_, ,."_ .-. .. . ,. 

HAROLD L. 8ROOE 

r" 

DNA 6022F 

OPERATION RANGER 

Shots ABLE, BAKER, 

EASY,BAKER-2, FOX 

25 JANUARY-6 FEBRUARY 1951 

United States Atmospheric Nuclear Weapons Tests 

Nuclear Test Personnel Review 

Prepared by the Defense Nuclear Agency as Executive Agency 

for the Department of Defense 
Destroythisreport when it is no longer 

needed. Do n o tr e t u r n to sender. 

PLEASE NOTIFY THE DEFENSE NUCLEAR AGENCY, 

ATTN: STTI, WASHINGTONy D.C. 20305, IF 

YOUR ADDRESS IS INCORRECTy IF YOU WISH TO 

BE DELETED FROM THE DISTRIBUTION LIST, OR 

IF THE ADDRESSEE IS NO LONGEREMPLOYED BY 

YOUR ORGANIZATION. 
UNCLASSIFIED 

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF THIS PAGE (when Data Entered) 

READ INSTRUCTIONS REPORTDOCUMENTATIONPAGE BEFORE COMPLETING FORM 

I. REPORT NUMBER 2. GOVT ACCESSION NO. 3. RECIPIENT'SNUMBER CATALOG 

DNA 6022F I I 

1. TITLE (andSubtltle) 5. TYPE OF REPORT 8 PERIODCOVERED 

OPERATION RANGER I

SHOTS ABLE, BAKER, EASY, BAKER-2, FOX FinalReport

25 January - 6 February1951 6. PERFORMINGORG.REPORTNUMBER 

JRB 2-816-03-423-00 '. AUTHOR(s> GRANT OR 8. CONTRACT NUMBER(8) 

Carl Maag, Stephen Rohrer, Rob.ert Shepanek I DNA 001-79-C-0473

I. PERFORMINGORGANIZATIONNAME AND ADDRESS 10. PROGRAMPROJECT, ELEMENT. TASK

AREA & WORK UNIT NUMBERS

JRB Associates 

8400 Westpark Drive Subtask U99QAXMK506-08 

McLean, Virginia 22102 

1. CONTROLLINGNAME OFFICE AND ADDRESS 12. REPORT DATE

Director 26 February1982 DefenseNuclear Agency 13. NUMBER OF PAGES 

Washington, DC 20305 182 

14. MONITORINGAGENCYNAME & ADDRESS(1f different from ControllingOffice) IS. SECURITY CLASS. (of this report) 

UNCLASSIFIED 

f5a. DECLASSIFICATION/DOWNGRADING

SCHEDULE 

N/A Since UNCT.ASS;LEIED 

6. DISTRIBUTIONSTATEMENT (of this Report) 

Approved forpublic release; distributionunlimited. 

17. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT (of theabstractentered in Block 20, If different from Report> 

18. SUPPLEMENTARYNOTES 

This work was sponsored by theDefenseNuclear Agency under RDT&E RMSS Code 

B350079464 U99QAXMK50608H2590D. For sale by NationalTechnicalInformation 

Service,Springfield, VA 22161. 

9. KEY WORDS (Continus on reverse aide if necessary and identify by block number) 

RANGER FOX Special Weapons Command 

ABLE Nevada Proving Ground Los Alamos Scientific 

BAKER Test Group Laboratory 

EASY Scientific Tests Section Army Participation Group 

BAKER-2 Radiological.Section Safety 

20, A~~ACT m m ewwru efda W Bd fdehHf~ by block number> 

Thisreportdescribestheactivities of DOD personnel,bothmilitaryand 

civilian,inOperation RANGER, thefirstatmosphericnuclear weapons testing 

series, conducted in Nevada from25 January to 6 February1951. The RANGER 

series consistedof one high-explosiveshotandfivenuclearshots: ABLE, 

BAKER, EASY,BAKER-2, and FOX. DOD activities includedscientific anddiagnostic experiments, DOD air andlandsupport activities, andradiologicalsafety 

activities.Inaddition,radiologicalsafetyprocedures were establishedand 
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF THIS PAGE(Whm Dot. Entered) 

18. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES (Continued) 

The DefenseNuclear Agency ActionOfficer, Lt. Col. H. L. Reese, USAF, 

under whom this work was done, wishes to acknowledge theresearch and 

editingcontribution of numerous reviewersinthemilitaryservices and 

otherorganizationsinadditiontothose writers listed in block 7. 
Fact 

Defense Nuclear Agency 

Public Atfairs Office Sheet Washington, D C 20305

Subject: Operation RANGER 

Operation RANGER, the first series of atmospheric nuclear weapons 

tests conducted by the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) at the 

Nevada Proving Ground (NPG), consisted of five nuclear detonations, all of which were airdrops. The operation also included 

one non-nuclear high-explosive test detonated two days before the 

first nuclear event. Operation RANGER lasted from 25 January

through 6 February 1951 and involved approximately 360 Department

of Defense (DOD) participants in air support services, scientific 

experiments, weather support, communications security, and 

observer activities. The series was intended to provide data for 

use in determining design criteria for nuclear devices scheduled 

for detonation at Operation GREENHOUSE, to be conducted at the 

Pacific Proving Ground from 7 April to 24 May 1951. 

DeDartrnent of Defense Involvement 

Since RANGER was only a 13-day operation, the same units and 

participants performed the same duties throughout the series. 

The majority of the Department of Defense personnel at Operation 

RANGER took part in the air support services provided by the Air 

Support Section of the Test Group. Air Force personnel from the 

Special Weapons Command (SWC) and Headquarters, Air Force, 

conducted most of these activities. At each test event, air 

support activities included the airdrop of the nuclear device, 

cloud sampling, cloud tracking, aerial surveys of the terrain, 

and courier service. Air Force personnel also provided meteorological services and communications security and monitored 

worldwide radioactivity from the RANGER tests for the Atomic 

Energy Detection System. 

Air Force participation at the RANGER shots involved personnel 

from: 

0 Headquarters, U.S. Air Force 

0 Air Research and Development Command 

0 Air Training Command 

0 Strategic Air Command 

0 Air Force Security Service 

0 Air Weather Service 

1 
0 Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratory 

0 4901st Support Wing (Atomic) (SWC) 

0 4925th Special Weapons Group (SWC) 

0 374th Reconnaissance Squadron (Very Long Range) 

Weather 

0 1009th Special Weapons Squadron. 

The Scientific Tests Section of the Test Group conducted 

experiments at each nuclear detonation. DOD personnel were 

involved in eight experiments at each shot except BAKER, where 

they took part in seven experiments. Of the 12 known DOD 

participants, six were from the Army Participation Group, an 

or,ganization representing the Chief, Armed Forces Special Weapons 

Project. The other six were officers from the Army, Navy, and 

Air Force. Participants in these scientific experiments placed 

film badges, fabrics, and other materials and instruments in or 

around military fortifications constructed in the ground zero 

area. They retrieved the equipment after the detonation, when 

radiation levels had decreased and limited access into the shot 

area was permitted. 

The number of observers at RANGER has been documented as 156, but 

only three of these are believed to have been military personnel. 

Summaries of RANGER Nuclear Events 

The accompanying table details specific information for each 

nuclear shot in the RANGER Series, and the accompanying map shows 

ground zero and the operations area. These five shots were of 

the same type, were detonated at the same site, and involved 

similar activities. Shot FOX, the last, was the largest shot and 

the only event not detonated on schedule. A one-day postponement 

was caused by an oil leak in the B-50 drop aircraft. Fired 1,435 

feet above Frenchman Flat, Shot FOX had a yield of 22 kilotons. 

The initial radiation survey, conducted about one hour after the 

detonation, showed a maximum gamma intensity of 15.5 roentgens 

per hour (R/h) at ground zero and 8.0 R/h about 200 meters from 

ground zero. At 900 meters, the radiation level decreased to 

0.25 R/h. 

Safety Standards and Procedures 

The Atomic Energy Commission established safety criteria to 

minimize the exposure of participants to ionizing radiation, 

while allowing them to accomplish their missions. DOD participants at RANGER were restricted to a gamma exposure limit of 3.0 

roentgens per 13-week period. Sampling pilots from the Air 

Weather Service were authorized to receive up to 3.9 roentgens

because the special nature of their mission required them to 

penetrate the clouds resulting from the shots. 

2 
The Test Group was responsible for the radiological safety of all 

RANGER participants, and its Radiological Safety Section was 

responsible for implementing the radiological safety procedures. 

This section consisted of personnel from the AEC, the Los Alamos 

Scientific Laboratory, and the Army Corps of Engineers. Personnel from Headquarters, Air Force, implemented radiological 

safety procedures for Air Force participants. The general 

procedures followed by both groups were similar: 

0 Personnel dosimetry -- issuing and developing film 

badges for participants and evaluating gamma 

radiation exposures recorded on film badges 

0 Use of protective equipment -- providing clothing, 

respirators, and other protective equipment 

0 Monitoring -- performing radiological surveys and 

controlling access to radiation areas 

0 Decontamination -- detecting and removing 

contamination on personnel and equipment. 

