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OPERATION CASTLE — PROJECT 4.1 ADDENDUYI

Report to the Scientific Director

EXPOSURE

AMERICAN

OFMARSHALL !SLANDERS AND

MIL!TARY PERSONNELTO FALLOUT

Robert Sharp, LTJG, MSC, USN

William. :+. Chapman, LT, MSC, USN

Naval Xledical Research Institute

Bethesa~, Maryland

MARCH 1957’

BEST COPY AVAILABLE ~

1-~

OFFICIAL USE ONLY

. . .

, .’
,.,

.

.

.

t A8STRACT

TIM ffnalreport of Pmject4.1 coatied deUedinfirmaUon

oboervadone and therapy, the e-d le~io~~ t~ he=a~lo~c~

concerning the clinical

studiee, and the lnternai radioactive contamination of the 82 native inhabitants of Rongelap sad AIMn@nae

stills who were exposed to radioactive fallout following the detonation of Shot 1 at W@

oa 1 March 1954. Eighteen nattves who were temporarily resid!ng or vieitlng at Sifo Island (Ailingfaae Atoll) 1-3 Marah are also listed.

This addendum repart contains the following supplementary data regwding these

exposed Mardialleso: (1) a detailed sketch of Rongelap VUW (2) a brief d-rip~o~

of the isleaders’ homes and their food and water aupplles; (3) the various family groups

and the location of their dwellings; (4) events during fallou& (5) the evacuation and decontamination procedures; and (6) readlnge of the external radioactive cmtaminatton of

these indlvlduale.

The majori~ of this material was obtained after the Mardallese were evacuated

from their home Ialande (while they were under medicd observation at Kwajalein).

Additional information was obtained when either one or both authors accompanied radiological eurvey teams to Rongehp. Th8Se WMV8YtrfPe were madS 26 Mtuch, 3 April,

and 21-23 April 1954. Due to language interpretation difficulties, some of the material

ia incomplete or inaccurate and is subject to correction and revision by future survey

teame.

Twenty-eight American Mf.litary personnel stationed on Entwetak Island, Rongerdc

Atoll, were exposed to radioactive fiiliout foLlowdngthe detonation of Shot 1 at BUdni on

1 March 19S4. The onset of visible fallout material was observed at approximately

1400-1430 hours, 1 March. An ATN/3a Recording Dosimeter, located on the island

(Eniwetak), gave first positive indication that fallout partlclea were radioactive. This

inatrurnent went off ecale at 100 mr/hr at H plus 6 hours and 46 minutee.

Authorities at Eniwetok were notified of fallout via dispatch. Personnel of Ronge*

were evacuated by plan. to Kwajalein at 1245 and 1800 hours, 2 M-ch. Follow~g decontamination procedures the mea were sent to the infirmary at Eniwetok for clinical

observation end prehdnary cllaical study. On 16 March, they were returned to Kwajaleti and placed under care of the personnel of Project 4.1. The details of the clinical

studies are presented in the final report of Project 4.1.

The expoeure of these individuals afforded a unique opportuni~ to etu@ the effects

of radladon in man and it was considered deeirable to supplement the clinical studies

with as much Information as possible concerning the period of exposure. Accordi@y,

theee men were interviewed individually and asked to describe the fallout, their activities during the fallout, foods and liquids consumed, their clothing and housing, the

disposition of film badges, etc. ksofu ss Possible. tm i~o~atioP iS recorded verbatim in the present report. The report also includes a summary of these intervtws,

film-badge readings, and readings of the external radioactive contamination of the men

before and during the decontamination procedures.

3

w’
,

PREFACE

The authors are iadabted to CHUN L. G. Barr, the Radiological Safq Orncer for

the Naval Air Station, Kwajaloin and to the rnmabers of the radiation eumuy and decontamhation teams of Squadroxi VP-29 for the radiological ●rvuy data obtained from 3

March until the arrival of the personnel of Project 4.1089 MarclL

The Trust Territory reprecentatiws, J. E. Tobin and Marion Wilde, eeWJished

aad maintained a closo Uaiaon between the Mardialloae axtdtho poreonnel of Projwt 4.1.

They alao rendered an invaluable service aa interpreters.

The authors wish also to express their gratitude to the Mardlalloso people, whose

understanding of their predicament, together wflth their patience regarding the many

cliaical laboratory taste to which they we- subjected and their wllllngnws to be of help,

greatly facilitated the collection of subject data. ‘l%e services of John (village magistrate), Wliet (school teacher), JabWe (VIWO **r)) -d N~mo~ WOrOe$peci~y

helpful.

The aid of Harold J. Cuolidge and F. Raymond Foaberg of the Pacfflc Science Board

(Nation~ Rese=ch COunCil) in auPPIYing apeciflc publication pertinent to the various

aepecta of the present report is most sincerely apprechtetL

The authors are, in addition, especially grateful to the following individuals for

specific contribution made in either furnishing or aiding in the collection of material:

CliGUN L. G. Barr, the Radiological Safety O~cer, NAS, Kwajalein (in charge of the

decontamination procedures); the radiological survey taam of Squadron VP-29 (made

all original readings of the external radioactive contamination of tbe Rongerik personnel);

CDR w. S. Hall, MC, USN, and LT J. S. Thompcon, MC, USN, of tie U. $ Naval Dispensary, Kwajeleia (collected doeime~ readings ead made them available); and ~M/Sgt

R. E. Pletsch and CWO J. A. Kapral, statioaed at Rongerik (rendered continuous aid

and cooperation in the collection of factual data concerning the period of fallout at Rongerik).

4
..

CONTENTS

ABSTR.\CT ~ . ~ . . . . ~ ~ ~ ~ “ “

PREFACE , s . , . . . . . . ‘ . ~ . .

PART 1 MARSH.4LLEW

CHAPTER 1 OBJECTIVES . . . . . . . . . . ~

CHAPTER 2’ ENVIRONMENT ON RONGELAP .WD A.XLINGINAEATOLLS

2.1 Rongelap Village . . . . . . . . .

2.2 12wellings . . . . . . , . . . .

2.3 Foods . . . . . . . . ~ . ~

2.4 Water Supply . . . . . . . . . . .

CH.IPTER 3 F.1311LYGROUPS: ACTIVITIES, OBSERVATIONS, AND

FOODS DURING F.ILLOUT . . . . ~

3.1 Group Cne. . . . . . . . .

3.2 Group Two. . . . . . . . , .

3.3 Group Three . . . . . . . . . .

3.4 Group Four... .. . . . . . . . .

3.5 Group Five...’.. . . . . .

3.6 Group Six. . . . . . . . . , ~

3.7 Grocp Seven . . . “. . . . . . .

3..5 Group Eight . . . . . ~....

3.9 List of Nati’.”es at Sifo Island, -\ilinginae .~toll, 1-3 March .

3.10 List oi ?Jarshallese not Contacted During Interviews . .

CH.+PTER 4 EVACLTATIONAh~ DECONT.IMINATION . .

4.1 Evacuation of Inhabitants of Rongelap and .+i!ir.ginae .itcli~

~,~ Decontamination of Marshallese .” . . . . .

4.3 Decontamination of Clothing and other Personal Possessions of

the Marshallese . . . . . . . . .

CH.%PTER 5 PHYSIC.\L 31E.MWREMENTS OF RESI’DU.IL EXTZRN.+L

CONT.+MIXATION . . . . . . ~ -

REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . 0 . .

PART 2 AMERICAN JULIT-4RY PEEtSOSNEL

CH.+PTER 1 OBJZCTI1/E . . . . . . . . .

CILAPTEZl 2 PERSONNEL ANT EQUIPMENT ON ENI’7/ET.\K ISLAND

1–2JIARCH 1954 . . . ~ . . ~ . .

5
2.1 Location and Description of Eniwetak Island . . .

2.2 List of Military Personnel Stationed on Eniwetak Island,

Rongerik Atoll, 1 and 2 March 1954 . . . . .

2.3 Duty Assignment of Persomel . . . . . .

2.4 Housing . . . . . . . . . . .

2.2 Water Supply . . . . . . . . .

CIL4PTER 3 EVENTS DURING FALLOUT . . 0 . .

3.1 Summary of Interviews and Zvents During Fallout . .

3.1.1 Activities of Persomel . . . . . . .

3.1.2 Description of Fallout . . . . . . .

3.2 Individual Interviews with Personnel Stationed on Eniwetak

Island (Rongerik Atoll) . . , . . . . .

CHAPTER 4 DOS:METRY . . . . . . , 0 .

4.1 Instrumentation . . . . . . . . .

4.2 Film Badges . . . . . . . Q o 0

4.3 Location of Film Badges and Lists of Personnel Working

in Same General Areaa . . . . . . . .

CHAPTER 5 EVACUATION AND DECONTA*WXATION . .

5.1 Evacuation of Personnel to Kwajalein . . . .

5.2 Decontamination Procedures . . . . . .

5.3 Residual External Contamination of Rongerik Pe ~sonnel

.

