Reply #39: my dad was part of the testing at the bikini atolls - he was on a ship and [View All]

[Minimus]

They made the sailors come to the deck for the explosions. They had to turn their back to the island, put their face down in the crook of their arms and keep their eyes closed.
He said the heat on his back was intense and even with his eyes closed buried in his arms he could see a the very bright bright light. Later on the sailors were allowed to actually go on some of the islands and Dad recalls playing football on the beach!!

This was around 1956 or 58.


Dad is 73 and so far no known medical issues but I had him register with the National Association of Atomic Veterans.