Radiation Exlsosures at RANGER 

As of February 1982, the military services had identified 262 

participants by name for Operation RANGER. Film badge data are 

available for 63 of these participants, as shown in the table, 

"Summary of Dosimetry for Operation RANGER." These data indicate 

that three individuals received exposures greater than the 3.0 

roentgen limit. 

3 
SUMMARY OF OPERATION RANGER EVENTS (1951) 

~~ ~ ~~~ 

Sponsor 

Planned Date 

Actual Date 

Local Time 

NPG Location 

Height of Burst (Feet) 

Yield (Kilotons) 

LAS L 

27 January 

27 January 

OM5 

FrenchmanFlat 

Airdrop 

1,060 

1 

U 

Lu

2 

m 

LASL 

28 January 

28 January 

0552 

Frenchman Flat 

Airdrop 

1,080 

8 

5;

a 

UJ 

LASL 

1 February 

1 February 

0547 

Frenchman Flat 

Airdrop 

1,080 

1 

LASL 

2 February 

2 February 

0549 

Frenchman Flat 

Airdrop 

1,100 

18 

I! 

LAS L 

5 February 

6 February 

0547 

Frenchman Fla. 

Airdrop 

1,435 

22 

4 
Photo Station 2 

NP 

Photo Station 1 

FRENCHMAN FLAT, NPG, SHOWING GROUND ZERO AND 

OPERATIONS AREA FOR OPERATION RANGER 

5 
w w 0 0 -IC I 

6 
PREFACE 

Between 1945 and 1962, the United States Government, through 

the Manhattan Engineer District and its successor agency, the 

Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), conducted 235 atmospheric nuclear 

weapons tests at sites in the United States and in the Atlantic 

and Pacific Oceans. In all, an estimated 220,000 Department of 

Defense (DOD) participants, both military and civilian, were 

present at the tests. Of these, approximately 90,000 were 

present at the atmospheric nuclear weapons tests conducted at the 

Nevada Proving Ground* (NPG), northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada. 

In 1977,15 years after the last above-ground nuclear 

+ 

weapons test, the Center for Disease Control noted a possible 

leukemia cluster among a small group of soldiers present at Shot 

SMOKY, one test of Operation PLUMBBOB, the series of atmospheric 

nuclear weapons tests conducted in 1957. Since that initial 

report by the Center for Disease Control, the Veterans 

Administration has received a number of claims for medical benefits from former military personnel who believe their health may 

have been affected by their participation in the weapons testing 

program. 

In late 1977, the DOD began a study to provide data to both 

the Center for Disease Control and the Veterans Administration on 

potential exposures to ionizing radiation among the military and 

civilian personnel who participated in the atmospheric tests. 

The DOD organized an effort to: 

0 Identify DOD.personne1 who had taken part in 

the atmospheric nuclear weapons tests 

*Renamed the Nevada Test Site in 1955. 

+The Center for Disease Control is an agency of the U.S. 

Department of Health and Human Services (formerly the U.S. 

Department of Health, Education, and Welfare). 

7 
0 Determine the extent of the participants' exposure to ionizing radiation 

e Provide public disclosure of information concerning participation by DOD personnel in the 

atmospheric nuclea'r weapons tests. 

METHODS AND SOURCES USED TO PREPARE THIS VOLUME 

This report is based on the military and technical documents 

associated with the Operation RANGER atmospheric nuclear weapons 

tests. Many of the documents pertaining specifically to DOD 

involvement in Operation RANGER, the first series of atmospheric 

nuclear weapons tests conducted at the NPG, were found in the 

Defense Nuclear Agency Technical Library, the Air Force Weapons 

Laboratory Technical Library, and the Modern Military Branch of 

the National Archives. 

In many cases, the surviving historical documentation of 

RANGER activities addresses test specifications and technical 

information rather than personnel data. Moreover, the documents 

sometimes reveal inconsistencies in facts, such as the number of 

DOD participants in a certain experiment at a given shot or their 

locations and assignments at a given time. These discrepancies 

usually occur between two or more documents but occasionally 

appear within the same document. Efforts have been made to 

resolve the inconsistencies wherever possible, or otherwise to 

bring them to the attention of the reader. 

For the experiments discussed in this volume, the only 

available document describing personnel activities is the sixvolume report on Operation RANGER, published by the Los Alamos 

Scientific Laboratory (LASL). This source, an after-action 

document, summarizes the experiments performed during the RANGER 

Series, but does not always supply shot-specific information. 

8 
All yield information presented in this volume is taken from 

the Department of Energy, Announced United States Nuclear Tests, 

July 1945 through 1979 (NVO-209). Other data on the tests, 

concerning fallout patterns, meteorological conditions, and 

cloud dimensions, are taken from DASA 1251-1, Compilation of 

Local Fallout Data from Test Detonations 1945-1962, Volume 1, 

except in instances where more specific information is available 

elsewhere. 

ORGANIZATION AND CONTENT OF THIS VOLUME 

The following ten chapters discuss DOD participation in 

Operation RANGER. Chapter 1 provides background information on 

the operation, including summaries of the five nuclear events in 

the series and the activities of DOD participants. Chapter 2 

details the test organization and responsibilities of the various 

groups with DOD participants. Chapter 3 describes the RANGER 

scientific experiments and support activities involving DOD 

personnel and coordinated by the AEC organization and LASL. 

Chapter 4 discusses the radiological criteria and procedures in 

effect during Operation RANGER for each of the DOD groups with 

significant participation. Chapter 5 presents information on the 

results of the radiation protection program, including an 

analysis of film badge readings for DOD personnel. Chapters 6 

through 10 address each of the five RANGER shots in turn. Each 

chapter describes the specific setting and characteristics of the 

detonation, detailsDOD personnel activities in the scientific 

experiments conducted at the shot, and discusses the radiation 

protection procedures used to minimize exposure to ionizing 

radiation. 

The information in this report is supplemented by the 

Reference Manual: Background Materials for the CONUS Volumes. 

The manual summarizes information on radiation physics, radiation 

health concepts, exposure criteria, and measurement techniques. 

It also lists acronyms and a glossary of terms used in the DOD 

reports addressing test events in the continental United States. 

9 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

CHAPTER . PAGE 

FACTSHEET....................... 1 

PREFACE ........................ 7 

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS ................. 13 

LISTOFTABLES..................... 14 

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS........... 16 

1 INTRODUCTION...................... 17 

1.1 Historical Background and the Establishment of 

Operation RANGER ................. 18 

1.2 Selection and Description of the Nevada 

Proving Ground .................. 19 

1.3 Summary of Operation RANGER Events ........ 25 

1.4 Department of Defense Participation at 

Operation RANGER ................. 27 

2 FUNCTIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION DURING 

OPERATION RANGER .................... 29 

2.1 The Atomic Energy Commission and the 

Department of Defense ............... 29 

2.2 The Manager of Operation RANGER .......... 32 

2.3 The Test Organization for Operation RANGER ..... 32 

2.3.1 Executive Office .............. 33 

2.3.2 Operations Planning Office ......... 33 

2.3.3 Administrative Services Group........ 35 

2.3.4 Security Group ............... 35 

2.3.5 Test Group ................. 36 

2.3.6 Public Information Office .......... 40 

2.3.7 Communications Group ............ 40 

2.4 Principal RANGER Contractors ............ 40 

3 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PARTICIPATION IN TEST OPERATIONS 

DURING OPERATION RANGER ................. 42 

3.1 Scientific Tests Section Activities ........ 43 

3.2 Air Support Activities ............... 50 

3.2.1 Delivery of the Nuclear Devices....... 51 

3.2.2 Cloud Sampling ............... 55 

10 
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) 

CHAPTER PAGE 

3.2.3 Cloud Tracking ............... 57 

3.2.4 Aerial Surveys ............... 57 

3.2.5 Courier Service............... 59 

3.2.6 Atomic Energy Detection System

Activities ................. 60 

3.3 Land Support Activities .............. 61 

3.3.1 Air Weather Service............. 62 

3.3.2 Security Group ............... 64 

3.4 Observers ..................... 64 

4 RADIATION PROTECTION AT OPERATION RANGER ........ 65 

4.1 Radiation Protection for DOD Participants ..... 65 

4.1.1 Organization ................ 66 

4.1.2 Protective Equipment and 

Personnel Dosimetry ............. 68 

4.1.3 Onsite and Offsite Monitoring Operations . . 70 

4.1.4 Decontamination ............... 71 

5 DOSIMETRY FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PERSONNEL 

AT OPERATION RANGER ................... 74 

5.1 Participation Data................. 74 

5.2 Dosimetry Records ................. 75 

5.3 Dosimetry Data for Operation RANGER Participants . . 76 

Shot ABLE Synopsis .................. 81 

6 SHOT ABLE ....................... 82 

6.1 Department of Defense Participation in Scientific 

Tests Section Activities at Shot ABLE ........ 83 

6.2 Department of Defense Participation in Air Support

Section Activities at Shot ABLE .......... 87 

6.2.1 Delivery .................. 88 

6.2.2 Cloud Sampling ............... 90 

6.2.3 Cloud Tracking ............... 90 

6.2.4 Aerial Surveys ............... 91 

6.2.S Courier Service ............... 91 

6.3 Radiation Protection at Shot ABLE ......... 92 

11 
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Concluded) 

