gkjrroberts@cox.net

Received December 8, 2009

Gentlemen I was assigned to Eniwetok Atoll in 1958 as permanent party 1925  Comm Sq.
As of now I am declared 100% unable to work by the  VA.  I am now 73 yoa and am
going down hill fairly rapidly. 13 years ago I developed right renal cell cancer. 
My kidney was removed and so far I have no known return of cancer.  BUT my remaining
kidney started losing its function about 4 years ago and my civilian Dr. has it
somewhat stablelized at what he says is 42%.  My lungs are going and filling up
with fluid, I am on oxygen and in a power chair as I cannot walk far.  I have spent
numerous stays in the hospital pumping off/out the fluid buildup.  My lungs start to
fill up and breathing becomes very hard. My lower legs tingle and burn all the time.
 I wonder how many Vets out there are having the same problems as I am and how many
have passed on with much worse.  I am not complaining but I do get up set about it
at times.  I am glad to  have served my country with 20 years in the USAF and 20
years in a civilian police department.  You may use any or all of my comments and I
would be glad to correspond by e-mail with any atomic vets from Operation Hardtack. 
An old vet whose memory is slowing going away.  Yours in faith. Glenn K. Roberts

If you have a minute please drop Glenn an email:  gkjrroberts@cox.net

To Whom It May Concern,

 I don't like doing what I'm about too do and that's talk about the way Us atomic vets were treated all these years , I was aboard the USS RENSHAW DDE 499 when we went too Bikini Atoll , We was there for Operation Castle on patrol, In Feb. one shot was named Bravo that will live with me as long as I Live , It as not just the sight of Blast, which was a night mare .

We were , ordered to sit down on the deck and lay our head in the cradle of our elbow with our eyes shut , resting on  our knees .We was instructed that if we opened our eyes ,that would be the last thing we ever saw as the blast
would blind us.

They were right because when Bravo went off I could see the bones in my arm, We had No dark glasses, nothing only our working uniforms on for protection ..I was sitting on the O1 level  portside facing the blast, We
were told that the blast was280 miles away, In seconds WE could see the mushroom, thousands of feet high, the fire was still in the top part and the stem was still going higher , then a dirty dark  ring came closing in on us
and then we heard the boom.

We then had too go inside the ship and rig for the atomic wash down, which sprayed sea water all over the ship, by this time you would guess that the sea water was contaminated?, Me being on the inside of the ship I don't
remember exactly what happen outside the ship , I know I was trying too figure out and sort out in my mind just what had happened. I know later on we had too proceed to Utirik Atoll and evacuate 157 Natives off the Island ,
the wind had shifted and was blowing over the Island ,

When we arrived at the Island we had a hard time finding a place where we could get too the natives, Now let me tell you where I was stationed aboard the ship at this time, My underway sea station  was on the flying Bridge as a
lookout, this put me right into the wind as it is above the bridge, I was up there for over 6 hours as we waited and waited for the natives to come aboard, the King had too come first , then the Natives came , they had too
live every thing they had on that Island ,We transported them too Kwajalein , Marshal, Island.

In route the crew gave them a change of clothes as they had too be decontaminant .  I hope this will help fight for our brothers and sisters out there .     

God Bless you all and God Bless America.   

Everett O Withrow CSC SS retired
 

Thank you for your response.

I served aboard the USS Boxer during operation Hardtack I in 1958.  We were involved
with 35 Atomic tests.  I had to be on the flight deck during many tests to observe
or be exposed to radiation.  I saw bombs explode, felt the heat, heard the
explosion, saw the shock wave approach and hit the ship.  The heat was so intense
that I felt very relieved when it begin to subside.  It was mandatory to be on the
flight deck during many tests.  In the future I plan to send you dues.

