Watching an Atomic Blast

June 20. 1977

Dr. Glyn G. Caldwell

U. 8. Center for Disease Control

Atlanta, GA 30333

Dear Dr. Caldwell:

On July 5, 1957 — as a member of “D” Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Division, USMC — I watched an atomic bomb blast from trenches about two miles from ground zero.  I remember that we were informed that at 16 kilotons, it was the largest nuclear device ever exploded above ground in the continental US.  It was the Hood shot of a series of atom bomb tests named Operation Plumbob at Camp Desert Rock at Yucca Flat, Nevada.

Atom Bomb Explosion

We settled in maybe 6-10 ft. trenches early in the first light of morning on July 5.  We wore full combat gear and dark colored goggles over our gas masks or else the gas mask goggles were painted dark.  We arrived at the trenches about midnight but the final count-down did not take place till the first light.  As the bomb exploded with a crack, an intense light hit us so that it nearly hurt my eyes -- even though we were crouched in the bottom of the trench with our heads between our knees and colored glasses covered our eyes.  I remember seeing spots before my eyes.  Seconds after the light, the blast of the explosion hit us.  Dirt fell into the trench and the ground shook and rocked. The explosion was followed within seconds by an implosion.  Minutes later, we were allowed out of the trenches to watch the familiar mushroom cloud form.  It grew larger and larger till it seemed to extinguish the sunrise.  The radioactive cloud stayed for hours until a breeze began to blow it away from us.

A short time after the explosion we boarded helicopters and assaulted an imaginary enemy at the base of a nearby hill.  The volcanic rock on the hills rapidly wore on the soles of our combat boots during the assault such that new boots were in order for several of my fellow Marines when we returned to our base at Camp Pendleton, California.

Either later that day or the next day we boarded 6 wheeled troop trucks and drove through ground zero area.  The bomb had been placed on a large tower and at intervals from the tower were placed various objects such as homes, bunkers, jeeps, tanks, etc.  Within about 1/4 mile of ground zero, these items were totally destroyed.  Brick homes were flattened, tanks melted, etc. As we moved away from ground zero there was less destruction, but all remaining structures showed intense burns on the side facing the bomb.

Radiation monitoring teams with Geiger counters continuously informed us that there were acceptable levels of radiation present and that we were in no danger at any time.  Now I wonder about the accuracy of those counts.

As far as I can tell I have had no physical problems that can be traced to this exposure. My health is fairly good - I play tennis, exercise daily and except for a little middle-age paunch am not overweight.  I have a slight hearing problem in that I am nearly deaf to high pitched sounds. However, this problem apparently links back to ear infections as a child.  Actually, a gland below my left ear ruptured.  Glasses were prescribed for my near-sighted problem about 1972.  I am allergic to dust, milk products, and fungus as determined in 1976.

This year my doctor determined that I have a slight case of arthritis in my wrists.  In 1975, I had a slight pre-ulcer condition which largely cleared up during a year stay in Australia.

Before and after the explosion we stayed in large open-sided tents at Camp Desert Rock, endured extensive lectures on the thermal, blast and radiation effects of a nuclear explosion.  For our service to our country as human guinea pigs, we were allowed to take liberty in Las Vegas 4 times during our approximate 2-week stay.  In a letter to my parents, I reported visiting the Fremont Hotel, Golden Nugget, Lucky Strike, Sands, Dunes, Flamingo, Glass Slipper, Desert Inn Riviera, El Rancho, and others. We saw Jack Benny at the Flamingo, Mary Hedley, and husband at the Sands and “The Pajama Game” straight from Broadway at the Riviera.  These events could be useful in verifying the time — if in doubt.

Camp Desert Rock

My interest in relating this information is tied to an article which appeared in the June 19,1977 edition of the Houston Post entitled “20 Years Ago, Were You There at Yucca Flats, Nev. , Atomic Blast?”  Although I was not present at either the Aug. 30 or 31 blasts you should also be interested in those of us exposed in earlier blasts.

In case you are interested, my USMC serial number was 1614729.

Sincerely,

Winfield Sterling

Associate Professor

Texas A&M University

Nuclear Veteran