CHAPTER PAGE 

Shot BAKER Synopsis ................... 96 

7 SHOT BAKER ....................... 97 

7.1D e p a r t m e n to fD e f e n s eP a r t i c i p a t i o n in Scientific 

Tests Section Activities at Shot BAKER ....... 98 

7.2D e p a r t m e n to fD e f e n s eP a r t i c i p a t i o n in Air Support 

Section Activities at Shot BAKER .......... 101 

7 . 2 . 1D elivery .................. 102 

7 . 2 . 2Cl o u dS a m p l i n g ............... 104 

7 . 2 . 3Cl o u dT r a c k i n g ............... 105 

7.2.4 Aerial Surveys ............... 105 

7.2.5C o u r i e rS e r v i c e ............... 106 

7.3 R a d i a t i o nP r o t e c t i o n at Shot BAKER ......... 107 

Shot EASY Synopsis ................... 110 

8 SHOT EASY ........................ 111 

8.1 Department of D e f e n s eP a r t i c i p a t i o ni nS c i e n t i f i c 

Tests S e c t i o nA c t i v i t i e s at Shot EASY ....... 112 

8.2Department of D e f e n s eP a r t i c i p a t i o n in Air Support 

S e c t i o nA c t i v i t i e s at Shot EASY .......... 115 

8 . 2 . 1D elivery .................. 116 

8 . 2 . 2Cl o u dS a m p l i n g ............... 118 

8 . 2 . 3Cl o u dT r a c k i n g ............... 119 

8.2.4 Aerial Surveys ............... 119 

8.2.5C o u r i e rS e r v i c e ............... 120 

8.3 R a d i a t i o nP r o t e c t i o n at Shot EASY ......... 121 

Shot BAKER-2 Synopsis .................. 124 

125 

9.1 D e p a r t m e n to fD e f e n s eP a r t i c i p a t i o n in Scientific 

Tests SectionActivities at Shot BAKER.2 ...... 126 

9.2D e p a r t m e n to fD e f e n s eP a r t i c i p a t i o n in Air Support 

Section Activities at Shot BAKER.2 ......... 130 

9 . 2 . 1D elivery .................. 132 

9 . 2 . 2Cl o u dS a m p l i n g ............... 132 

9 . 2 . 3Cl o u dT r a c k i n g ............... 133 

9.2.4 Aerial Surveys ............... 133 

9.2.5C o u r i e rS e r v i c e ............... 134 

12 
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Concluded) 

CHAPTER PAGE 

9.3 Radiation Protection at Shot BAKER.2 ........ 135 

Shot FOX Synopsis.................... 139 

10 SHOT FOX ........................ 140 

10.1 Department of Defense Participation in Scientific 

Tests Section Activities at Shot FOX........ 141 

10.2 Department of Defense Participation in Air Support 

Section Activities at Shot FOX........... 145 

10.2.1 Delivery .................. 146 

10.2.2 Cloud Sampling ............... 148 

10.2.3 Cloud Tracking ............... 148 

10.2.4 Aerial Surveys ............... 149 

10.2.5 Courier Service............... 149 

10.3 Radiation Protection at Shot FOX.......... 150 

REFERENCES ....................... 155 

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 

FIGURE PAGE 

1-1 AEC Handbill Announcing the Beginning of the RANGER 

Tests ........................ 20 

1-3 Frenchman Flat. NPG. Showing Ground Zero and 

2-1 RANGER Test Organization Structure within the 

3-1 Flight Path of Drop Aircraft and SAC Documentary 

1-2 Location of the Nevada Proving Ground ........ 23 

Operations Area for Operation RANGER ......... 24 

Federal Government .................. 31 

2-2 RANGER Test Organization ............... 34 

Aircraft ........................ 54 

4-1 Radiological Safety Section Organization....... 67 

6-1 Field Fortifications at Shot ABLE .......... 84 

13 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS (Concluded) 

FIGURE PAGE 

6-2 Reconstructed Isointensity Map of ABLE, One Hour 

after Detonation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 

7-1 Field Fortifications at Shot BAKER. . . . . . . . . . 99 

7-2 Reconstructed Isointensity Map of BAKER, 

8-2 Reconstructed Isointensity Map of EASY, 

10-2 Reconstructed Isointensity Map of FOX, 

One Hour after Detonation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 

8-1 Field Fortifications at Shot EASY . . . . . . . . . . 113 

One Hour after Detonation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 

9-1 Field Fortifications at Shot BAKER-2. . . . . . . . . 127 

9-2 Reconstructed Isointensity Map of BAKER-2, 

One Hour after Detonation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 

10-1 Field Fortifications at Shot FOX. . . . . . . . . . . 142 

One Hour after Detonation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152 

LIST OF TABLES 

TABLE PAGE 

1-1 Summary of Operation RANGER Events (1951) . . . . . . 26 

3-1 RANGER Scientific Experiments with DOD 

Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 

5-2 Distribution of Gamma Radiation Exposures for Army 

5-4 Distribution of Gamma Radiation Exposures for Marine 

5-5 Distribution of Gamma Radiation Exposures for Air 

3-2 DOD Participation in RANGER Air Support Missions. . . 52 

5-1 Distribution of Gamma Radiation Exposures for 

Operation RANGER Participants by Affiliation. . . . . 77 

Personnel and Affiliates, Operation RANGER . . . . . 77 

5-3 Distribution of Gamma Radiation Exposures for Navy

Personnel and Affiliates, Operation RANGER. . . . . . 78 

Personnel and Affiliates, Operation RANGER. . . . . . 78 

Force Personnel and Affiliates, Operation RANGER. . . 79 

14 
LIST OF TABLES (Concluded) 

TABLE PAGE 

5-6 Distribution of Gamma Radiation Exposures for 

Scientific Personnel, Contractors, and Affiliates, 

Operation RANGER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 

6-1 Summary of Air Support Activities, Shot ABLE. . . . . 89 

7-1 Summary of Air Support Activities, Shot BAKER . . . . 103 

8-1 Summary of Air Support Activities, Shot EASY. . . . . 117 

9-1 Summary of Air Support Activities, Shot BAKER-2 . . . 131 

10-1 Summary of Air Support Activities, Shot FOX . . . . . 147 

15 
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS 

T h ef o l l o w i n ga b b r e v i a t i o n sa n da c r o n y m s are u s e di n this 

volume : 

AEC 

AEDS 

AFB 

AFSWP 

AWS 

CONUS 

DMA 

DOD 

EG&G 

LASL 

MLC 

NPG 

psi 

R/h

REECo 

SAC 

SF00 

swc 

USAF 

UTM 

VLR 

Atomic E n e r g yC o m m i s s i o n 

Atomic E n e r g yD e t e c t i o nS y s t e m 

Air Force Base 

Armed F o r c e sS p e c i a lW e a p o n sP r o j e c t 

Air W e a t h e rS e r v i c e 

C o n t i n e n t a lU n i t e dS t a t e s 

DivisionofMilitaryApplication 

Department of Defense 

E d g e r t o n ,G e r m e s h a u s e n ,a n dG r i e r ,I n c . 

Los Alamos S c i e n t i f i cL a b o r a t o r y 

MilitaryLiaison Committee 

N e v a d aP r o v i n gG r o u n d 

P o u n d sp e rs q u a r ei n c h 

Roentgens per hour 

Reynolds Electrical a n dE n g i n e e r i n gC o m p a n y 

Strategic Air Command 

S a n t aF eO p e r a t i o n sO f f i c e 

S p e c i a lW e a p o n s Command 

UnitedStates Air Force 

U n i v e r s a lT r a n s v e r s e Mercator 

VeryLongRange 

16 
CHAPTER 1 

INTRODUCTION 

Operation RANGER, the first series of atmospheric nuclear 

weapons tests conducted within the continental United States, 

consisted of five nuclear tests. RANGER also included one 

non-nuclear high-explosive test conducted two days before the 

first nuclear detonation. The series lasted from 25 January 

through 6 February 1951 and involved about 360 Department of 

Defense participants in air and land support activities, 

scientific experiments, and observer activities. The primary 

objective of the operation was to provide sufficient data to 

determine satisfactory design criteria for nuclear devices 

scheduled to be detonated at Operation GREENHOUSE, conducted at 

the Pacific Proving Ground from 7 April through 24 May 1951. 