Sincerely,
Al Leighton-Floyd
Cassville, Mo

DEAR SIR: 
            COULD YOU TELL ME WHAT IS THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT ATOMIC VETS. I WAS IN
THREE ATOMIC BOMB   TEST, DESERT ROCK Etc. I ALSO WORKED AT MARE ISLAND AS A SYSTEM AUDITOR. I CARRIED MANY DRUMS OF AGENT ORANGE IN MY HELICOPTER IN VIETNAM. ANYTHING THAT YOU CAN HELP ME WITH WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
         
                                              THANK YOU & SEMPER FI

                                      MSGT RONALD HATTON  USMC/USAF 36 YEARS
                                     
 

Guess I was in a pretty low mood that day, I get they way quite often  
lately. Post atomic bomb syndrome, Dry joke. I've a good day today, not so  
down. When I was 21. I though it was a great experience at the time. nice warm  
island , good duty ,but contaminated air and every thing else .I only saw 1 
or 2  navy personal there. rest were AF and Army .To bad they had to mess up 
such a  nice place. The bombs were quite a sight but we're still radio 
active. the  British, Aussies and French are getting a ATOMIC MEDAL for there 
duties at their  atomic test. guess I'm jealous. Well any way it was nice to 
hear back from  you.
 
                                                                            
                                                                                      
            Albert  V. Dufresne  Tech sgt. USAF RET

I don't know why us atomic vets should have to beg  the government to be 
recognized because we did what the gov. told us where to go  and what to do and 
how to do it .What a lousy position to be put in.
Fall out ? who in the hell cares but the guys that were there.  Watch out 
senators you may give a vet too much.
 
                                                                        
          
                                                                            
          Albert v. Dufresne Tec sgt USAF retired

Gentlemen,

On behalf of my father Edward F. Bayer I would like to thank you for your
continuing efforts to bring to recognition the sacrifices made by this
nations greatest generation.  My father served aboard an LCS stationed in
Nagasaki immediately after the war as part of the occupation force.  Though
my father did not talk much about his service when I was young, we later
joined the LCS reunion group for an annual meeting.  During these meetings
with my Dad's crew mates a lot of reflection was stirred up and a great many
stories surfaced.  I listened intently to the war stories of these sailors
who fought the Kamikazes and fired close range into the gun emplacements on
Okinawa and during the Leyte Gulf battle and whom prepared for the invasion
of Japan.  Thanks to the dropping of the Atomic bombs those small LCS ships
known as the Mighty Midgets and their crews survived.  Soon after my Dad
would walk on the Japanese mainland in the city of Nagasaki.  My Dad talked
of seeing the shadows of plants, people, and buildings on the Nagasaki
pavements left by the bomb flash.  He also talked about how the rash that he
dealt with all of his life started when a fish that was caught from the
Nagasaki harbor impaled a spine into my Dad's foot.  Black pustules appeared
on his legs and feet and I would see him occasionally slam his foot to the
floor to break up the fluid sacks so that he could walk with less
discomfort.  He also had a strange red rash that would appear on his lower
throat that would bother him on a regular basis.  My father was very proud
of his Navy service and I am sure that I feel perhaps even more proud.  My
Dad and I have always been very close and he took the time to spend with me
hunting, fishing, hiking or teaching me how to hit a baseball.  Most of all
my Dad taught me the importance of God, family, hard work, honesty and
service.  I am sorry to say that on August 17, 2009 my father passed away
and with him another Atomic Veteran who had served in harms way for their
country "quietly walked away", asking for nothing.  My Father only recently
approached the VA for the benefit of hearing aids to overcome the loss of
hearing he had endured since his Gunners Mate days in the Navy.  The VA also
helped out to a degree with some of his prescriptions.  I hope that the
bills in the House and Senate pass quickly and those heroes that are still
alive might feel the gratitude they deserve from a people who live free by
their sacrifice.

      On behalf of the Father that I loved and adored!

     God Bless America and it's Veterans,

     Edward J. Bayer
 

Received September 11, 2009

I'm the last AV in Jackson TN,  We had a small club here of AV (20 or so)  Then
there were 5.  Then 4 died in 2006, all of cancer, all waiting for "justice from the
VA--none given,"  I'm the last one and fighting both prostate & urinary bladder
cancer.  UB as you may know is on that list of 21 cancers the VA has finally said
(after all these yrs.!!  I've spent YEARS, since 2001, done all the paper work, tons
of it, went to the VA, Nashville, TN twice, went to the VA Hospital Twice, did their
little song & dance, made an appeal to the board of Appeals , D.C.---been turned
down because my alert urologist caught both in time )early .  Their reason?   Well I
their minds--I don't have these problems anymore---OH?  I have to wear a catheter 24
hrs. per day in pass my urine, urinary infections all the time but the VA in so many
words says---too bad but no monthly pension.