.

.

TABLES, PART 1

5.1 Measurement of Radioactive Contamination of Rcngelap Natives- .

TABLES, PART 2

5.1 Measurement of Radioactive Conta:~.mation of Military Personnel

FIGURES, P.LRT 1

2.1 Rongelap Village . . . . , . . “ “ . s

2.2 Examples of buildings in Rongelap Village . . . . .

2.3 Exterior of dispensary . . . . . . . . “

2.4 House partially constructed of lumber . . . . . .

2.5 Typical dwelling . . . . c ~ . . . “ “

2.6 Cookhouse . . . . . . . . ‘ “ “ “

2.7 Well . . . . . . . ..”.””.

4.1 Decontamination area, Naval Air Station, Kwajalein . . .

4.2 Decontamination area, Naval Air Station, Kwajalein . . .

4.3 Personnel oi Project 4.1 monitoring Marshailese . . . .

FIGURES, PART 2

2.1 Eniwetak Island, Rongerik Atoll, Miushall Islands . . .

28

28

30

30

30

31

. 31

. 31

31

31

43

43

43

44

45

45

45

45

. 23

46

9

11

11

12

12

13

13

20

21

21

29

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OF FICIA!= USE 0NL%

PART I MARSHALLESE

Chapter I

OBJECTIVES

The objectlvea of this study were @: (1) present factual and picmrid da~ describing and

illustrating the environmental surroudngs of the inhabitants of Rongelap and Ml ing!nae

atolls; (2) supplement data for clinical record ~th information concer~ng family gx~’~0

membership and activities of the .Marshallese during fallouq and (3) supplement phyS1cd

dosimetry studies with readings of the external radioactive contamination of the irdmbitants

of Rongelap and Ailinginae atolls, inciuding an account of the evacuation and decontamiwtion procedures.

,;

7

OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Chapter 2

ENVIRONMENT on RONGELAP

and AI LINGINAE ATOLLS

2.1 RONGZLAP VILLAGE

Rongelap Island is located at the southeastern edge of Roagelap Atoll. A sketch of

the native village and its location on Rongelap Island are presented on the following page

(Figure 2.1). i

2.2 DW2LLNGS Z

The majority oi the natives’ homes were pole and palm-leaf construction (Figures

2.2 and 2.3). A few houses were partially constructed of lumber (Figure 2.4). The average home had a coral “pebble” ffoor, either bare or covered in part with palm-leaf

mats. A few houses had a connecting shed or leaa-to we of roof with facilities for cook-

“indoors” during rainy weather (Figure 2.5). Strips of burlap or camvas w?re hung at

windows and doorways. There was little screening. Doors and windows were left open

most of the time. Several houses had a partially elevated floor or storage Ioft. A few

natives had cots; however, most of them slept on palm-leaf .=ats on the floor.

Out-buildings, i. e. , cook houses (see Figure 2.6), chicken houses, copra dxyingsheds, and storage sheds, were usuaIIy shared by one or more fanilies who lived as a

group (see also References 1, 3, 5, and 6).

2.3 FOODS

Coconuts and starch-foods comprised the bulk of the native diet. m cc lut meat ~wag

eaten fresh or dried (copra). Coconut milk served as an important supplement to the

scanty water supply during the &y months. Coconut sprouts are edible. Babies are

breast-fed by the mother for a short time and then fed the freshly collected sap of the

coconut tree (jekaro). When allowed to ferment, jekaro is a potent aIcohollc beverage,

The principal starch foods eaten were rice, ta.ro, arrowroot (a potato -Iike edible

root), and starch tubes (mokmok, made from arrowroot, is similar to macaroni). (See

Reference 7, page 172 for preparation of mokmok. ) TUO root is powdered, then mo~stened, and compressed into cakes or balls, apprommately a foot in diameter. It can be

kept indefinitely in this form. Taro is used for making bread and doughnuts.

Various sea foods comprise the next most important part of the native diet. Fish

tie plentiful and are eaten fresh or dried, raw or cooked. Clams, oysters, crabs,

i Maps showing location of Marshall Islands included in References 1-6.

2 The key to Holmes and Narver, Rongelap Map, Misc. 254, contains the dimensions

and type construction of each building.

8
~IIIIIIIII

I(IIIII

,’( II

.1

III1III!II 9
octopi, and hmgouste (tropical lobster) are also eaten, when obtainable. The Mller clam

(Tridacna gigas) in easily obtained and frequently eaten by the naUves.

Although the climate seemed ideal for many types of melons and tropical fruits, only

pandanas, papayas, and pumpkins were observed on the island. There were no breadfruit

or banana trees Wfld bud was mentioned as a food however, it was not identified, because the natives failed ta find specimens when they revisited Rongelap with the survey

marls.

There were approximately 150 chickens on Rongelap on 26 March. In comparison

with various sea foods, chtckens were eaten rather infrequently. Eggs were eaten raw

and considered a great delica~. The natives made frequent trips to EniaIo for eggs.

This ishand is approximately 5 miles north of Rongelap. It is a nesting place for terns

and gulls.

There were 12 swine on Rongelap, i. e., a boar, a sow and ten 6-weeks old pigs.

Swine were eaten only on festive occasions.

Reference 7 is an excellent stuc& of nutrition in the MsrshaU Isliuxis (see also Reference 6, pages 149-154).

2.4 WATER SUPPLY

The main water supply was obtained from eight concrete cisterns. These were 6 to

8 feet square, with galvanized metal sheeting for the catchment areas (Figure 2.2). The

cisterns were 4 to 5 feet deep and, during the latter part of .Merch sad April, each contained shout 6 to 10 inches of water. There was one well 2 by 2 feet square and approximately 12 feet deep (Figure 2.7). It contahed about 1S inches of water. For m~

weeks prior to 1 March, the natives had been rationed to on ~pint cup of water per individual per day.

Sump pools were observed in the lower parts of the Isl=d and in old bomb cra@rs.

The water in these was apparently -pie for the dogs, chickens, and swine (see Reference 8, page 328; zd Reference 9).
— ... . . . . . . . . . —- - A

Figure 2.2 Examples of buildings in Rongelap Village. At left: Cistern

xo. 37 on Figure 2.1. At right: Village store (No. 39 on Figure 2.1).

.

I

\

;.,,

!

i ‘,,’; $. !1

!

----’pp..- -. . y

.... . . ..-

b

..

I

Figure 2.3 Interior of dispensary (No. 36 on Figure 2.1) showing

details of pole-and-palm-leaf construction. Tires was best constructed building on island. Note canvas window covering and air

spaces be~een palm-leaf tiers along eaves.

11
Figure 2.4 House partially constructed of lumber.

Figure 2.S Typtcal dwelling, illustrating open-type construction. lean-b

roof, and m area for preparing meals “ indoors” during rainy weather.

12
Figure 2.6 Cookhouse (No. 14 on Figure 2.1). This building had wire

screenti.g along two sides.

. . -,%

.-9 4

-

.-*

. . 8. ~

.

,.. ●

..’

. d. .’. ,

● .

b

.“-. “.c-—

Figure 2.7 WelI (No.

by-2-ft squ2re and 12

●✌

✌✎ .0”

* .. -’.,

● -

. . . . . ..- .“ 4“ “ e.

●

22 on Figure 2.1). This well was approximately 2-

N deep. The sides were cased with coral m.ason~.

13
PRIVACYACTMATERIAL REMOVED

Chapter 3

FAMILY GROUPS: ACTIVITIES,08SERVATIONS,

and FOODS DURING FALLOUT

The nativea of Roagelap Ilved lmgroup., comprisod of ea. or more famines, constitutlag a patriarchic @t (see Rofereacw 6, Chapters S * 8; 1% aad 11). Each

family group usually occupied oae or more buses sad shsred soverml out-buiXdiags.

The funily groups ars presented oa the followlag pages. Iaformatioa ccmceraing

the locatlon of fsmllies, foods eaten 1-3 Marcht sad descriptloas of ths fallout are iachded. Each native’s same is preceded by the cilalcal number asa~ed by Project

4.1, aad followed by the sex sad age of the ladlvldual. Married couples are iadlcated by

brackets. Solid lines indicate direct desceadarlts. Broken llaes indicate adopthaa.

3.1 GROUP ONE

}

(r-a) _,,

[M-JO) (M-1)

t (M-a

AdopCod

,+dopwdby Jors u$ Wb@l

AdOPtOdby aoki:s sad Kamao

Living Area: the Wage magistrate, aad family lived in house No.

the school teacher, end family lived in house No. 11. Other funiIies

the same general area. and were at Ailinginae 1-3

Actititiee. On 1 .March.

12.

lived in

March.

walked on

reef~( island ne= west end o f Rongelap) and returned to Rongelap after sundown.

Later went on a picnic and ate only cocon~ts. ?aid coconut meat tasted sour.