This volume summarizes information on organizations, procedures, and activities of DOD personnel at Operation RANGER and 

provides specific information for each shot. It also shows the 

relationship of the series to earlier and later atmospheric 

testing operations in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and at the 

Nevada Proving Ground. This chapter introduces Operation RANGER 

with a description of the: 

0 Historical background and establishment of Operation

RANGER 

0 Selection and description of the Nevada Proving Ground 

0 Five nuclear events 

0 DOD participation at the test series. 

17 
1.1 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF OPERATION 

RANGER 

Following World War 11, the United States launched an 

extensive nuclear weapons testing program in an effort to expand 

its nuclear arsenal and to maintain superiority over the Soviet 

Union. During 1946 and 1948, the United States conducted two 

testing programs in the Pacific, Operations CROSSROADS and 

SANDSTONE, respectively. In 1949, the Soviet Union exploded its 

first nuclear device, well ahead of American expectations (35).* 

In November 1950, the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory 

discovered that insufficient data were available to determine 

satisfactory design criteria for nuclear devices to be tested in 

Operation GREENHOUSE, a series of AEC nuclear tests scheduled for 

the Pacific Proving Ground from 7 April through 24 May 1951. The 

LASL scientists believed that variations in the compression of 

the critical material could affect the yields of the GREENHOUSE 

devices. To confirm this hypothesis, LASL held conferences on 6 

and 11 December 1950 and concluded that a series of small nuclear 

tests should be conducted to improve the GREENHOUSE design 

criteria. On 22 December 1950, LASL requested approval for a 

continental series from the AEC Division of Military Application 

(DMA). DMA approved the request and asked for Presidential 

approval to expend the fissionable material required for the 

series. The White House responded affirmatively on 11 January 

1951, formally creating Operation RANGER. The decision to 

conduct RANGER accelerated the establishment of the Nevada 

Proving Ground (11; 12). 

The same day that Operation RANGER was approved by the 

President, the AEC distributed its only announcements of the 

coming tests. Handbills were circulated in the area of the NPG, 

*All sources cited in the text are listed alphabetically and 

numbered in the Reference List at the end of this volume. 

18 
stating that from 11 January 1951 t h eG o v e r n m e n tw o u l d be 

c o n d u c t i n gn u c l e a r tests at the Las Vegas BombingandGunnery 

R a n g ei nN e v a d a .F i g u r e 1-1 shows this handbill. 

1.2 SELECTION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE NEVADA PROVING GROUND 

S i n c et h ed e t o n a t i o no f TRINITY at Alamogordo, New Mexico, 

on 16 J u l y1 9 4 5 ,n on u c l e a r device had b e e nt e s t e di n the 

c o n t i n e n t a lU n i t e dS t a t e s (CONUS). The AEC h a dc o n s i d e r e d establishing a continental test site in 1948 after SANDSTONE, as a 

m e a n so fr e d u c i n gc o n s t r u c t i o na n dl o g i s t i c s costs, but rejected 

that ideaafterobtaining the resultsofan Armed F o r c e sS p e c i a l 

W e a p o n sP r o j e c t (AFSWP) report. This r e p o r t ," P r o j e c t Nutmeg ,I1 

concluded that the p h y s i c a lp r o b l e m sa n dd o m e s t i cp o l i t i c a l 

concerns were too complicated to warrant the creationof a CONUS 

test site. It a d v i s e dc o n t i n u e du s e of the P a c i f i cP r o v i n g 

G r o u n db u ts u g g e s t e dt h ee s t a b l i s h m e n to f a continental test site 

in a ne m e r g e n c y( 1 2 ) . 

When the Korean War b e g a ni nt h es u m m e ro f1 9 5 0 ,h o w e v e r , 

the AEC d o u b t e dt h a tt h eP a c i f i cP r o v i n gG r o u n dc o u l db eu s e d for 

n u c l e a rw e a p o n st e s t i n gb e c a u s eo ft h ep o s s i b i l i t yo f the Korean 

War e x p a n d i n gt h r o u g h o u t the Far East, t h u se n d a n g e r i n g the 

Pacific s h i p p i n gl a n e s . On 13 July 1950, the AEC Chairman wrote 

the Chairman of the M i l i t a r yL i a i s o n Committee that the possibilityof a n a t i o n a le m e r g e n c y required a jointeffortby the AEC 

and DOD to find a continental test site. The DOD agreed, and the 

search b e g a nf o r a testsite, using the AFSWP " P r o j e c tN u t m e g " 

report as an aid i nt h es e l e c t i o np r o c e s s (12; 26). 

The AEC and DOD surveyedsix sites within the continental 

U n i t e dS t a t e sb e f o r ec h o o s i n g the F r e n c h m a nF l a t area of the Las 

19 
WARNING 

January 11, 1951 

From this day fomord the U. 5. AtomicEnergyCommissionhosbeen 

authorized to use port of the Lor Vegos Bombing and Gunnery Range for test 

work necessary to the atomic weopons development prog*om. 

Testactivitieswillincludeexperimentalnucleardetonationsfor the 

development of atomic bombs - so-called "A-Bombs" - carried out under controlled conditions. 

Tests will be conducted on o routine basis for an indefinite period. 

NO PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT OF THETIME OF ANY 

TEST WILL BE MADE 

Unauthorized persons who poss inside the limits of the Las Vegas Bombing and Gunnery Range may be subject to injury from oras o result of the AEC 

test activities. 

Health and safety authorities have determined thot no danger from or 

as a result of AEC test activities may be expected outside the limitsof the Lor 

VegasBombingandGunneryRonge. All necessaryprecautions,including 

rodiologicol surveys and patrolling of the surrounding territory, will be undertoken to insure that safety conditions ore maintained. 

Full security restrictions of the Atomic Energy Act will applyto the work 

inthis oreo. 

RALPH P. JOHNSON, Project Manager 

Los Vegos Project Office 

U. 5. Atomic Energy Commission 

Figure 1-1: AEC HANDBILL ANNOUNCING THE BEGINNING OF 

THE RANGER TESTS 

20 
V e g a sB o m b i n ga n dG u n n e r yR a n g e . *T h eG o v e r n m e n tp i c k e d this 

site because it best suited AEC criteria forfavorable 

m e t e o r o l o g i c a lc o n d i t i o n s ,d i s t a n c ef r o mp o p u l a t e d areas, and 

proximity to o p e r a t i o n a lf a c i l i t i e s . When the n e c e s s i t yf o r 

RANGER became a p p a r e n ti nN o v e m b e r1 9 5 0 , the AEC met with the Air 

Force to obtaintestingrightsin the L a sV e g a sB o m b i n ga n d 

G u n n e r yR a n g e . On 21 December 1950, the AEC and the Air Force 

s i g n e da na g r e e m e n t that (12): 

a Surrendered to the AEC as a permanent test site the Air 

Force lease on a rectangular area of the L a sV e g a s + Bombingand G u n n e r yR a n g em e a s u r i n g 19 by 48 kilometers 

a Allowed the AEC to u s eI n d i a nS p r i n g s Air Force Base 

(AFB) facilities to support the test site 

a P r o v i d e dt h e AEC with o p e r a t i o n a lf a c i l i t i e s at Indian 

S p r i n g sa n d Nellis Air Force Bases for the durationof 

Operation RANGER. 

On 1 J a n u a r y1 9 5 1 , the AEC S a n t aF eO p e r a t i o n sO f f i c e 

a w a r d e dt h eR e y n o l d s Electrical a n dE n g i n e e r i n gC o m p a n y (REECo) a 

contract to b e g i nc o n s t r u c t i o no f facilities at the test site. 

The c o n s t r u c t i o no f the test site was c o d en a m e dP r o j e c tM e r c u r y . 

The test site itself was initially named S i t eM e r c u r y ,w h i c hi n 

t u r ne v o l v e di n t o the NPG and later the Nevada Test Site (12). 

When RANGER b e g a no n2 5J a n u a r y1 9 5 1 , the AEC had Air Force 

approval toincrease the NPG from 19 b y4 8 kilometers to 23 by 64 

k i l o m e t e r s( 1 2 ) . This enlarged the NPG to 1 , 4 7 2s q u a r ek i l o m e t e r s , 

all o fw h i c h was l o c a t e di n Nye C o u n t y ,N e v a d a , 100 kilometers 

northwest of L a sV e g a s . Except for its s o u t h e r nb o u n d a r y ,t h e 

* L a t e rr e n a m e dt h e Nellis Air F o r c eR a n g e . 

+Throughout this r e p o r t ,s u r f a c ed i s t a n c e s are givenin metric 

units. The metric conversion factors include: 1 meter = 3.28 

feet; 1 meter = 1.09 y a r d s ;a n d 1 kilometer = 0.62 miles. 

21 
NPG was completely surrounded by the Las Vegas Bombing and 

Gunnery Range. Figure 1-2 shows the NPG as it existed in 1951. 

The NPG was divided into two geographical areas: Yucca Flat 

and Frenchman Flat. Yucca Flat, located in the north-central 

part of the NPG, is a 320-square-kilometer desert valley 

surrounded by mountains. This area was the location of many 

nuclear detonations after Operation RANGER. Frenchman Flat, 

which includes a 15-square-kilometer dry lake, is located in the 

southeastern part of the NPG. All five RANGER detonations were 

conducted in this area at the same ground zero. Ground zero was 

at UTM coordinates 923758,* northwest of Frenchman Lake. Figure 

1-3 shows the RANGER test area (12; 34). 

The RANGER Control Point, which served as AEC operational 

headquarters, was 13 kilometers south of ground zero. It was a 

hastily constructed building that included a control room, 

administrative office, first-aid station, and shower for 

personnel decontamination (12; 34). 