When I told my treating urologist about this. After a feww choice words wrote this
letter which will be my last try for justice I know isn't coming:

September 2. 2009

Department pf Veterans Affairs

RE: William Griffis

To Whom It May Concern,

Mr. Griffis is a patient of mine who has both prostate cancer and bladder cancer
which will require (as he has already had) lifelong visits with surveillance and
possible repeat procedures.  Please extend to him the courtesies to which he is
entitled.

Sincerely Yours,

Donald T. McKnight, M.D.

DTM/sak/sk

Jackson Urological Associates
28 Medical Drive, Jackson, TN. 38301 telephone 731-427-9971

My comment : I've asked the local VA (NEW OFFICE) for time tto review NEW EVIDENCE
NOT SEEN BY THE VA BEFORE---no reply at this time---guess not enough funds $$$$ has
to go to banks, clunks for cars, Gods knows what else---those that gave so
much---thought?   But I'm silly enough to spite all the above---I'm now 80 yrs old
but if They called me again--I would go--America is worth it!!!!!!!!!

William E. Griffis, Jr.
171 Plantation Rd.
Jackson, TN. 38305
Atomicvet38305@aeneas.net

God bless!

____________________

Hello William - I will try to call you on Sunday. I will be out of town 
tomorrow and want be home until very late. Have you filed a RECA Claim
with the department of justice? The families of the others should file
with the DOJ as well if their loved one had a cancer that is on the list.
I will call you. Thank you for your service to our country.

Larry

_____________________

Received September 13, 2009

Thanks a million--you have put new life in me!!!!!!  I hope to hear from 
you.  Ed Griffis

My dad was on the USS New Jersey in  WW II. I have tried to get him veterans help but am opposed at how the WWII veterans are treated. He never talked about the war until I took him to a VA hospital. He like most veterans of a war did not want to remember the horrors of it. Since then I have been reading about the USS NJ and am so understanding of those veterans now, which I knew nothing about before.
My dad told me that his hair begin coming out by the hand full and it scared him really bad, he has had prostate cancer and skin cancer also. He is 83 years old and was on the jersey from 1944-1946. his name is John M. Evans. I feel it is our duty as these boys gave for us that we do for them, instead of leaving them behind
even at there age. These men saved our country and its people from something very bad. Freedom does not come free, as so many do not understand.                    
Thank you to all who have helped with this matter, and thank you to all you veterans whom have given freedom to us.

Received July 20, 2009

Hello. My name is Daniel Vitt and I was in two Dominic 1 tests in the Pacific in
1962. One was Frigate Bird and the 
other Swordfish. Frigate Bird was a long way down range and we didn't even hear or
see anything but the launch,
and was told it was right on target. Swordfish was a different story as we were only
5 mile from the detonation but
it felt like after the two shock waves hit our carrier ,we were a lot closer. It felt
it picked the ship out of the water
just slamming her up and down for what seemed forever. That's where we took the
radiation, just how much we'll 
never know. I have talked to another shipmate in the Swordfish test and he thinks he
has had some health issues
because of the test. The Doctors that would give me my physical for commercial
driving always told me the glands
in my neck were larger than normal and ask if I had ever been exposed to
radiation. It's always been scary when
ever I get a sore throat. Like all the other Nuclear Veterans, I don't know when it
might hit me.