Food and Drink. Fresh fruit, bread, rice, fresh coconut milk cd meat, S=rch

U&es (mokmoK), copra, ;ekaro, water, and coffee. Told to stop drinlkhg water at 1300

(1 }farch), but did not do so.

Fzllout. Begs in afternoon of 1 March. The group who went to Jaboan said the

fallout pm%cles ranged in appearance “ from Ilour to salt. “ Fallout ma~ria-1 ‘was‘:lsible on their skin and “ like dust in their eyes. ” It caused itchhg and “ felt like mosquitoes were biting. ”

14

PRIVACYACTMATERIAL REMOVED
PRIVACYACTMAERIALREMOVED

57 IF-l CO)

Li\tiq area. --

and fxn Lly lived in house No. 16. and family lived in

house NO. 23 (no information cbtied regmtig W kn.ily). Other fam!lies prootily

lived h houses So. 18 azzd20.

3.3 GROUP TF?XEE

L:.,_ia~.\rf33. and fa.tmiy :L.:ed ~1 house ~o. 29. and fxnd:{ llved .n

house so. 26. lived in ho’lse So. 31.

Act.iv:ties.

Focal and Drink. Rice, bread, fresh coconut Tea, ‘mid bud, copra. fresn crao.

f;ssh Esn. st=ch. cooked pumpkin. ?.vaya (peeled),

ti2ugk=ut3. tea, ;ek%-o. =a “~a’~~.

Drw.k water after told them not :0.

Fd!cut. Begu afternoon of 1 !,fwch. “ Biackeced the sk: u !i xght ‘was 2pgrcacG-

.-

ing. Chdciren’s lips turned black. ‘‘ ‘4 RaLqed ? l:tie” dur’mg afiernoon of 1 \farch.

Fli!out materl~ which lGoked like ‘‘ whte POWC~~”

?~r=ed ::eiiow ma ~ssol~ed

whea wet. Reappeued when @. Po’xder tested lLke cement. !.faie people sneeze a.aa

co~gh.

15

PRIVACYACTMATENA1REMOVED
3.4 GROUP FOLX

1

PRIVACYACTMATERIAL REMOVED

38

30 }

(M-~o)_,,

(F-39)

}

33

(F-33)<44

(M-32)> ~

(22-i41

(.M-+1

(M-1)

(T-IT)

(r-lo)

(U-37)1-“”45 (T-1}

Adow44&Om

(?4-22)

Living Area. lived in house No. 47 (at Ailingmae 1-3 March).

, lived in house No. 40. lived in house No. 46. House No. 50 also occupied

by a famfly of this group. were at

Ailinginae 1-3 March.

Activities.

Food and Drink. Rice, bread, crabs, fish. wild bud, copra, coffee, water, jekaro,

and coconut milk. Fresh coconut milk and meat were the only things not exposed to

falIout.

Fallout . Begin in afternoon of 1 March. 4’ Looked like table salt. “

3. S GROUP FIVE

11 }

(F-24) -Z: !.$4 -7)

(s4-30)-13 (M-5)

Living Area. lived in house No. 51. Iived in house No. 53.

Activities.

Food and Drink. Rice, bread, fresh coconut meat, wild bud. copra, fresh crzb,

fresh fish, starch. cooked pumpkin, papaya (peeled), doughnuts, tea, jekaro, and xater.

Drank water after told them not to.

Fallout.

3.6 GROUP SIX

IF-3)

[.X2-3)

27 (M-24)

Living Area. . lived in house NO. 57. wllage doctor, lived aione at

the dispensary, Building No. 36.

Activities. A few of the events which occurred 1-3 March are briefly summarized

in the interview with the village doctor:

16

PRIVACYACTMATERIAL REMOVED
“ I WiMasleep at time of flash” but was awakened in time to hear “ seven echoes”

of blast. Felt 3hock wave. ~~Was ~~ost knocked do’m. Pushed me back, then for’.v~=. ‘‘

“ Fallout began x 1300;’ on \fonday, 1 March. It linked 11.ke“ t=o powder or CMA

dust . Water turned yel!ow shortly after fallout began. FaUout lasted for about seven

hours. “

-+t ip~~~[: \Iarch) a group of people left Rongelap to fish at Aillagmae.

.Ate breakfast and lunch (1 March). Had evening meal at about 2000. This Iat=r

meal consisted of rice, co~ee, and dried fish. (Coffee kept in a cu rice m !mg~, f!sh

was taken from a outside d@ng rack).

~ Tlesaay (2 Marsh), told people not to &.nk water, but most of them contiauea

to do so.

“ Sixteen people Ieft in a plane about 1000, “ Wednesday, 3 .MUcL “ The rsst

left on a destroyer. “

Food and Drink. Bread, rice, copra, cooked fresh ffsh, fresh coconut milk, coffee,

and jekao.

Fallout. Started about 1300, 1 Nfcwch. W- like flour. Caused skin irritation md

sneezing. Food tasted str~ge. was nauaeated after breakfagt and most of &y

(1 Much)

3.7

w?c

33

14 IF-26 )’ -17

-9

(?-4)

M-m:- 2 [M-i)

2s (?4-+3)

Li’.’~g.g.irea. Hccses WI. 59, 60, and 63.

.lCti’r:t:e S. . fished from a came frcm l,;l :C 15(00, 1 Slarch. He ate nc :J. ch.

Food ana Drink. BreQd, rice. copr~, cccked fresh fish, fresh coconut mi!k. csI:ee,

;ek3m.

GRCUP EIGHT

29

L:”.’I!?:.\rea. Efitire group at .\iling;nae 1-3 \lIrcn.

Feed ma Llr:.nk. Bread. r:ce. fresn coccn~: meat. ‘~ild bud, coprz, fresh crti,

fresh I’Isn,stucn, cooked pur,piiin, papaya (peelea), dcwtiuts. tea. :ek=~t Ir’d“w’3ter

%Drmk water ~fter Jabwe told them not to.

Fa!:cut.
3.9 LIST OF NATIVES AT SIFO IsI.A,ND, ALLNGN.-4E .4TOLL, 1-3 .WCH

The following individuals were eit&r temporarily living at Ailingtiae to make copra,

or had gone there to fish for a few days. Ml had permanent homes on Rongelap.

maid No.

1

6

8

16

36

36

31

41

43

44

46

48

50

I 51

33

Ss

?0

81

3.10 LIST OF .MARSHALLESE NOT CONTACTED DURING INTERVIEWS

No information was obtained for these indivfduala regardfng family group membership, activities during fallout, foods eaten, etc.

C!lnical ye.

3

1s

37

w

36

60

67

?1

74

1

7

19

:s

?s

63

14

2s

1.6

18
.,

4.1

(H+

Chapter 4

EVACUATION and DECONTAMINATION

EVACUATION OF NIWBITANTS OF RONGSLAP AND AILNGLVAE ATOLLS

Sixteen (16) Marshallese were evacuated by plane from Rongelap at 1000, 3 3faxch

51 hours).

Fo@-eight (48) Marshal!ese were evacuated tiom Rongelap by destroyer at the

same time (H+ 31 hours).

The eighteen (18) .Marshallese who were litig on Sifo Island, A1.U@nae .+kil, wers

evacuated by &stroyer at H+ 54 hours.

The Marshallese were allowed to take with them little more thm the clothia.g they

wore.

The survey tetuxi tith the evacuation P~ reported retings of 1.0- 2.3 rti ttioughout Rongelap Village at the time of evacuation.

4.2 DECOXTA.MNATXON OF SHSFMLLESE

The 16 Marsha.Hese evacuated from Rongelap ~:: X=e =rived at ~waj~el~ at noon

on 3 March. These indltiduals shwered md batk= several times k an emergency decontamination area, which consisted of z shower rcGm and nvo adjacent buildings for

storing con-inated c!othing and possessions. Tke c!ecaatamination area wu enclosed

by bur!ap sacking material (Figures 4.1 and 4.2) ~

The 66 Marshallese evacuated by destroyer (46 from Rongelap and 18 from

Ailinginae) arrived late in the evetig of 3 March (10- 12 hour trip from Rongeiap vll

destroyer). These individuals had taken numerous skos.vers and prolonged w-bings

with salt-water-hose sprays wkdle aboard the destroyer. Clothing was not remo~”ecifo=

showers sad washings. ..

On 4 March, showers and baths were repeated.

The personnel of Project 4.1 arrived at Kwa;tiein on 9 M&”ch. The Rongelap ~c!

Aflinghae natives were monitored on 11 March (Figure 4.3).

The i.natr.urienta used by Project 4.1 personnel were the LVPDR/39A and the .XNPDR,f

27c (staadard milit~ issue, tn general use). Due to the lack of a high-range, betasensitive instrument, cIothing and bdy surveys had to be made ‘.wth the ionization

cluunber type meter if the actlvip] of the contamination exceeded 5 mrt’hr. In most cues,

tier extensive decontamination, the probe of the 27c instrument w= adequate for this

purpose. The instruments used had been recently calibrated at the Naval Medicd Fteeearch Institute (NM.RI) against a Coio standard and were considered to be accurate

and in good operattig condition. They were hand-carried from NIIRJ to Kwa;dein.