Two photography stations were located near ground zero. One 

station was 3.2 kilometers to the southeast on the dry lake. The 

lake bed also served as the Frenchman Flat landing strip because 

of its smooth, hard surface. The other station was 3.2 kilometers northeast of ground zero (12; 34). 

Extending from ground zero to the west was the West Access 

Road, north of which lay the field fortifications area, used 

extensively in scientific experiments. The South Access Road 

*Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates are used in this 

report. The first three digits refer to a point on an east-west 

axis, and the second three digits refer to a point on a northsouth axis. The point so designated is the southwest corner of 

an area 100 meters square. 

22 
NP 

IDAHO 

Nevada Proving Ground 

0 

u 

100 

Kllometers 

Figure 1-2: LOCATION OF THE NEVADA PROVING GROUND 

23 
Photo Station 2 

Field Fortifications 

NP 

Frenchman Dry Lake 

1 Photo Station 1 

Figure 1-3: FRENCHMAN FLAT, NPG, SHOWING GROUF D ZERO AND 

OPERATIONS AREA FOR OPERATION RANG ER 

24 
began at ground zero a n dh e a d e dd i r e c t l ys o u t h to the AEC Control 

Point, where it t h e nc u r v e dt h r o u g h the m o u n t a i n st o w a r d the southe r nb o u n d a r yo ft h e NPG. The AEC g e n e r a t o rs h a c k was 3.2 kilometers 

d u es o u t h of ground zero o nt h eS o u t h Access Road (12; 34). 

The main AEC headquarters were at Nellis AFB, located near 

L a sV e g a s , 100 k i l o m e t e r ss o u t h e a s to f the NPG. Because 

facilities at the NPG were limited, the AEC also u s e dI n d i a n 

Springs AFB, 40 kilometers b yr o a ds o u t h e a s to f the NPG, f o rf o o d 

services a n dh o u s i n g of test personnel, for storing materials and 

e q u i p m e n t ,a n d for maintaining vehicles. 

1.3 SUMMARY OF OPERATION RANGER EVENTS 

The f i v en u c l e a rd e t o n a t i o n so fO p e r a t i o n RANGER, detailed 

in table 1-1, included two shots with a y i e l do fo n ek i l o t o ne a c h 

(ABLE andEASY), two shots o fe i g h tk i l o t o n s each (BAKER and 

BAKER-2), a n do n e shot of 2 2k i l o t o n s (FOX) (15; 17; 2 7 ) .T h e s e 

detonations were preceded by a n o n - n u c l e a rh i g h - e x p l o s i v ed e t o -

n a t i o n ,f i r e do n2 5J a n u a r y1 9 5 1 , to calibrate e q u i p m e n tf o r the 

u p c o m i n gn u c l e a r tests. T h ef i v en u c l e a rd e v i c e s were detonated 

d u r i n gt h ef o l l o w i n g1 2d a g s , with t h ef i n a ld e v i c ef i r e do n 6 

February 1951. 

The RANGER shots were all a i r d r o p p e do v e rF r e n c h m a nF l a t 

from a h e i g h to f 19,700 f e e t *a b o v eg r o u n dw i t ht h ee x c e p t i o n of 

Shot FOX, which was airdropped from a height of 29,700 feet above 

g r o u n d( 2 7 ) . Shot FOX was also t h eo n l ys h o tn o td e t o n a t e do n 

its p l a n n e dd a y .B e c a u s e of an oil leak i nt h ed r o pa i r c r a f t , 

FOX was d e t o n a t e do n 6 F e b r u a r yi n s t e a do f 5 February (27). 

*In this r e p o r t ,v e r t i c a ld i s t a n c e s are g i v e ni n feet. Most 

altitudes are m e a s u r e df r o mm e a n sea l e v e l ;h o w e v e r , the height 

of the aircraft that d r o p p e dt h en u c l e a rd e v i c ef o r each shot is 

m e a s u r e df r o m the ground. 

25 
Table 1-1: SUMMARY OF OPERATION RANGER EVENTS (1951) 

Sponsor 

Planned Date 

Actual Date 

Local Time 

NPG Location 

UTM Coordinates 923758 923758 923758 923758 923758 

Airdrop Airdrop Airdrop AirdropAirdrop

I Height of Burst (Feet) 1,435 1,100 1,080 1,0

I Yield (Kilotons) 1 8 1 8 22 
1.4 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PARTICIPATION AT OPERATION RANGER 

The Test Group, an AEC organization, planned, coordinated, 

and conducted the RANGER nuclear tests. Consisting of personnel 

from the AEC, LASL, Sandia Corporation, and DOD, the organization 

included representatives of the Office of Atomic Energy, the Air 

Weather Service, and the Special Weapons Command (SWC). Through 

its Scientific Tests Section, the Test Group conducted eight 

scientific experiments at the RANGER detonations. The Test Group 

Radiological Safety Section enforced criteria necessary to 

protect RANGER participants from the effects of ionizing 

radiation. 

There were no troop exercises at RANGER. DOD personnel at 

the NPG during the shots participated primarily in the area of 

test assistance. DOD personnel fielded scientific experiments, 

and Air Force personnel provided air support for these activities. Ground participants generally placed data collection 

instruments around the intended ground zero before the scheduled 

detonation. They returned to recover the equipment after the 

detonation, when the radiological environment in the shot area 

would permit access. 

The Special Weapons Command, from Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, 

pr vided air support to the RANGER manager and to various Test 9 Grsup experiments. SWC support units included the 4925th Special 1 

Wedpons Group and the 4901st Support Wing (Atomic), which 

operated out of Nellis AFB, Indian Springs AFB, and Kirtland AFB 

(2-4). The Strategic Air Command provided the Special Weapons 

Command with aircraft and crews for documentary photography, 

while the Air Weather Service and the Air Force Cambridge 

Research Lahoratory provided Headquarters, USAF, with aircraft 

and crew. 

Film badge data indicate that 22 military and civilian DOD 

employees participated in the Scientific Tests Section, the 

27 
R a d i o l o g i c a lS a f e t yS e c t i o n ,a n do b s e r v e ra c t i v i t i e s (16; 19; 28; 

30). Fifteen of these were Army, four were Navy,and three were 

Air Forcepersonnel. 

The largestmilitarycontingent at Operation RANGER came from 

the Air F o r c e .B e t w e e n2 0 2a n d 335 Air F o r c ep e r s o n n e lp a r t i c i -

pated. The firstfigure is based on a r e v i e wo f Air F o r c er e p o r t s , 

m e m o r a n d a ,a n dt r a v e lo r d e r s . The s e c o n df i g u r e has b e e nc o m p i l e d 

from Air F o r c ed o c u m e n t sa n df r o ma ni n t e r v i e ww i t h a senior Air 

F o r c eo f f i c e r of the RANGER Air S u p p o r tS e c t i o n (14; 2 2 - 2 3 ;3 2 ; 

38). 

28 
CHAPTER 2 

FUNCTIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE 

ORGANIZATION DURING OPERATION RANGER 

The Atomic Energy Commission was responsible for the 

activities conducted during Operation RANGER. The AEC organized 

these activities within a structure that, for the purpose of this 

report, is called the test organization. The primary functions 

of the test organization were to schedule and detonate the 

nuclear devices being tested and to evaluate the resultsof each 

detonation. 

2.1 THE ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 

The AEC and the Department of Defense collaborated in the 

planning and support of Operation RANGER. The AEC, which 

exercised sole command of Operation RANGER, was responsible for 

the development of new nuclear weapons technology. The DOD 

incorporated the weapons into the military defense program and 

provided air support services that the AEC was not equipped to 

provide. 

Congress established the AEC in 1946 with the passage of the 

first Atomic Energy Act. In addition to stipulating the purposes 

of the AEC, which included the exploration of atomic energy as 

well as nuclear weapons technology, the act provided for the 

President to appoint five commissioners and a general manager as 

the chief administrators of the AEC. This Commission was not 

part of a cabinet-level department, but instead was an independent agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government (1). 

The Director of the Division of Military Application, who 

was by law a member of the Armed Forces, was responsible for 

29 
nuclear test operations (1). The Director delegated onsite 

authority for test preparations to the manager of the AEC Santa 

Fe Operations Office (SFOO). Later, the manager of SF00 also 

became the manager* of Operation RANGER (32). Figure 2-1 shows 

the lines of authority from the President through the AEC to the 

test organization. 

The National Security Act of 1947 established DOD by consolidating the War Department, the Navy Department, and the new 

Department of the Air Force. The President appointed the Secretary 

of Defense who, in turn, relied on the Joint Chiefs of Staff to 

coordinate plans and operations for the armed services (36). 