                               Daniel Vitt USS Yorktown CVS 10
                               2ND Division 1960 1964 

Received July 7, 2009

I was on Christmas island for three in the last series of atmospheric tests. I know
we were all exposed to significant amounts of radiation when the wind shifted after
the last blast and the cloud drifted over us-we were 28 miles from blast site. when
we left we had to throw our detectors into a barrel, unread and no remaining
connection to us. even as a 29 year old af captain I thought that was pretty
half-assed. wg kingsbury 

I was am an Atomic Veteran.  I was in the Test  called Tumbler-Snapper in 1952.  I have always had health problems, had  lung cancer  and Doctored always.  So glad to see your article in the  paper...Mars
 

Hi Larry an FYI thing; I have a bunch of information on hand if someone is looking for info regarding the Marshall Island testing. you can direct them to me if you like. Have a good one.
Lynn
lbryant@blackfoot.net

It would be interesting to have a forum where vets of nuke testing could check in with the test series they were in and current physical condition huh? I would like to know just how many of us are still around, one side says
only about 20 k of us and someone else say anywhere from 70 to 75% of us are still alive. I have suggested that DTRA compare participants by ss# to social security death index but I haven't heard any thing on that. surprise huh?
Lynn

Received June 16, 2009

I'm awaiting a decision right now and from my experience if would have had a dose construction done prior to filing ,I  know it can have speed up the process, also if a vet has teeth and they are going, save them because they can be tested and another test, if going to a doctor for an illness see if they couldn't get a cryogenic test of blood sample. All the bs about the vet given the benefit of doubt is pure hot air., finding someone to do a dose
construction can be challenging but check out the universities or if they have the money hire a health physicist or anyone that meets CFR guideline. That is my experience. of course this is non presumptive
condition.
 

PS  vets should have all their records before hand as well along with deck logs which DTRA doesn't want to give out so they can contact their representative and they should assist.. sometime deck logs can be obtained online checking ships history, If any one needs some help, Ill be happy to do what I can. Have a good day Larry

Lynn
 

Hi Larry:
An idea ? Why couldn't the organization develop a web site that would furnish some instruction in pursuing a radiation claim? For instance on non presumptive claim a vet would be far ahead of the game if he had dose
construction done prior to submitting as DTRA doesn't do a creditable construction to my thinking. That's why every one is taking it in the shorts when they file.
A thought.
Have a good one.
Lynn Bryant
 

Dear Larry        June 10, 2009
Can you send me your address by  e-mail,  Orie wants to send you a couple pictures from the highway dedication. She doesn't have very many because she left the camera on the dash and the heat got some of them.. In fact she didn't get a picture of me behind the podium speaking.. I tried to print out the article with my picture and it
came out in all red, so it doesn't print good enough to copy..   Enough of this

I did contact Bryant (below ) and gave him the information he needed, I think he does not have a very good service officer working for him .. Some of the service officers look at the claim and decide in their own mind if
your claim is worth sending to the V A and there is quite a difference in the disabilities of an atomic veteran some of the other veteran that has not been exposed to radiation..  This is our main problem with filing a claim ..
Smoky Parrish
 

Does any one know of a doctor who is able to do  a dose reconstruction. ? I received
one from DTRA and is pure BS
lbryant@blackfoot.net

You might drop Smoky Parrish an email at smokyorie@tds.net he was able to
> get a revised dose reconstruction done but I am sure it was not from a
> private doctor. He was with the 216th Chemical Company at Nevada in 52 for
> 8 test. He lives up in MN and has done a lot of work on the claims for the
> guys up there.
>
> Take care
> Larry

ATTN-  ATOMIC VET ADVISORS,
 
I TOOK PART IN THE 1955 NUCLEAR TESTS AT YUCCA AND FRENCHMEN  FLATS.  THE
NAME GIVEN TO THIS SERIES WAS "TEA POT",  AND  CONSISTED OF 14 SHOTS.   I WAS
PART OF THE 5OTH CHEMICAL PLATOON   FROM FORT ORD,  CALIFORNIA,  AND  ON
SITE ABOUT SIX  MONTHS.   WE WERE UTILIZED TO GATHERED DATA AND RELATED FIELD 
INFORMATION AFTER EACH TEST.  WE ALSO MONITORED THE PATH OBSERVERS  COULD
TAKE AFTER DETONATION AND/OR TO SIMULATE AN ADVANCING FORCE OR TROOP  OF MEN.
 WE WERE CONTINUOUSLY IN HOT AREAS,  WEARING A FILM BADGE THAT  WAS TO
RECORD EACH DAYS EXPOSURE.  I HAVE LEARNED THE WAREHOUSE WHERE THIS  FIELD
INFORMATION WAS STORED WAS DESTROYED BY A FIRE AND LOST,  AND  INFORMATION AS
THIS.
 