The most highly contaminated are~ of the body were the head and hti and =eas

skin not protected by clothng. Natural folds of the sw ma are- of the skm where

oi

19
presplraUon accumulated served to trap and re~in particles .f the radioactive dust.

Since the .Marshallese used a coconut-oil hair dreSS@ it required a good detergent

and brush to adequately decontaminate the hair and head. When scrukb~ng witi b~a~e~

caused tenderness and soreness to other parts of the body, decontamination was achieved

by substitutingcloth tawelg for washings.

-“---. =

-- . . .

j

4.3

. J

~J- ~~

..

,~.–a

*

. .

w

.

.

,“ ... . . ..

,.

,.

... F&- -:..

.-, .- . ..-. $.*

. . . .

. .

“’-

.. . .--0 -. —- . —.

..- - , . -- :s ; --- ‘, .--: .*. -s-

-. ------ . k----- -3 -“-- “-”’’—”- .La

Figure 4.1 Decontamination area, Naval Air 5~ation, Kwa@lein.

DECONTA.llATION OF CLOTHENG AND OTHER PERSONAL POSSESSIONS OF

THE .MARSHALLESE

The Marahallese had received a change of cIothiag which was voluntarily contributed

by the personnel at MM, Kwajalein. LManyIndividuals lhad, however, retained uticles

of their own clotMig. When surveyed on 11 .M&-cL the contarniaation of the clothing and

possessions, in use, was found to be spo~. The highest concentration of activity was

found in the children’s clothing. in trouser cuffs, seats of trousers (and are= of clothing which had obviously beets in contact with the ground), shoes (hside and out), belts,

and combs.

The clothing of the Marshallese (not in use) was monitored LO- 12 March and separated MO three categories. Clothing which read less tb.n 1.0 mr/hr was returned for

use. Clothing which read 1.0 to 5.0 mr/hr was laundered several times aad returned to

the natives on 17 April, when it read less thaa 1.0 mr/hr. The clothing which read

more than 5.0 mr/hr 11 .March was kept tuttil 3 May, at which time it read less than

1.0 mr/hr. Prayer books aad shoes were the last possessions returned for use.

The clothing of the 16 .Marshallese who were evacuated by plane had not been

laundered and still read approximately 100 mr/hr on 18 .March. Repeated washings 5V

the Kwajslein laundry failed to lower the counts appreciuly. The addtion of citric a~ld

to laundry water facilitated decontamination.
Figure 4.2 Decontamination area, Naval Air Station, Kwajalein. At

righk shower room; at left: building for staring contaminated clothing.

i

.

d,

L ‘“

..

c. ,,. ,?’

-Wi

. .

+

. ‘m.

,* “’

. . . . . ... .. . . .. .. .,-,

‘-- -.”-’- -“-a-. ~

.

Figure 4.3 Personnel of Project 4.1 monitoring Marshallese. Left to

right: H.MCStrome, photographer and recordefi John, Rongelap Village

magistrate and interpreter; CDR Conrad, examining skin (for clinical

records); Kotar, Rongelap native (No. 4); and LTJG Sharp, monitoring

ekin, hair, clothing, etc.

21
.

Chapter 5

PHYSICAL MEASUREMENTS of RESIDUAL

EXTERNAL CONTAMINATION

‘m 16 3tuduUem whowore●otaated from RoagdsP W P* wen m~~red

fbur Umea during the Iaitlal deoontuniaatloa pmoedure 8on3 Maroh. Tbriaxnesof

these Mdividuah are preoeded by aa asterisk in Table 5.1.

A dz@e readlagwasawM at ltwajaleiaoa S Maroh of ●aoh of ihe 66 Marshdlese

who evaouted from Rongelap aad Uiaghae * datroyer. These read%ag8 appear in

tho fourth 00Auraa under 3 March la Table S.1.

On 4 March deoontamlnatloa procedures were continued aad the external contamination of the Mardialleoe waa reduced tim 5.0 to 40.0 mrhr to 2.0 to 10.0 mr/hr.

The readings made on 11 March and aubsequenUy were made by Pm ject 4.1 during

the latter phase of the decontarniaattoa procedures.

.

. .

22
——

——

,i I

11<

i:

,,

.—

I

I

I

I

,1

‘1., . ..!

I !d3uons3md3a

1 [l“ ‘<*’

(

!

I

I

1:

~q

1-

1

I

10!:

mlmlv;; ‘Inl’:i “t

1! I m41uv3u I

!1{’ GUIIU I

‘_ —— —— —

~: Y.1UV3U i,,

Lha335 i _—–

,,

I

!4-3ants

L5d IJ I

iuJJ3a

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23
24
.

2s
REFERENCES*

1. Price, W.; Mysterious Mlcrones@ The National Geographic Magaalne 69

481-610, April, 1936.

—

2* Price, w.; Hidden Key to the PacifiG The National Geographic Magazine

~L 759-785, Juae, 1942.

3. Moore, W. R.; Our New Military Wards, the tisball$ The National Geographic Magaaiae 88: 325-360, September 1945.

4. Nicholas, ~. H.; American Pathfinders in the Pacifk The National Geo~aphic Magaaine 89: 617-640, May, 1946.

S. Moor~, W. R.; Pacific Wuds of Uncle Sam; The National Geographic Magazine

94: 73-104, July, 1948.

‘t 6. Spoehr, A.; Majuro; A Village in the Marshall Islan&, FhMianx htbropology 3% Chicago Natural History hluseum, November 17, 1949.

t ~ Marai, M=, Nutrition Study in Micronesia% Atoll Research BulletIn, No. 27,

Janu=y 31, 1954.

t 8. Sachet, Marie H. , sad Fosberg, F. R.; Island Bibliographies Micronesia

Botony, Lsad Environment and Ecology of Coral Atolls, VegeWion of Tropical Pacific

Islsde. Pacific Science Board, Publication NO. 335, 1955.

t 9. Arnow, T.; The Hydrology of the Northern Marshall Islanti, Atoll Research

Bulletin No. 30, May 31, 1954.

t 10. Chave, Marg~et E.; The Changfng Position of the Mixed-Bloods in the

Marshall Islands; Pacific Science Board, Summer, 1947.

t 11. TobiA. J. E.; Land Tenure in the .Marshall Islands; Atoll Research Bulletin

No. 11, September 1, 1952.

●

t

A general review of the literature was not necessq. The Pacific Science Board has

recently published a comprehensive bibliography of botanical and ecologic studies of

the Pacific Islsads (Reference 8 above). Th.h puhiication includes references concerning the following subjects: geography, geology, climate, water supplies, soi:s,

flora, hum, ecology, etc. The other Pacific Science Board publications listed contain information pertinent to specific aspects of the present report. The National

Geographic Magazine articles are cited prim~i!y for the historical and pictorial coverage they contain.

Information concerning the availahihty of this document may be obtained by addressing inquiries tcx Pacific Science BoarQ National Research Council; 2101 Constitution Avenue, N. W. ; Washington 25, D. C.

20
.

PART 2 AMERICAN MILITARY PERSONNEL

Chapter I

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to supplement clinical data with as much information as passible concerntig events during the fallout at Rongeri.k, including (1) activities oi men dur’mg

fallout, (2) description of fallout, (3) types of clothing worn, (4) food and d.rmk. (5) 10cation

of film badges, (6) evacuation and decontarninatioa procedures, and (7) readings of external

radioactive contamination of Rongerik personnel.

27
Chapter 2

PERSONNEL and EQUIPMENT on

ENIWETAK ISLAND, I-2 MARCH 1954

2.1 LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF ENXWETAKXSLAND

Rongerik AtolI is situated 13S nautical miles eaat of Bkfni Atoll. Eniwetak Island

is located along the aoutheaatern perimeter of Rongerik Atoll.

Eniwetak Island is crescent-shaped. It la 1~4 miles long aad approximatdy ~, mile

tide at the center (Figure Zl).

As fndicated in Figure 2.1, the general houeing area wae located In the central pm

of the island with the weather station Iocated near the southwestern end of the island and

the commualcationa section located ne= the northeastern end of the island.

2.2 LIST OF MILITMY PERSONNEL STATIONED ON ENIWETAK ISLAND,

RONGERIX ATOLL, 1 AND 2 MARCH 1954.

28
,

.

-i

29
2.3 DUTY ASSIGNMENTS OF PERSONNEL

2.4

Cookl

.

.

,

.

..-

.

..

.4.

,-

HOUSMG

... .. +$& _

---

~k:<,

Air Force peraoanel were housed in Butler Buildiags (24-foot-by-8-foot steak “:;

quoa8et huts with screened wiadowe aloag sides). 8.-

-.. :

Army personnel were housed in a 24-maa teat. (No screenlag. Teat flaps kept

elevated at ail times. )

2.5 WATER SUPPLY ... .

, ,8’

,..,

Distillation unit.