Policy making and planning between the AEC and DOD was the 

responsibility of the Military Liaison Committee (MLC), which was 

established by the Atomic Energy Act. The MLC, shown in figure 

2-1, provided a forum for DOD consultation with AEC commissioners 

on the development, manufacture, use, and storage of bombs, the 

allocation of fissionable material for military research, and the 

control of information relating to the manufacture or employment 

of nuclear weapons. On an operational level, the DOD liaison 

with AEC was the responsibility of the Armed Forces Special 

Weapons Project. In 1947, AFSWP was organized as the principal 

agency for nuclear weaponry within the DOD. AFSWP had established its Field Command at Sandia Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 

to conduct DOD weapons effects projects. The AFSWP officer 

supervising DOD personnel working on weapons testing was under 

the control of AEC officials. Unlike later test series, a DOD 

officer did not exercise authority in the field over all DOD 

personnel within the test organization (1; 36). 

AEC support services were obtained directly from the Air 

Force. The Special Weapons Command and Headquarters, USAF, 

*Officially called the Test Manager in subsequent series. 

30 
I 

I 

I 

0

I 

2; 

I 

I 

G 

K 

w w

I 

I3 

Io 

3 

K 

Icn C

Y 

31 
provided air support for Operation RANGER. The 2059th Weather 

Wing, a unit of the Air Weather Service, contributed meteorological services. Both the air and weather support personnel 

were under the authority of the AEC manager of Operation RANGER 

(29; 32). 

2.2 THE MANAGER OF OPERATION RANGER 

On 15 January 1951, the General Manager of the AEC appointed 

the manager of the Santa Fe Operations Office as AEC manager of 

Operation RANGER. The manager of Operation RANGER was to (32): 

0 Coordinate and use efficiently the resources of 

SFOO, the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, and the 

Sandia Corporation for the successful conduct of 

Operation RANGER 

0 Negotiate the details of military support for RANGER 

directly with AFSWP and other DOD agencies and 

coordinate requirements through the Division of 

Military Application 

0 Expend no more fissionable materials than were 

authorized by the President on 11 January 1951 

0 Authorize the detonation of the nuclear devices. 

A consulting committee of scientists advised the manager of 

Operation RANGER on data collection and test activities. The 

manager also used SF00 staff members for Operation RANGER 

requirements and had the authority to use LASL for special 

requirements (32). 

2.3 THE TEST ORGANIZATION FOH OPERATION RANGER 

AEC and DOD officials planned the test organization for 

Operation RANGER in early January 1951. On 16 January 1951, the 

day after his appointment, the manager of RANGER established the 

32 
Operation RANGER test organization. On 17 January, he appointed 

chiefs to the test organization's seven divisions (32): 

0 Executive Office 

0 Operations Planning Office 

0 Administrative Services Group 

0 Security Group 

0 Test Group 

0 Public Information Office 

0 Communications Group. 

Figure 2-2 shows the structure of the test organization. 

2.3.1 Executive Office 

The SF00 Director of Personnel and Organization was 

appointed Executive Officer. Responsible for operations, the 

Executive Officer organized staffs for the test organization 

divisions and coordinated contractor, military, and technical 

support. He also informed the manager about test activities 

(32) 

2.3.2 Operations Planning Office 

The Operations Planning Officer assisted the Executive Officer in coordinating activities of test organization divisions, 

contractors, and support groups with operations of the armed 

services and SFOO (32). The Operations Planning Officer was also 

responsible for the test organization emergency evacuation plan. 

He accordingly arranged with the Army for the transfer of Company 

C, 82nd Reconnaissance Battalion, Second Armored Division, from 

Fort Hood, Texas, to Las Vegas, Nevada. This company, consisting 

of five officers and 150 enlisted men, had trucks standing by 

offsite to help evacuate any Nevada or Utah county in case AEC 

33 
34 
radiological safety teams measured a radiation intensity high 

enough to endanger public health (32). 

The Operations Planning Officer also maintained contact with 

the Civil Aeronautics Administration, Federal Airways Section in 

Salt Lake City, Utah. He advised the Civil Aeronautics Administration on rerouting commercial and private aircraft away from 

radioactive clouds outside the Nevada Proving Ground during 

detonation periods (32).* 

2.3.3 Administrative Services Group 

The Administrative Services Group maintained and administered the physical plant for the three primary locations of the 

test organization: the NPG, Indian Springs AFB, and Nellis AFB. 

Group personnel provided (32) : 

0 Office services 

0 Food service and medical facilities 

0 Motor pools 

0 Maintenance of buildings, roads, housing, and 

operational facilities 

0 Supply services. 

The Chief of the Administrative Services Group was responsible 

for overseeing the physical plant and supervising all contractor 

personnel working for the test organization (32). 

2.3.4 Security Group 

The responsibilities of the Security Group included (32): 

Installing and applying physical and personnel security control measures, including visitor control 

*The airspace of the NPG was already a restricted area. 

35 

0 
0 Providing security for classified materials and 

scientific data in storage and during shipment 

0 Clearing press and radio releases. 

The Security Group also operated the nine test organization 

security stations, set up roadblocks in conjunction with the 

Clark and Nge Counties sheriff's offices, and escorted civilian 

and military observers into the NPG (32). 

2.3.5 Test Group 

The Chief of the Test Group was a LASL scientist. His 

principal assistant was the Deputy Test Director. Under their 

supervision, the Test Group performed the following functions 

(32): 

0 Supervised all technical operations 

0 Prepared all nuclear devices and arranged their 

delivery to Kirtland AFB 

0 Ordered the airdrop of a nuclear device when 

authorized by the manager of Operation RANGER 

0 Coordinated cloud-tracking and -sampling missions 

with the Air Force 

0 Coordinated radiological safety activities 

e Collected and interpreted meteorological information 

0 Advised the manager of Operation RANGER on meteorological and radiological safety information 

0 Advised the LASL Director on the technical results 

of each test so he could inform the manager of 

Operation RANGER of the next nuclear device to be 

detonated. 

To accomplish these activities, the Chief of the Test Group and 

Deputy Test Director were assisted by the following sections of 

the Test Group (12; 32): 

0 Scientific Tests Section 

0 Administration Section 

36 
. 

0 Construction Plans and Test Operations Section 

0 Logistics Section 

0 Weapons Assembly Section 

0 Documentary Photography Section 

0 Radiological Safety Section 

0 Meteorology Section 

0 Air Support Section. 

The Scientific Tests Section established and coordinated 

the scientific projects conducted during RANGER. The Technical 

Deputy headed this section, which consisted primarily of LASL 

personnel. An Army Participation Group directed by an Army Group 

Project Officer represented the Chief, AFSWP, in this section 

(12; 30; 32). 

The Administrative Section provided administrative services 

for the Test Group concerning such matters as personnel, 

finances, security clearances, and visitor programs (12; 32). 

The Construction Plans and Test Operations Section provided 

planning services to the Test Group for test structures, timing 

and firing circuits, and communications. The section also acted 

as a liaison between the SF00 Office of Engineering and Construction and the SF00 Office of Communications, both of which 

performed construction work for the test organization (12; 32). 

The Logistics Section, staffed by LASL personnel, 

coordinated procurement and maintenance activities of the Test 

Group. It was headquartered at the Test Group warehouse at 

Indian Springs AFB (12; 32). 

The Weapons Assembly Section operated from Sandia Base, 

where LASL personnel assembled the nuclear devices and Sandia 

Corporation employees prepared the devices for delivery (12; 32). 

37 
The Documentary Photography Section provided photographic 

services and was staffed by personnel from the LASL Graphic Arts 

Division (12; 32). 

The Radiological Safety Section, staffed by LASL, SFOO, and 

DOD personnel, conducted all onsite and offsite radiological 

safety activities within a radius of 300 kilometers from ground 

zero (12; 32). 

The Meteorology Section was staffed by Air Weather Service 

personnel. This section was commanded by an officer of the 

2059th Air Weather Wing from Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, which supplied 

33 of the 56 Air Force participants. Other personnel came from 

Air Force facilities throughout the country (29). Section 

headquarters were at the Nellis AFB weather station and housed 

the Weather Analysis Section. The Weather Analysis Section was 

administered by the Weather Officer, who was also the senior Air 

Weather Service official and Chief of the Meteorological Section. 

The Weather Analysis Section interpreted meteorological data and 

reported its findings to the Chief of the Test Group and Technical Deputy (29). 

Meteorological data were collected by observation stations 

located at (29): 

0 Target command post, at the AEC Control Point, NPG 

0 Nellis AFB 

0 Indian Springs AFB, Nevada 

0 Beatty, Nevada 

0 Tonopah, Nevada 

0 Caliente, Nevada 

0 Cedar City, Utah. 

Two Air Weather Service personnel, one from LASL and the 

other from Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, operated the target command 

post station. The roving observer stations at Caliente and Cedar 

38 
City were nominally under the control of the Meteorological 

Section but were actually administered by the Test Group 

Radiological Safety Section (29). 

The Air Support Section, which included a substantial number 

of DOD personnel, consisted mostly of personnel from SWC and 

Headquarters, USAF. The Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for 

Operations (Atomic Energy), the Air Force official responsible 

for nuclear weaponry, went to the NPG to coordinate Air Force 

activities (33; 36). It is believed he was the de facto chief of 

the Air Support Section. 

SWC was created on 1 December 1949 to provide air support to 

DOD, AEC, and Government contractors in nuclear testing programs. 