MY QUESTION PERTAINS TO MY RESENT HEALTH AND CONDITION - THREE  YEARS AGO
PRIOR, I DID NOT HAVE ANY REAL HEALTH ISSUES TILL SUCH TIME MY  DOCTOR 
LEARNING I HAD BEEN PART OF THESE TESTS SUGGESTED, I HAVE AN MRI,  X-RAYS, AND
BLOOD TESTS.   THE  RESULTS REVEALED THE  PRESENTS OF A TUMOR ATTACHED TO MY
RIGHT KIDNEY THAT WAS ALMOST 7 INCH IN  DIAMETER.   SOME SURPRISE,  AS MY 
LIFE HAS  CHANGED SINCE MY OPERATION  JAN. 17,  2OO7,  AT SLOAN-  KETTERING
CANCER CENTER, IN NYC.
 
MY CONCERN IS  MY FAMILY AND RELATED EXPENSES THAT MAY RESULT  IF MY HEALTH
NEEDS DEMAND EXTRAORDINARY CARE AND EXPENSE.  ALTHOUGH  THE TUMOR,  A RENAL
CELL CARCINOMA WAS REPORTED REMOVED  INTACT AND CONTAINED,  AND PERIODIC 
TESTS AFTER REMOVAL HAVE BEEN  GOOD, WITH A FEW AREAS  ALSO BEING MONITORED, 
I DO NOT WANT TO BECOME  A FINANCIAL BURDEN TO MY FAMILY THAT IS A SERVICE
RELATED  PROBLEM.
 
MY QUESTION CONCERNS MY REPARATION FOR  REVIEW OF MY CASE WITH  THE
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION, AND WHAT I SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR, AND  NOT SHORT SIGHTED
REGARDING THE FULL EXTENT THIS HEALTH ISSUE COULD  BECOME.  YOUR ADVISE
AND/OR DIRECTIVE WILL HELP TO AVOID  DEFICIENCIES  ON MY PART AND HARDSHIP FOR
MY FAMILY THAT COULD BE  DISASTROUS, AS I LIVE THRU THIS EXPERIENCE.  IF YOU
COULD  PROVIDE  CLINICAL STATISTICS RELATED TO RADIATION EXPOSURE AND  ANY
LONG  RANGE GENERIC PROBLEMS I SHOULD BE AWARE.  I UNDERSTAND BIRTH DEFECTS
COULD  RESULT AND EFFECT A THIRD AND FORTH GENERATION AFTER INITIAL  EXPOSURE.
 
I APPRECIATE ANY  ADVICE AND HELP YOU CAN  PROVIDE.
 
YOURS TRULY,
 
ARTHUR EHRMANTRAUT
 

My dad was one of those service men in 1946 ,  that was in the atomic bomb test, how
can I get him recognized for his tour of duty Evelyn Ewing

Received May 25, 2009

I didn't know your organization existed, nice to see it. Please feel free to contact
me by email.  I think I might drive up to KS to see the signs.

Lawrence W. Shutes, SP4 USA, 1962 Nevada Test Site

Received April 7, 2009

Thanking you for all you do...Ga. State Commander NAAV Kenneth P. Price

Received April 2, 2009

Dear Senator John McCain,       (sent via email April 2nd 2009)

Thousands of our United States service men served their country in the atomic testing program.  Basically they were guinea pigs, their superiors placing them in trenches before detonations of awesome and unknown power.
More or less, those young men were told to squat down under bombs capable of massive destructive power, and told to wait and see what happens.  Yet these soldiers did not flee from their duty.  They may have wavered, but they did not break.
 

I suspect that radiation was little understood at that time.  The soldiers may have wondered what would happen if something went wrong.  What if the wind changed or the detonation was greater than expected?  If they survived,
would their health be ruined?  And what of their family life, were they destined to have deformed or dead babies?   While they did not dodge enemy bullets, they certainly exposed themselves to great risk.  No doubt there were some prayers said and more than a few curses expressed as the force of the blast hit them.  The fact that windows were blown out several miles away gives us some idea of the magnitude of the blast, but speaks nothing of the
unseen danger of radiation.  We now know that there is no safe level of ionizing radiation exposure.
 