Drinking water was availabIe at housing are~s in covered 5-gallon caas.

.-

,-

30
.

Chapter 3

EVENTS DURING FALLOUT

3.1 SUMMARY OF DTTERVIEWSAND EVENTS DURING FALLOUT

3.1.1 Activities of Personnel.

1 March 1400-1430 Observed onset of fallout.

1500 Dispatch sent to Eniwetok.

1530 Men instructed to wear long-sleeve shirts, long trousers,

hats, and G. I. shoes. At same time CWO Kapral instructed men to continue regular routine (to avoid hysteria).

1800 Sent regularly scheduled message on weather.

2100 Sent emergency message.

2330 Ordered to move all men to permanent buildings.

2 .March Majority of men had canned fruit juice sad/or coffee for breakfast.

Personnel remained indoors as much as possible.

Eight men evacuated via plane to Kwajalein at 1245 (Andrews, .%shby,

Azbill, Baker, Bertolino, Black, Bushkin, and Cagle).

Remaining 20 men evacuated to Kwajalein via plane at 1800.

3.1.2 Description of Fallout. Began 1400-1430, 1 March. E=IY ftiout described

as “ like ashes, wtite or gray in color. Floated down, like snow. ” Later ~ afte~oon

described as ‘‘gritty, like sand. ‘‘

Meu at the radio station collected fallout material. This material, when placed on

the surface of a cathode-ray tube (part of ionosphere equipment), caused that portion of

the tube surface to gIow.

A few of the men described a minimal fallout on 2 .March. These statements ue

questionable and not consistent with the majority of observations.

3.2 INDIV5NJAL NTERVIEWS WXTH PERSONNEL STATIONED ON E.NWETAK

ISLAND (RONGERIK ATOLL)

The men were requested to supply information regarding their activities during the

fallout, a description of the fallout, clothing worn, food and drink, location of film badges,

time of evacuation, present enlistment status. etc. This information is presented in the

following paragraphs,

ANDREWS, B. F. , S/fI@$ 401

DAY. Weather Equipment Technician and Assistant Non-Commissioned Officer in

Ck~f the Rawin Sounde Section.

31
Activities. 1 March Off du~ all afternoon. Ate at 1700 and attenc!ed movies in

mesa~’ard.

2 March Worked outside all mo tming, helping to wash down beildfngs.

Clothing. Wore shorts, T-shirt, G. I. shoes, and no cap. changed MO Io- CIOth.

fng a~

Ate

Food and Drink. Ate evening meal 1 .MarcL No breakfast 2 .March. Drank coffee.

lunch at Kwajaleini

Fallout. Resembled saow or ashes both days (1 and 2 March).

Fflm Badge. None. Usually with A/lc Neil hi the livlng area,

Evacuated. 1245, 2 March.

Not& High school completed. Has seven months remaining of present enlistment.

ASHBY, J. J. L. , A/lc, 402

Dutv. Cook.

~tit~es. 1 Merck On du~. Tim. equally divided ln&ore cooking and outdoors

washing pane ead working around supply tent srtd reefers. Spent eveaing playing cards.

2 Marciu Began work at 0700.

Clothlng. Wo;e shorts, T-shirt, and shoes prior to 1630, 1 March Changed into

long clothing.

Food and Drink. Ate evening meal 1 March and breskfaet 2 March.

Fallout.

=Badge. None. (In same general area as Curhow).

Evacuated. Iu first group (124S, 2 March).

Note Completed junior college. One year remaining in present enlistment.

AZBILL, L. L., A/lc , 403

Duty. Observer with weather group.

~vlties. 1 March Worked outside at weather station. On dug tmtil midnight.

2 Marclx Stayed in or around quarters.

Clothing. Prior to 1530, 1 March, wore shorts end shoes. Changed fnto long

Clothiiii

Food and Drink. Ate evening meal 1 March. Had coffee for breakfast 2 March.

Began lunch, but did not finish.

Fallout. Noticed fallout at about 1500. ‘4Looked like fine particles of ashee, but

felt grlt~. “ At 1400 noticed an X-shaped cirrus cloud that became funnel-shaped

just before falIout begsm.

Film Badge. None. Worked with Ca@e and Nell.

Evacuated. In first group (1245, 2 March).

Note: High school completed. Present e~igtment to be completed in December 1954.

BA.KER, D. L., A/lc , 404

Duty. Radio operator.

Evities. 1 Marctu Worked outside around bathhoqse and latrine with J. A. Kapral.

Ate 1600-1630. Went on duty at radio shack at MOO. (Rain commenced about 2100 and

ccntinued for 30 minutes. ) At 2100 took truck to pick up ~my mm iutd return them to

budding adjacent to radio shack (where they spent the night).

2 March Remained on duqr until 0800. Stayed in barracks from 0800 to 1245.

32
.

Clothing. Wore shorts and short-sleeve shirt 1 Jf=ch until 1700. Changed to longsleeve shirt and long trousers. Wore no kt.

Food and Drink. Ate evenhg med 1 .March and had sandwlchea later in radio shack.

Ate nothing on 2 ,Mmch until after =riva.1 on Kwaj~ei.n. Drd water from icebox on

1 and 2 March.

Failout. Observed fallout at 1500 1 M=ch, whfch k descrtis as “Ike sao~t P=-

ticle~ize of grains of sand, but floated down, rather than falling straight dom

white or sflver in color. “

FiIm Badge, None. 1200-2400 (1 March) with who wore film badge. 2400-

0800 (2 March) no film badge at radio shack.

Evacuated. Xnfirst group at about 124S. &rived at KwajaIeIn at 1445 (2 March).

~@ school completed. Fifteen months in servtco.

Duty. Assigned ta weather station.

~tities. 1 .March On du~ until 0600, 1 March. Wa# not in tent area 1 or 2

Mar~until noon 1 Much. Back to bed (after lunch) at 1400. Waa awakened at

1500. Stayed up most of night (1 March).

2 MarciL Remained Indoors most of time.

Clothfng. Dressed ia fatigues when awakened at 1500, 1 Maxch.

Food and Drink. Ate evenintz meal, 1 March. Ate a llttlo lunch 2 March before

being told not to. Drank sever~ cups of coffee night of 1 March. Drank coffee-d

water morning of 2 March.

Fallout. Observed fallout at 1500. “Like ashes. floated &wa. Looked w

outdoors. “

Film Badge. None. Was with most of :ime.

Evacuated. In first group (124%’2 March).

Note: l%o and a half years cone@. One year of present enlistment to complete.

Duty, Rawln Sonde Operator.

=tities. 1 Marcl& On duty day of 1 Mticlt uritil 1630. Took shower before chow.

Atten~tie in mesa haU.

2 .Marclu Worked outiide, helping to wash outside of mess hall.

Clothing. Wore shorts until 1530. Changed to long-clothing.

Food and Drink. Ate evening meal 1 .March. Had Mfee for breakfast, 2 March.

NO lunch.

Fallout. Observed fa.lIout at about 1500. ‘‘\%~te &ks; lig~ floated down. ‘‘

Film Badge. None. wore badge for group.

Evacuated. Lnfirst group (1245, 2 March).

‘h school education. Thirteen monthe remaining of present enlistment.

DUW. Rawin Sonde Operator.

=’ties. 1 March: Worked at weather station from 0800 until 1700-1730, 1 Miuch.

tier chow, took shower, and attended movie in mess hail.

2 Marctu Remained inside most of morning.

33
Clothing. Wore khaki shorts and shoes. Changed to long clothing at 1530, 1 March.

Food aad Drink. Ate eveaing meal. 1 M=ch~ On 2 March ate box Iunch brought by

first evacuation plaae.

Fallout. .Moaitoring instrument began recordbg at 1430; was off scslo at 1450. Visible fallout noted at 1500. Described fallout as” like sad with white p-iclea the size

of cigarette ashes. ‘‘ Cloeed windows and dooro of weather station. Fallout material

visible on tables In mess hall aad barracks at night.

Film Badge. Worn by for group. Was htmg outside building what mea wore

outside for observation of weather balkoa ascension.

Evacuated. & first group (124S, 2 March.

~~ of one year college. One aad a half years to complete present

enlistment.

Duty. Rawln Scads Sectioa.

~tities. 1 Marclx On duty at radio, Scads Section, from 1330 to 1730.

~Reamined inside as much aa poooihlo, until ordered outside to help wash

buildings. .

Clothing. Wore shorts sad shoes prior ta 1530, 1 March. Clo@ed doors sud wtadows

of R-~~ at 1515 and put on ratacoat. Changed to loag clothiag at 1530.

Food and Driak Dfd not eat evealng mcsl 1 MarclL “ Like duet, exowt it floated

dowa. “ Observed X-shaped cirrus cloud at 25,000 feet, justbefore fallout begaa.

Film Badge. Wore fllrn badge for weather group. ( wore film badge for relief “

or alternate weather group. ) Film badge read 38 roentgens.