During RANGER, SWC was responsible for dropping the nuclear 

devices and providing aerial surveys and courier service. Under 

the command of an Air Force general, SWC was located at Kirtland 

AFB, New Mexico. A special AEC representative appointed by the 

Deputy Test Director maintained AEC liaison with SWC headquarters. This representative was responsible for all activities 

concerning the arming of the nuclear devices and delivery to SWC 

personnel at Kirtland AFB (18; 27). 

The SWC units at Operation RANGER were the 4925th Special 

Weapons Group and the 4901st Support Wing (Atomic). The 4925th 

Special Weapons Group conducted the drop missions and provided 

direct support to LASL, particularly in the area of aerial 

radiological safety monitoring. The 4901st Support Wing (Atomic) 

provided the aircraft and crew for courier operations. The 

Strategic Air Command (SAC) supplied an aircraft and crew for 

documentary photography, under the operational control of SWC. 

Although the SWC air control center was at Ne1li.s AFB, SWC 

activities were staged from Kirtland AFB, Indian Springs AFB, and 

the AEC Control Point (3-4). 

39 
Air Force personnel were responsible for cloud sampling, 

cloud tracking, and part of the aerial radiological safety 

monitoring. They were from the Strategic Air Command, the Air 

Training Command, and the Air Research and Development Command. 

The Air Weather Service and the Air Force Cambridge Research 

Laboratory provided the aircraft and crew for air support. The 

air control center was located at Nellis AFB, which was also used 

as a staging base (13; 25). 

2.3.6 Public Information Office 

The Public Information Officer conducted the press and public relations program for the test organization. This involved 

primarily the dissemination of news releases on the tests and 

reports on AEC policies (32). 

2.3.7 Communications Group 

The Communications Group maintained all communications 

systems and facilities. The communications center was located in 

the test organization headquarters at Nellis AFB. The Southern 

Nevada Telephone Company installed and maintained the telephone 

equipment, while the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company 

installed and maintained the test organization telex and cryptoteletype systems (32). 

2.4 PRINCIPAL RANGER CONTRACTORS 

In keeping with the policy set forth by the Atomic Energy 

Act of 1946, much of Operation RANGER was carried out by Government contractors (1). The Chief, Administrative Services Group, 

managed contractor personnel at RANGER. In operational matters, 

however, the contractors were directed by the chief of the 

appropriate section. 

40 
The principal contractors at Operation RANGER were (12; 32): 

0 The University of California 

0 Reynolds Electrical and Engineering Company 

0 Sandia Corporation 

0 Edgerton, Germeshausen, and Grier, Inc. (EG&G). 

The University of California administered and staffed LASL, 

the main planner and implementor of RANGER. The manager of SFOO 

supervised the university's activities in its operation of LASL. 

REECo constructed and maintained the test facilities at the NPG 

and was under the direct supervision of the Chief, Administrative 

Services Group (32). 

The Test Group employed the services of the Sandia Corporation and EG&G. The Sandia Corporation, a subsidiary of Western 

Electric, assembled some weapon systems components at Kirtland 

AFB and conducted some of the RANGER experiments at the NPG. 

EG&G's primary functions were to install and operate equipment 

for technical photography, obtain yield data, fabricate timing 

and firing equipment, and operate nuclear device timing 

equipment (32). 

41 
CHAPTER 3 

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PARTICIPATION IN 

TEST OPERATIONS DURING OPERATION RANGER 

Department of Defense participation in Operation RANGER was 

minimal in comparison to later test series that involved thousands of DOD personnel. There was no Armed Forces Special 

Weapons Project test group at RANGER, although AFSWP representatives were present during the operation. The DOD role was not 

expanded until the following series, BUSTKH-JANGLE, when the 

first Exercise Desert Rock military maneuvers were held. DOD 

participation at RANGER is estimated at 360 individuals, of which 

approximately 335 were from the Air Force. These Air Force 

personnel were primarily involved in air support activities 

associated with some of the scientific experiments. 

DOD activities at RANGER may be categorized into four 

functions: 

0 Scientific tests 

0 Air support 

0 Land support 

0 Observation. 

The Scientific Tests Section consisted primarily of scientists 

and technicians from the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory. This 

section developed and conducted field experiments to gather 

scientific and weapons development data for the Atomic Energy 

Commission and the Department of Defense. Air support activities 

were the responsibility of the Special Weapons Command and 

Headquarters, USAF. These activities included delivering the 

nuclear devices, cloud sampling, cloud tracking, and piloting 

aerial survey aircraft. Land support consisted of weather forecasting and communications security, while observer activities 

involved witnessing a nuclear detonation (32). 

42 
3.1 SCIENTIFIC TESTS SECTION ACTIVITIES 

DOD participation in the Scientific Tests Section involved 

at least 12 individuals. Five officers and one civilian employee 

worked for the Army Participation Group, an organization 

representing the Chief, AFSWP, within the Scientific Tests 

Section. The commanding officer of the Army Participation Group 

was a lieutenant colonel assigned to the Evans Signal Laboratory. 

Three Navy officers, two Army officers, and one Air Force officer 

participated in the Scientific Tests Section experiments not 

associated with the Army Participation Group (19; 28; 30; 34). 

Most non-DOD members of the Scientific Tests Section were 

from LASL and the AEC Division of Biology and Medicine. The 

remaining non-DOD personnel came primarily from EG&G and the 

Sandia Corporation. 

The Scientific Tests Section conducted 16 experiments* 

during RANGER. Eight of these experiments involved DOD 

participation: 

0 Radiochemical Results 

0 Fractionation of Cloud Particles by Shearing Winds 

0 Atmospheric Conditions a+nd Their Effects on Atomic Clouds 

at the Nevada Test Site 

*RANGER documents differ on the number of experiments conducted 

during the series. These discrepancies can be attributed to the 

interlocking and overlapping nature of the experiments. Two 

RANGER documents entitled "Program Reports" provide the most 

detailed account of these experiments (19; 30). 

+

Some RANGER documents, written after the conclusion of the 

series, refer to the test area as the Nevada Test Site. 

However, this report refers to the test area by its official 

name during RANGER, the Nevada Proving Ground. 

43 
0 Protection Afforded by Field Fortifications against Gamma 

Radiation from an Air-burst Atomic Bomb 

0 Thermal Effects Program 

0 Thermal and Ionizing Radiation Measurements 

0 Analysis of Fireball Growth at RANGER 

0 Gamma Radiation Exposure as a Function ,of Distance (19;

30). 

Table 3-1 lists the objectives and participating agencies for 

these experiments. 

DOD participation in the first two experiments, conducted at 

all RANGER shots, consisted of collecting cloud samples for subsequent laboratory analysis. The Air Support Section supported 

these missions, discussed in section 3.2. The third experiment, 

conducted by the Air Weather Service, was an analysis of meteorological data performed after the completion of RANGER. Members 

of the Meteorological Section, who were also 2059th Air Weather 

Wing personnel, analyzed weather and cloud-tracking records 

collected during the RANGER shots. Their analysis showed that 

the development of clouds resulting from the detonations could be 

predicted with some certainty based on the weather conditions 

(30). This postshot analysis was conducted offsite, probably at 

Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, the home base of the 2059th Air Weather 

Wing. 

Protection Afforded by Field Fortifications against Gamma 

Radiation from an Air-burst Atomic Bomb was conducted at all 

RANGER shots by the Army Chemical Center. The objective was to 

determine the protection afforded by foxholes against gamma radiation emitted by a nuclear airburst (30). 

Before the first RANGER detonation, a contractor underthe 

supervision of the Construction Plans and Test Operations Section 

constructed 14 fortifications. The nearest was at ground zero 

44 
Table 3-1: RANGER SCIENTIFIC EXPERIMENTS WITH DOD PARTICIPATION 

Experiment 

Radiochemical Results 

~~ 

Fractionation of Cloud 

Particles by Shearing 

Winds 

Atmospheric Conditions 

and Their Effects on 

Atomic Clouds at the 

Nevada Test Site 

Protection Afforded by 

Field Fortifications Against 

Gamma Radiation from an 

Air-burst Atomic Bomb 

, ThermalEffectsProgram 

Thermal and Ionizing 

Radiation Measurements 

Analysis of Fireball Growth 

at RANGER 

Gamma RadiationExposure 

as a Function of Distance 

I

Objective

To analyze radioactive samples taken 

from clouds resulting from 

the detonations 

To analyze the effects of winds on the 

dispersal of clouds resulting from the 

I 

detonations 

To analyze the effects of weather on the 

movement of clouds resulting from the 

detonations 

I 

I 

To determine the protection 

afforded by foxholes against gamma 

radiation at the time of a nuclear device 

detonation 

To obtain data on the thermal hazard of 

nuclear weapons to military equipment of 

various materials and finishes 

~~ 

To collect data on the biological effects of 

gamma and thermal radiation from a nuclear 

detonation 

To analyze the fireball growth and yield 

determination recorded by film data 

To measure gamma radiation as a function of 

distance during and immediately following a 

nuclear detonation 

Shots 

All 

All 

All 

All 

All 

ABLE, 

EASY, 

BAKER-2, 

FOX 

All 

All 

Participating 

Agencies 

LASL 

Headquarters, USAF 

AWS 

LASL 

Headquarters, USAF 

AWS 

AWS 

Army Chemical Center 

Office of the Army 

Quartermaster General 

Office of the 

Surgeon General 

(Army) 

LASL 

Sandia Corporation 

45 
and the farthest 1,830 meters from ground zero (30). The 

fortifications were of three types: two-man foxholes, prone 

shelters, and a one-man foxhole. The ten two-man foxholes were 

1.8 meters long, 0.6 meters wide, and 1.2 meters deep. The three 

prone shelters were 1.8 meters long, 0.6 meters wide, and 0.6 

meters deep. The one-man foxhole was one meter long, 0.6 meters 

wide, and 1.2 meters deep (30). Because the soil in the fortification area was rocky and loosely packed, it was first decided to 

revet the foxholes completely with sandbags. However, it became 

evident that this effort would take too much time, so the foxholes were lined with plywood and the earth immediately surrounding the lining was wetted down and well-tamped. One foxhole 

370 meters west of ground zero was revetted with sandbags (30). 