Dad was among the Army personnel in the trenches on May 25th 1952 during the Fox Shot Atomic test.  After the A-bomb was detonated, he and his group walked among the flattened buildings, mangled vehicles, dead animals, and other carnage.   They did not wear protective clothing.   Today dad is a colon cancer survivor.  He wears a colostomy bag and we worry about what his next checkup will show.  Yet dad lives on.  Like most veterans, he is quiet, unassuming, and rarely complains, and if called upon, he will line up with the rest to serve his country again as well as he is able.

There is a compensation program for these vets.  All they have to do to receive it is hop on one leg and jump through a hoop with a ball balanced on their nose, with their hands tied behind their backs, on a high wire while blindfolded.  I gather that thousands are qualified for this compensation, but only a handful have received it.
 

Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas sponsored S.2218, the Atomic Veterans Medal Act of 2007.  I’m told that this bill has now expired. Senator McCain, would you be willing to stand up for these veterans and reintroduce or co-sponsor such a bill?  I can’t imagine that these United States of America cannot or will not even bring themselves to present a simple medal to these veterans in honor of their service to this country.

It seems the very least that could be done. Across the sea in England they have given medals to their Atomic Veterans and have a much better record of helping the vets in various ways.  It really is a crying shame that America has yet to recognize and honor these men and women for their service.  If nothing can be done here, I suppose I’ll have to holler at the British and see if they can spare a few medals. Once again I ask you Senator, would you be willing to help in this matter?

I remain, as ever, very sincerely, your friend,
Joe Scraper Jr.


S.2218  Atomic Veterans Medal Act of 2007 - expired A bill to provide for the award of a military service medal to members of the Armed Forces who were exposed to ionizing radiation as a result of participation in a test of atomic weapons.

previous 110th session of congress Other Bill Titles (2 more)
10/23/2007--Introduced.
Atomic Veterans Medal Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to:
(1) design and produce an Atomic Testing Service Medal to honor members of
the Armed Forces who were exposed to ionizing radiation as a result of U.S.
atomic weapons tests conducted between 1945 and 1963; and
(2) issue the Medal to such individuals (or their next-of-kin).
Sponsor
· Sen. Pat Roberts [R, KS]
· and 1 Co-Sponsors  (Sen. Samuel Brownback [R, KS])
· Introduced on Oct 23, 2007.
· Oct 23, 2007: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13263)
· Oct 23, 2007: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

This bill is identical to H.R. 3471
 

Mr. Sheppard is just one of the many veterans who has suffered greatly and no one from the Government is looking for. But we are!  We wish to honor them and tell them about benefits that may be available to them if they are suffering. No one else will. Now he knows about RECA. We hope you will take time to contact Mr. Richardson as well.

ThankYou,
                                          Christine White Mortimer

mldriscoll@adspec-spokane.com

Michael would like to hear from USS Yorktown crew or others that can answer his questions.

Comments Posted to the site 2007 and 2008

Thanks to all who participated. My Dad is one of you. He was on the Shangala Ship. He was one of the photographers very close to the bomb site. We don't understand the VA laws.  He was told since being exposed to the radiation he would have free medical care for life.  He said this was posted in one of the papers Dallas morning news or times herald back in the 50's. The VA charges him every time he goes in. If anyone can help us understand this, please email me at:

sinbad777@verizon.net. 

Thanks again,

Donna Collier

My father passed away August 21, 2007 from lung cancer and my mother is in the process of trying to receive benefits which has been quite a battle even though there are records showing he was
involved in Operation Teapot.
 

If there is anything else I can do to help, please let me know.  Thank you.

Joyce - Lung Cancer is one of the listed presumptive cancers under the RECA Act passed in 1988 - will forward some contact info to you on this program.