Evacuated. In first group (1245, 2 March).

Note: One year college. Three years to complete present ealhtmeat.

Duty. SUPjIly.

~tities. 1 hfarch Worked oa records la supply roon until1700, 1 March.

Show~re chow. Took truck out for garbage run after chow. Atteztded movie in

mess hall.

2 March Worked outside gettiag -y “Duck” reac& for evacuating first group

of men.

Clothing. Clasnged iato long clothing morning of 2 March. Wore shorts, T-shirt

and ~ .Msrch.

Food and Drirdc. Ate evening meai 1 March.

FaUout. Was told shout fallout at 1500, 1 March. On 2 MarclL observed t&t fallout material was 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep along sides of “Duck.”

Fflm Badge. None.

‘In second group (1800, 2 March).

~venth grade, high uchool. No sad a half years to complete on present

enlistment.

Duty. Weather grouw night duty.

=vities. 1 Marclx Slept in tent by weather station until about 1400. Remaiaed

34
.

in tent area and returned to work at 2000. Worked until midnight, when message was

received to cease operations. Slept remainder of night in area.

2 March

Clothing. Dressed hi long clothing about 1430 (including cap and heavy shoes).

~ Drink. Did not eat evening meal, 1 March. Ata cereal for breakfast,

2 March.

F~i~ut. ob~er~ed f~l~ut fi~ut 14450 “ L&e grajns of snow. “ Could still see a

little-t on 2 March.

Film Badge. None (worked with Nell).

Evacuated. In second group (1800, 2 March).

~e year college. Twenty-eight months to complete present enlistment.

CURBOW, G. O. , A/~c, 411

Duty.

~nties. 1 Marclz Worked outside all afternoon untfl 1600. Took shower after

chow~piayed dominoes in mesa ball from 1800 until 0600, 2 March.

2 March Spent most of morning outside washing off chow hall.

Clothing. 1 March Wore T-shirt, fatigue trousers, and shower shoes until 1700

when~ged to long cl~thing.

Food and Drink. Ate evening meal 1 March. Did not eat breakfast or lunch 2 March,

but did eiu caramels and drink grape juice at the dispensary.

Fallout. Noticed fallout at 1430, 1 March. Looked like ashes and felt like Vhes

when rubbed off. Later (night of 1 March), changed to saady character and was like

sad on 2 March-white and powdery.

Film Badge. Wore film badge which read 44 roentgens. Spent most of time in

housing area. ‘

Evacuated. Ln second group (1800, 2 March).

Note: Completed 3 years of a 4-year enlistment. Has had 2 years of college. Ii3s

bad anemia and received bvo courses of therapy.

HARMER, R. , JR. , A/lc, 412

Duty. Cook.

=tities. 1 iMarck Worked outside at supply tent and around reefers afternoon

of 1 Much. Showered after chow and spent evening writing letters (in bed).

2 March Prepared breakfast. (Five men ate, i. e. , Kapral, Harmer, and three

Army men). Prepared lunch, but just as it was ready, was told not to serve men.

Clotbiog. Wore long white trousers, T-shirt, shoes and cap (with perforations)

on 1~

Food and Drink. Ate eventig meal, 1 March, md bre~ast on 2 -M~ch”

Fallout. First noticed fallout at 1500 on 1 M=ch. “ Like tiny grains of sand. ‘‘

Fallo-in evidence on 2 March.

Film Badge. None.

Evacuated. In second group (1800, 2 March).

‘~tiished 2iote. high school, Nine months to complete present enlistment.

ILAPRAL, JOHN A. , CWO, 413

Duty. Detachment Commander, WREP No. 1, Rongerik Atoll.

35
Activities. “ 1 March 19S4. Viewed shot at 0645L from bathhouse. Looked directi= wss PrePsr~ to ~Meld eyes @th @we~if ~~beCIUZMDSMXMWMY. Ate

breakfaat. Wore CkSS X clothing @Iort trousers, T-shirt. sW, cap, socks end

shoes). Supervised some maintenance on power units and reefers. Wad lunch. After

hmcht noticed reduced vlstiflity. About 1430L, sent out message regarding readfng of

automonitor. By 1600L fallout had increased to the point at which particles could almost

be seen falling. Visibili~ had decreased to 3 to 4 miles and air appeared to be extremely

buy. Took shower about 1630L. Had dinner at 1800L. During the day drank water and

juices. Stayed outdoors Practically all day. Had fungus !nf@tioP in left ear, so I dld not

go swimming. Went to sleep in tent on wtndward slmre of islan~ Stsyed in tent all night.

2 lf=ck Got Up and washed 8&mt 0630L, wore long-sleeve diirt - trouser% w

and shoes. Had normai breakfast. Visibili& had improved notioesbly. Gray dust covered alI buildings and trees. At 103OL, received messsgo from Headquarters, W%EP to

cease al] operations, except radio communications and to .X tilde bUMi%~. CompUed

with message as much as possible. Had no lunch but drank grape juice from refrigerator.

At 1230L eight men, in alphabetical order, were flown out to Kwajaleim. Durimg afternoon drank more grape jufce. Took shower at 1S30L. Woro sam. clothing. Crew washed

mess hall building with salt water hose inside and out. Stayed b mess ball most of efternoon. I was evacuated with the rest of the detachment on the second trip at 1800L. Did

not wear a film badge at any time. Spent all my time in t& living area after the shot.

There was at least one badge on the buildings and at leset three airmen wore film badges

in the Ii* area at all times. “

LA MAGNA, G. R. , Pfc,414

DU~. Night du~, &’llly ~OUp.

Evitiee. 1 Marolu Slept from 1230 to 1400 (night mea of Army group). Remained

in te~til chow. Took shower outdoors, after chow. Slept from 1930 to 2230. On

dub in Arxny iuea from 2230 until approximately 0100, while other tvm hmy personnel

were sleeping. M,>ved to weather building after 0115, 2 March, sad spent remainder of

night there.

2 .Sfarclx Spent mo et of time around housing =ea.

clothing. Shorts Odjf untli 1500-1530, 1 .March. Changed into long cloth.lag, with

hat and shoes.

Food and Drink. Ate evening m al 1 Much. Ate breakfast and par% of Iunc& 2

March. Dradc water from five gaUoct tins located in Army rwea.

FaUout. Noticed fallout when awakened at 1400, 1 March. By evening “looked like

a she-r tent. ‘$ Materlsl observed on surface of sll buildings and equipment, both

out- and in-doors, L e., tables in mesdall, etc.

After chow, examined fallout = terlal under microscope. “About same size as

sand particles. Under microscope sand particles appeared solid- fallout particles looked

like crystals. Material not soluble in water on microscope slide. Crystals had rough

edges. “

La Magna was present when fallout material was observed to cause cathode tube to

glow. He also observed that the naterial glowed in the dark.

Film Badge. None. Film badge hanging in tent.

Evacuated. In second group (1S00, 2 .March).

‘aduated June 1951 from Brooklyn College, School of General Studies

(small businese major). Discharge date: 12 August 1954.

.

-.

36
.

.

MOONEY, W. J. , A/’lc, 415

Duw. Weather group, night duq.

~tities. 1 lkfarclx Slept until awakened at 1S45. Went on duty at weather station

2000-Worked until midnight.

2 Marclx Went back and forth from barracks to mess hall SeverZd UXtIeS. Went to

wash in shower room once. Outdoors approximately 1 hour durbg evacuation.

Clothing. Dressed in long clothing when awakened at 1545, 1 March.

Food and Drink. Did not eat evening meal on 1 March. Drank approximately 1 quart

liquid 1 March. No food eaten 2 March, drank approximately 1 pint liquid.

Fallout. Observed fallout after being awakened at 1545, 1 March. Sky seemed

overcast. Fallout looked like fine ash, similar to that resultlng from burned paper.

Film Badge. None (worked with Neil).

- Xnsecond group (1S00, 2 March).

~e year college. Four months remdnlng of present enlistment.

NEIL, W. R., A/~C, 416

Duw. Weather group, night duty.

Xtities. 1 h-larch Slept until 1500-1530. Mter chow et 1730, went back b work

at 20-ather station. Worked until midnight. Slept until 0700.

2 March Spend equal amounts of time indoors and outdoors.

Clothing. Wore fatigue clothing from 1530, 1 M=ch, untfl evacuated (with exception

of sl=me night of 1 March).

Food and Drink. Ate evening meal 1 March, and had cheese sad crackers at weather

station at about 2200. Had coffee only on 2 March.

Fallout. “ Like snow. ”

=adge. Wore film badge for alternate weather group. Wore badge until

noon 1 ,March. Film badge read 38 roentgens.

Evacuated. In second group (1800, 2 March).

Xote: Completed 3 ‘/zyears of college. Eight months remaining of present

enlistment.

NOLEY, L. R. , A/2c, 417

Du&. Radio operator.

~tities. 1 March Worked from

for b~~d then slept until 1400.

midnight until 0700. Returned to living area

Remained inside most of tune.

