January 20, 2004
[ Operation Castle ]