Louis Herrington

Daphne, AL

Louis - There are programs administered by of the Veterans Administration (VA) for health care & compensation and also the Department of Justice for compensation only. The Links page on this site will give you more info on the specifics. God Bless you and "THANK YOU" for your service.  

He passed away January 18, 2003 from Mantle Cell Lymphoma. He did receive a RECA claim, but our atomic war veterans receive half that of the civilians (if they even get a claim). Doesn't that give 'support our troops' a whole new meaning. Best wishes to all!

Robin Madison

        OK by me to post my email address. I have bad knees (old age) & have had a colon cancer operation Halloween day in 2006. Cancer had not spread & and a good check up last Halloween. I was told by all the doctors and surgeons that I am the luckiest man alive. I am just as normal as before the cancer. I think 5 years is the key date. I will be 77 then, almost time to die anyway.

Thank you for developing and writing this website dedicated to  the Atomic Veterans.
 
I was there during Operation Upshot/Knothole, Nevada Test Site  1953, I was a PFC with the 3rd Division Marines, Camp Pendleton, Ca. and I was  picked for this Secret Mission, taken to Yucca Flats, NV, where we were sent to this desert spot, where there were homes, trucks, mannequins sitting at outside picnic tables, trees, etc.  We were situated about 3 1/2 miles from "Ground  Zero" in trenches about 5 feet deep.  I had on all field equipment and we  were told to cover our eyes and not to look at the explosion. 
 
Operation Simon was a test where the bomb was placed on a  platform and exploded. there was a count 8,7,6....1, explosion!  I looked  up and saw a dark orange light that went to a blinding white. The ground  shook for what seemed an hour, but I am sure was less time.  I was not sure  what to do.  I saw people running, everyone got out of the trench but me, because of my height, 5'6-1/2", I could not get out for a few minutes and this  is what saved my health...the wind had shifted and everyone that got out  earlier, was hit by the radiation and I escaped it. All of the props that I saw before were blown away, or leveled We were given a patch to wear to measure the amount of  radiation, which was collected.  I never heard anything about these  readings.
 
In 1983, 30 years later, I was called by the VA to have tests  taken to determine the state of my health... it took them 30 years to tell me  that I might be dieing from radiation.  This is when I found out that  thousands of men were affected and had died or were dieing from the results of  the fallout.  When I had my daughter Vickie I was terrified that she might  be carrying some disease.  When she gave birth to my grandson Dylan almost  8 years ago, I was relieved to know he was a big, healthy over 8 lbs baby boy,  with no side effects from the fallout.  This is when I finally took a deep  breath!
 
By the way, when I was called in to the VA to have tests  taken, they told me "Thank you for coming, we will let you know if we find anything wrong with your tests."  Thank you very much alright!  Thank  God, I am in pretty good health, just have the usual old age related aches and  pains.  I might have COPD, but at least no cancer!
 
We were promised a medal for being Atomic Veterans, but, to  this day, NOTHING... I guess after we all die, we will be given a medal and a memorial, when it's too late for us to appreciate being used as GUINEA  PIGS!
 
If there are any other men who took part of these tests, I  would appreciate hearing from them.  I live in Florida, but go up to NY,  Long Island, for the Summer months.
 
Thank you for reading about my experiences.
 
FRANK JOSEPH CHAPLIN PFC US MARINES
Frankc34788@aol.com

James C. Trepoy

CSM, Ret. US Army

jtrepoy@cox.net

Hello,

             I came across your web site and had no idea that there was a movement to recognize the atomic veterans. I volunteered to be a member of a unit formed to maneuver in an area immediately following the detonation of a nuclear bomb. My Atomic Blast called Shot Simon was detonated on 25 April 1953 Camp Desert Rock, Nevada.

The Sgt Major is now 87 and wonders if he might be the last survivor from this test. He served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Although most of those volunteering for this test were career solders, the Sgt Major searched for but never ran across any of them again. If you are a survivor of this test he would enjoy hearing from you. With his permission, we have posted his e-mail contact info & his story. Like many others he developed Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

A very special 'THANK YOU" to all involved in getting H.R. 3471 introduced IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, it is long over due.
 