2 Marclx On du~ at 0700. Worked until noon.

Clothing. Dressed in fatigues at 1400, 1 March.

.Food and Drink. Ate evening meal 1 -March. Ate bre~at =d a “ litde l~ch

2 March. “

Fallout. Observed when subject man awoke at 1400, 1 March. “At first was heavy

like snow. Seems there was a little on 2 March. “

Film Badge. None. Neil wore film badge for group.

Evacuated. In second group (1900, 2 March).

~mpleted junior college. One year and 2 months remaining of present

enlistment.

37
PETTINGILL, R. C., S/’S@., 418

Duty. Radio operator.

~tities. 1 .Marclx on du~ at radio shack alI dtemmon. Went outside to

weati~n every hour (20 feet away). Had chow at 1800. Showered after chow and

returned to motie in mess hall, where he remained until 2300. Slept ia b=racks next

door.

2 March Spent an hour cleaafng up mesa hall. Stayed inside remainder of morming.

Spent an hour in radio shack at noon. Remained inatde tmtll 1630. Worked at radio

shack from 1630 until just before being evacuated. (Radio shack about the size of a

piano crate. Could not completely close door. )

CIothing. Wore shorts until afternoon of 2 March.

Food sad Drink. Ate eveafng meal 1 March. No appetite 2 March. Became

thirsty and drank more t.hsa tha usual amount of wat8r during the afternoon.

Fallout. First noticed fallout at 1400, 1 March. Described as “silvery, grayish

duet, which looked like saow. Particle size -lf.ke course salt. ” Did not observe faUout 2 .Much. (Later described 4 talcum- llke fallout on momi.ng of 2 March. )

Film Badge. None. Cagie wore badge for group.

Evacuated. In second group (1800, 2 March).

‘mpleted high school. Three and a half years remaining of pre-ent enlistment.

PLETSCH, RONALD E., M/Sgt, 419

. Duty. Detachment Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (WEH Equipment SUPPIY)

Xtities. “ 1 March 1954: Audce approximately 0630, was outside at time of

shot- local time the IM3 meter (TN3A) began to rise. At 1500 a message was

sent giving readings. At this time the visibility was hazy and when looking toward dark

areas small particles could be seen falling. At this time I went to the area to get long

sleeve and long trousers for the mea on du~ at the ‘‘R“ section. Also at MS time,

a13personnel was notified to change into different clothing with Iong sleeves and trousers

with legs. This time I remained indoors as much as possible. Remained UPuntil ffd

message was received to cease operation. At approximately 2400 I notiffed the Army

personnel to move to the ‘‘R“ section and remti inside the metal building there. Trans -

pomation was furnished them.

2 March 1954: Awoke 0700. Remained in me~e hall throughout day aa much as POSsible. Had mess hail completely washed down at 1000L. Kept persomeI iMids t~oughout

the day. Left islaad approximately 1700L -d actual takeoff was 1800L. ”

Clothing. T-shirt and shorts until 1500L, 1 March. Then till arrival at Kwajale@

Ionir-hirt and trousers and cap.

Food and Drink. Supper 1 March 19S4. Coffee and water remainder of stay, Exce~tion of sandwich kom box luach from aircraft.

“ Fallout. Noticed 15001 .March as a hazy appearance, when looking toward dark

background, i.e. , buildings. Could notice small particles with appearance of an ash.

This continued and increased In intenai~ toward evening. Continued throughout evening.

Next morning tents aad equipment were covered wtth this aah.

FfIm Badge. Yes, wore on left shirt pocket from MOOL, 28 February untfl arrival

at KWaJdf2h 1900L. 2 .March 1954.

Evacuation. Second group (1800L 2 March 1954).

Note: Education, high school, WZA Ohs. , NCO School, WEA EQ “EOH. Present

enlistment, indefinite (career).

38
ROPER. R. L., A/lc, 420

DuQ. Water dtstillfulon man.

Activities. 1 ihfarclx Operated a 300-gallon Badger unit (a vapor compression

.- unit ~&paper roof with two sides of shelter enciosed and two sides open). Showered after chow and stayed either in chow ball or barracka until 2200-2230.

2 Marck Stayed in mesa hall for 2 hours. Spent remainder of morning washing

. down mess hall, lneide mid outshde.

Clothing. Wore shoes sad shorts 1 March until 1630, changed to long clothing.

Food and Drink. Ate evening meal 1 March. Ate cereal for bre~=t on 2 .March.

Ate flight ltmch brought on SA16 at 1300 and drank a beer at 1400, 2 March.

Fallout. Subject man did not notice fallout uatil lt was called to his attention at

1630. At that time he said it looked haay and he could see ssmiy material on roofs and

upper surface of equipment.

Fflm Badge. None (Curbow wore badgo for group).

~Ia second group (1S00, 2 March).

‘mpleted 10th grade in high school. Dlsctige date 15 Janusz’Y1955.

\

3CHWOMEYER, J. E., A/2c , 421

Duty. Rawin Sonde Operator.

XXtities. 1 March Worked near weather station until 1630-1700. Remained

indoo~of evening.

2 Marcix

clothing. Wore shorts, short-sleeved shirt, sad hat prior to 1530, 1 MarclL

Chq~loag clothing at that ti.qe.

Food and Drink. Ate evening meal 1 March. Did not eat bretit or lunch 2

March. Drank very Ifttle water. Opened can of tomato juice and drank 2 glasses about

1400, 2 March.

Fallout. Observed at about 1400, 1 March. ‘‘Like coarse white dut, but floamd

down like ashes. “ By nfght, was covering upper surface of all objects indoors.

Film Badge. None (Cagle wore badge for group).

Evacuated. In second group (MOO, 2 March),.

‘mpleted 2 years college. Has 1 ‘/2years remahdng of present enlistment.

SEWLLE, SAMUEL H. , T/ S@, 422

DutY. Medical Technician for WREP No. 1 on Rongerik.

XZTvities. 1 March Awakened about 0645 by terrific bright light. Ran outside,

looking toward source and aaw orange, rust-colored glow spreading over horizon.

Held sick call after breakfast and after lunch. Repaired outdoor movie screen.

When lailout began, told two other men working in area (S/Sgt Tomend =d A/2c

Vigneault) to cover exposed upper haif of bodies, and to stay inside mess hall. Stayed

inside dispensary. Changed to coverails. Ate dinner. Returned to dispensary. Took

shower and went to bed at approximately 2200.

2 March Ate breakfast. Held sick call. Washed down outside of mess hall and

floors. Stayed with other men in mess hall until evacuated.

Clothinz. Wore T-shirt and shorts until about 1700, Afterward wore coveralls and

-

pith helmet.

Food and Drink. 1

can of grape juice from

March Ate breakfast, lunch and dinner. Drank from opened

dispensary refrigerator.

39
.

2 March Ate nothing from mess hall. Draak juicee tiom dispensary refrigerator.

Ate flight lun~ from 5rst evacuation plane.

Fallout. First noticed at 1500, 1 March. ContiU~ ftiing ~ dark. Appeared

aa he~tit on all surfacee.

Film Badge. None (Curbow wore badge la aPP~*@@& ~c ~r~ area)”

Evacuated. In second group (1800, 2 Mazch).

~mpleted high school. Indefinite enlistment. .

SXEBER, D. A., C@, 429

Due.

=titlea. 1 Mar~ Worked in equipment ~ d8vdOX h, -1830-1700.

(Equ.1.lii located soar Amy persoanei’ a taut. ) Bathed outeide with buckets at

waehetand. Walked path through trees to chow at 1700. Returned to equipraent van after

chow and remained in van until 2000. Wae in tent from 2000 until midal@t. Moved to

weather equipment baildfng next to redo ●hack at xnMdght.

2 March Remalaed indoors ae much ae posslbio.

Clothing. Wore shorts until 1530, 1 =Ch. Chaaged * long olothfng.

~ Drhk. Ate evening meal 1 March. Ate breaMet and had glaas of orange

juice at luach on 2 March. Drank water &cm 5-gallon covered cane located outside Army

tent.

Fallout. Comp~ed particle eize to graina of sami Fallout material white in color,

“like light aahes. ” Tent became covered with material. Enough fallout material to

cover thumb-nail, when planed oa cathode-ray tub. (pu’t of lonoephere equipment), caused

that portion of tube to glow. We continued to glow in dark, 8 whitish-piak color. Rain

made material “run MM whftewaelt, ” but did aot remove it horn tent eurface.

Film Badge. Positioned ianide tent on tent-pole 7 feet above tent flooring. (Sides of

24-man tent kept elevated. )

Linograph-ortho Kodak (Shellburst film) in equipment van, when checked during

evening 1 March, waa “ all blackened at 4 minutes in IX9 Developer at W.”

Evacuated. In second group (1800, 2 March).

~mpleted high mhool. Prseeat enlistment complete 11 Mm2h 1955.

SMITH, W. D., A/lc, 424

Duty. Radto mechanic, day duty.

~’vities. 1 Marck Worked until about 1700 (in and outdoors). Took 8hwer tier

chow.

2 lidarclx Worked untfl noon.

clotbfag. Wore ahoz?s only until after evening meal, I March.

~d Drink. Ate evening meal, 1 Marck Did not eat anything

before hem evacuated. Dld &ink water.

on 2 March

Fallout. First observed fallout on tent surface. Doe8 act remember what ttme it

began. Fallout material on deek surface ineide radio shack.

FiIm Badge. None (Cagle wore badge for group).

Evacuated. In second group (1800, 2 March).

Note: Completed high school. Present enlistment complete 24 Janq 1955.

40

.
THORNTON, W. E. , Pfc, 425

..

.

.

.

Dutv.

A=tities. 1 March LnArmy area “in the woods” reading all afternoon (until

1600-Went for swin (10 minutes) and took shower just before chow. Walked

through woods to chow and waiked back ta Army =ea afterwwd, returning to tent at

1830. Stayed outside Until 1900, walking along beach. Worked in equipment van from

1900 untfl 2230. Awakened La Mqna at 2230. Continued working until about midnight

when notified to cease operations and to go to permanent building. Automatic equipment

left “on.”

2 March Walked back and forth between Air Force area sad fimy area to check

equipment, otherwise remained fnside.

clothing. Wore short-sleeve shiti, shorts and does afternoon of 1 March.

Changed to long clothing at 1630.

Food and Drink. Ate evening meal 1 Much. Ate small brealdaut, and put of

lunch 2 March.

Fallout. Since Thornton was reading under trees he did not notice fallout until La

Magna called it to his attentioa at 1S30. Thot?Wm noticed material on amns which he

described as “like pollen. ” When notified to change clothing, fallout was heavy enough

to get in Thornton’s eyes “ a time or two” as he walked to tent.

Observed fallout material under microscope at dispensary. Fallout particles described as smaller than sand particles and more uniform in size.

Corpsman put out moistened slide to collect particles, but slide was @ when examined. Particlee collected on piece of paper glowed in the dark. Tried ta repeat observa-

{ioa next rooming, but could not find a place dark enough to tell whether or not material

stfll glowed.

FiIm Badge. None

Evacuated. In second group (1800, 2 March).

Note: College graduate. Discharge date: 10 August 1954.

TOWNSEXD, C. , S,’sgt , 426

Duty. Ccok.

XZvitie.s. 1 LMarciu Spend afternoon (until 1530-1600) cleaning pots and pans

outside mess hall. After chow, played cards in mess hall until 2200.

2 .Marcix Rem~ned inside all morning.

Clothing. Wore only long trousers and shoes until advised by Pletsch to change to

long-with cap at 1530.

Food and Drink. Ate evening meal 1 March, Drank taxi of beer in lieu of breakfast.

Ate box lunch from first evacuation plane at noon, 2 March.

Fallout. First noticed faJlout at 1430, 1 March. “ Looked like light slee~ !loated

down like ashes. Next day felt Iike sand. “

Film Badge. None (Curbow wore badge for men working in same area).

Evacuated. In second group (1S00, 2 March).

Note: Education 10th grade, high school. Indefinite edistment.

VIGNEAULT, J. E. R. , A/3c , 427

~. K. P. duty, days.

Activities. 1 Marc~ Worked outside more than insi& untfl 1530. At that ttie.

41
went do- aud ~~d Army men to stay iadoors. Returned to mesa IMUand remained

ladoors.

2 M=ck Remained indoors.

clothing. Wore shorts oaly witil 1530, 1 Merch. Chaaged into !ODSclothing

(fati~es) at that time.

Food aad Drink. Ate very little at eveaiag medt 1 March. Did ~t e~ b=kf~t Or

~uUCk 2 March.

Fallout. Did not notice fallout until told by other~.

Film Eadge. None.

~ In aecoad group (1800, 2 March).

wINCIiESTER, L. L., S/S@. 42s

Du~. Powerraaa, electrician.

~tities. 1 Marclx Weat out to R-aectioa to bring men in for hick Hauled

gasoline to Army section and R-eection. Ate lunch. Worked on magaetos aad eaglaea

neer Air Force area in afteraoon: At 1590 west down * &my seotioa aad told Army

persoaael to change into long clothing. Returned to work. After evening chow, checked

engiaea (reefers, etc. ) aad afterward played cards la chow MU.

2 MUCIX Worked outside on eagines uatll noon. Left reefer doors opea whea

evacuated.

clothing. Wore shorts, T-shirt, c*, ead heavY ohes ~fo- 1500, 1 ~ch~

Food and Drink. Ate eveaiag meal 1 March, aad draak coffee 1 aad 2 March.

Fallout. First noticed fallout while on WY down to Army section to advise mea to

change clothing. Appemed “like tiny mowfhkes. b’ A small emouat Will falling aext

day (2 Mach).

Film Badge. None.

- In second group (1800, 2 March).

‘ucatiom High school, 10th grade. Hae 5 years of present enlistment to do.

,

42
PRIVACYACTMATERIAL REMOVED

..

.

.

Chapter 4

DOSIMETRY

4.1 NSTRUMENTATION

At 1430 on 1 AMarchfirst indication of radioactive

meter (24-hour, continuous recording meter). ,Meter

Read 0.9 ma at 1450.

4.2 FILM BADGES

fallout was detected on

located at Radio-SoQnd

a TN3A

Section.

Fourteen film badges were received at Eniwetak on 19 February. Eight were

placed in a reefer in the mess hall. The remairdng ISiXwere distributed as foIlows:

One to Army group. Assigned to . Was positioned 7 feet above floor of tent

on tent pole. Readfng 46 roentgens.

Two assigned to Radio-Weather Station. One wotm by , the other by .

Reading 38 roentgens.

One assigned to I . (in housing area). Reading 44 roentgens.

One asaigned to Worn on left shoulder pocket. Reading 40 roentgen@.

One placed on side of buildtng in housing area. Located shoulder-high and moved

east-west to avoid direct sunlight. Readln& 44 roentgena.

The above film badge readings were given the men wbJle they were at Eniwetak

(source unknown).

Dispatch No. 240431 A from CTG 7.1, Erdwetok and COMNAVSTA, Kwajalein, received 25 April, reads:

40 r 40 r

40 r 52 r

40r 40 r

44 r 98 r

—- 40 r 93 r

40 r 98 r

Film badgat pr*wxly In custody of ‘IT 7, PC7,1unt:lcomplctloa of opaatlaa, at

which timothwywillk forwu~d m AFW’P “

The dispatch contains the distribution list for the film badges as originally proposed.

However, as previously stated, only eU of these badges were actually distributed (see

preceding paragraphs for distribution). It 1s further noted that the film badge readings

of the dispatch differ somewhat from the readings reported by the men who wore or were

responsible for them.

The final estimated values of the exposure for the Rongerik Group are mrrected for

.

shielding from buildings and differ from the film badge readings and the doses calculated

from the dose rate and decay curves, as

Project 4.1.

discussed in Chapter Xof the final report of

43
4.3

PRIVACYACTMATERIAL REMOVED

LOCAT!ON OF FXLM BADGES AND

GENERAL AREAS

1 aaslgned to (Army group)

Positioned on tent pole 7 feet above

floor of tent.

2 assigned to Radio-Weather Seotiono

Ibadgewomm .

Ibadge wornby ~

LISTS OF PERSONNEL WOIUSINGIN SA*SfE

‘!

.

—

-.

3 Ioca@d in M- meaIwornby

1 WORIby s

1 Iocated on side of buildin6.

44
,

.

,

EVACUAT

Chapter 5

ON and DECONTAMINATEON

.

5.1 EVACUATION OF PERSONNEL TO XWJiJALE~

Eight men (first eight in alphabetical order) were evacuated from Rongerik via plane

at 1245, 2 March. The remaining mea~ men were evacuated via plaae at 1800.

5.2 DECONTAMINATION PROCEDURES

Upon urwal at Kwajeleti. the per~o=el fro= Ro43e*$ ~ evaou~ion pl=ee =d

their crews, were subjected to a tirowh decontition re@me.

h emergency decontamination area had been eatahliahed. This exea cxmaiated of a

l~e shower room axial*O buildings for storing contaminated cIothing. The buildings

and the surrounding =ea were enclosed with a temporary wall of burlap.

Each man took from 5 to 11 showers on 2 March. \

5.3 RESXDUAL EXTERNAL CONTA.MNATION OF RONGERIX PERSONNEL

The preliminary readings of the external radioactive contambatfon of the ioogerik

. personnel (on 2 M=ch) ranged from S m 250 mr~. Follo*ng repeated s~werst tie

counte were reduced b from 4 to 25 mr/hr. The decontamination program wae continued

through 6 .March, with readings being made on each successive day. These readings are

shows in Table 5.1.

.

.

45
●

a

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z

1-

1

.