I  along with my wife are Atomic Veterans. I was stationed at Camp Mercury, July 1956-December 1957 AFSWP HQ FIELD COMMAND and participated in twenty three of the test (OPERATION PLUMBBOB) I met my wife who worked in FSI Security Office Late 1956. We were married in Pasadena CA, Sept 1957. I was discharged from the Army at Sandia Base NM, December 1957. I
enlisted in the USAF November 1958 served Sixteen years in SAC as B47, KC 135, B52 Crew Chief. After retiring from the USAF my Battle with the VA began some Twenty Seven Years later I received my first meager disability award. I was given service connected disability for radiation exposure with 0% go figure this out . I continue my battle and am currently rated at 70% disabled.
 

We lost two sons from cognitional birth defects both sudden heart attacks. The heart problems were related to radiation exposure. We have fought long and hard and gained very little ground like so many other Atomic Veterans whom gave so much and received so little for being guinea pigs.

My wife and I recently completed an Oral History Interview with Dr. Mary Palevsky and a Graduate Student Suzanne Beckers from University of Nevada Las Vegas, at the Atomic Testing Museum, 755 East Flamingo Road. Las Vegas, NV 89119-7363  WWW.ntshf.org
 

We returned to Las Vegas September this year and renewed our 50th wedding anniversary vows at the museum.

I urge each and everyone to join in our fight to be rewarded for our Devotion to Duty and Country.
Check this link. http://www.naav.com/assets/Letter_to_Congress.pdf
George Maynard MSgt Ret. USAF.
Forgotten Atomic Veteran.

I would appreciate your response, as I too feel very strongly about the hidden history of the Atomic Veteran and the prices they and their families have had to pay for their dedication to our nation. America should know about their contributions and sacrifices to our nation's strength, freedom, accomplishments and knowledge. They paid the price of educating the world about the dangers and pain of threatening nuclear warfare.
Our Response
Lest we forget, we owe a debt of gratitude to the wives and families who waged this very personal battle for survival along side their veteran. We pray you will accept our most heart felt gratitude. It may be all we can give you but our sights remain much higher.

Thank you for your continued efforts to support the Atomic Veterans.  My father, Charles Warren Gunnels, who recently died after years of health issues, served aboard the USS Rogers Naval destroyer and took part in Operation Sandstone, which as you know, involved the detonation of three atomic bombs, one of them “dirty” in regard to radioactive fallout. In recent correspondence to DTRA, (Defense Threat Reduction Agency), I found it disconcerting that even when I directed their attention to documents provided on their own website, detailing how the ship was contaminated by radiation, they skirt around the issue denying that the men were ever in any hazardous conditions. His circumstances were as many that we read about.  He was ordered with other men to line up on deck during the detonation of all three bombs.  They were not given any protective clothing or gear. They were given no advance training.  In fact, my father states that the men were not even informed that they were participating in atomic bomb tests until the ship reached the islands.  The sailors did face away from the blasts with their arms over their eyes. (Little good that did them!)  As the years go by, I can see no rationale for this except that the men were used as guinea pigs. The men were never notified of the radioactive danger in advance or of the subsequent radioactive contamination of both the air and water filtration systems aboard the ship afterward, as is documented.  The men were all given a month-long furlough and discovered a sparkling, newly-painted ship upon their return.  For years afterward, my father suffered with lung and bowel problems doctors attributed to the exposure to radiation but denied by the Veteran’s Administration Hospital during his treatment there. 

The military is required, for the security of our country, to place men and women in hazardous circumstances. What is irritating is that the military community not only failed to inform the men of the hazards, risks and dangers of atomic weaponry at the time but continues to delude the public by promoting the notion that there was never any hazard, risk or danger and they were always safe.  By this arrogant, self-righteous position, they are robbing these gallant servants of democracy and freedom their heroism.  In my correspondence with the DTRA I commented, “I see my dad as a hero for serving in Operation Sandstone.  Why don’t you?”   I was told months ago that they would look into the matter but I’ve never heard back from them.  I don’t expect to. 

If you can place my dad on a list of the heroes of these atomic tests, I would surely appreciate it

Consider it done: Your dad is ever much the Hero you believe him to be. Please accept our most heart felt appreciation.