The fortifications were not occupied during any of the 

RANGER shots. Film packets placed in the fortifications before 

each shot obtained data on the amount of gamma radiation within 

the positions. Four film badges were bound together in a packet 

and put into a plywood holder. Each film badge contained two 

strips of film. The plywood protected the film badges from 

thermal radiation and minimized the effects of neutron-induced 

radiation that might have been recorded had metal holders been 

used (30). 

Each prone shelter had ten film packets, while each foxhole 

had 15. The packets were attached to the sides of the foxholes 

and to stakes in the bottom. The number of fortifications 

instrumented with film packets varied from shot to shot, as did 

the amount of time required to retrieve the packets. The foxhole 

nearest to ground zero was routinely excluded from insqrumenta- I 

tion, since its proximity to the point of detonation would have 

produced a gamma exposure that exceeded the range of the film 

badges. One of the two foxholes 1,460 meters from ground zero 

also had no film packets because it was thought necessary to 

instrument only one (30). The foxhole 1,830 meters from ground 

46 
zero was instrumented only at FOX, the largest of the detonations. Two officers from the Army Chemical Center and one 

officer from the Army Corps of Engineers placed and retrieved the 

film packets (28; 30; 34). 

The Thermal Effects Program was conducted at all RANGER 

shots, primarily by the Office of the Quartermaster General 

(Army). The program objective was to obtain data on the thermal 

hazard of nuclear weapons to military equipment of various 

materials and finishes (30). Before each shot, participants 

placed 48 panels, all supporting over 100 samples of textiles, 

plastics, and wood, in the shot area. For Shots EASY and 

BAKER-2, they also displayed four metal plaques, each with more 

than 100 samples of material. They positioned the panels and 

plaques in foxholes and on the ground 680 to 4,600 meters west of 

ground zero. The panels and plaques belonged not only to the 

Office of the Quartermaster General, but also to the Naval 

Material Laboratory, Brooklyn, New York; the Naval Radiological 

Defense Laboratory, San Francisco, California; and the National 

Bureau of Standards, Washington, D.C. An officer of the Army 

Quartermaster Corps from Camp Lee, Virginia, placed and retrieved 

the panels and plaques (28; 30;34). 

Thermal and Ionizing Radiation Measurements was conducted at 

Shots ABLE, EASY, BAKER-2, and FOX by the Office of the Surgeon 

General (Army). The objectives were to: 

0 Collect data on the degree of biological burns produced

by nuclear thermal radiation and correlate these data 

with flashburn experiments 

0 Determine the intensity and quality of the initial gamma 

radiation from a nuclear detonation at distances where 

the combined effects of thermal and ionizing injury could

have serious biological consequences 

0 Determine the time rate of delivery of thermal dosage 

from the nuclear bomb (30). 

47 
One civilian under contract to the Office of the Surgeon 

General (Army) conducted the first phase of the experiment by 

placing five plywood panels containing 14 different textile 

fabrics at distances of 2,740,2,290, 1,830, 1,460,and 1,280 

meters west of ground zero for Shot ABLE. Each fabric panel was 

displayed with a separate stake panel consisting of plywood 

backing and a front of heat-sensitive paper and two grades of 

white paper. The fabric panels were used as test panels, while 

stake panels were used as thermal radiation detectors. After the 

detonation, the civilian retrieved all panels (28; 30). 

The same participant measured gama radiation with 

25-roentgen and 100-roentgen Victoreen bakelite thimble ion 

chambers enclosed in aluminum capsules and surrounded by various 

thicknesses of lead sheets. He placed 21 ion chambers in foxholes and in the open for Shots EASY, BAKER-2, and FOX and 

retrieved the chambers after each shot (30). 

At ABLE, BAKER-2, and FOX, this civilian used a turntable 

coated with heat-sensitive paper to determine the time rate of 

delivery of thermal radiation (30). He placed the turntable in 

the test area before the shot and retrieved it after the 

detonation. 

Analysis of Fireball Growth was conducted by LASL at all 

RANGER shots. The objective was to analyze the fireball growth 

and yield determination by studying film from cameras at photography stations 3.2 kilometers southeast and northeast of ground 

zero. A special LASL group, consisting of three LASL civilian 

employees, one Army officer, one Navy officer, and one Air Force 

officer, retrieved film from the photography stations after each 

shot and returned the film to Los Alamos for analysis (19;28). 

48 
Gamma Radiation Exposure as a Function of Distance was 

conducted at all RANGER shots by the Sandia Corporation. Its 

objective was to measure gamma radiation as a function of 

distance during and immediately following a nuclear detonation. 

Forty-one film badges were placed at 90-meter intervals from 

ground zero along the West Access Road and the South Access Road. 

One film badge was positioned at ground zero. To measure 

neutron-induced activity, film badges were also placed in lead 

cylinders with ten-centimeter thick walls along the West Access 

Road 270, 550, 820, 1,100, and 1,370 meters from ground zero. To 

measure the fraction of initial gamma radiation reaching the film 

badges, the badges were placed in "mousetrap gadgets" (devices 

designed to shield the film badges from residual radiation) 460, 

910, and 1,830 meters from ground zero along the West Access Road 

(30) 

All film badges were recovered for Shots ABLE, BAKER, EASY, 

and BAKER-2. At Shot FOX, however, six film badges located 

within 180 meters of ground zero could not be recovered. At all 

shots, personnel began recovering film badges within one to two 

hours after the detonation and finished within five to six hours. 

Military participants involved in the placement and recovery of 

the film badges included one Navy officer from Field Command, 

AFSWP; one Navy officer from LASL; and one officer from the Army 

Corps of Engineers. Three civilian Sandia Corporation employees 

also participated in the experiment (28; 30; 34). 

Specific details concerning personnel activities during this 

experiment have not been documented, but one report states that 

the Navy officer from Field Command, AFSWP, placed and retrieved 

film badges 370 and 730 meters from ground zero along the West 

Access Road (34). 

49 
3.2 AIR SUPPORT ACTIVITIES 

Both the Special Weapons Command and Headquarters, USAF, 

played a major support role in Operation RANGER. SWC, based at 

Kirtland AFB, dropped the nuclear devices and directed aerial 

documentary photography, courier service, and part of the aerial 

surveying. The SWC activities were staged from four locations: 

Kirtland AFB, Indian Springs AFB, Nellis AFB, and the AEC Control 

Point. Headquarters, USAF, conducted cloud sampling, cloud 

tracking, and aerial survey missions. The Air Force was also 

involved in sampling activities for the Atomic Energy Detection 

System (AEDS), which monitored worldwide radioactivity from the 

RANGER devices (2-4; 13; 25; 32). 

The principal SWC unit involved in the series was the 4925th 

Special Weapons Group. Its purpose was to execute drop missions 

and to provide direct support, particularly aerial surveying, to 

the Test Director. To support the 4925th Special Weapons Group, 

the 4901st Support Wing (Atomic) provided the aircraft and crews 

for courier service (2-4). 

Headquarters, USAF, personnel were aided in their responsibilities by SAC, the Air Training Command, and the Air Research 

and Development Command. The Air Weather Service and the Air 

Force Cambridge Research Laboratory, in providing cloud-sampling 

and cloud-tracking services for Headquarters, USAF, supplied the 

aircraft and crews for air operations and ground and maintenance 

personnel for their respective aircraft (13; 25). 

The air operations building was at Nellis AFB. Both SWC and 

Headquarters, USAF, maintained their air control centers there. 

Although administered separately, the two air control centers 

were both supervised by the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for 

Operations (Atomic Energy) from Headquarters, USAF (32-33). 

50 
According to an Air Force officer who participated at 

RANGER, 122 Air Force personnel were assigned to SWC activities 

during RANGER (38). Participants supervised by Headquarters, 

USAF, minus the offsite AEDS personnel, numbered 124 (38). 

DOD participation in air support activities involved the 

following Air Force organizations (2-4; 13; 21; 25; 32): 

0 Headquarters, USAF 

0 Air Research and Development Command 

0 Air Training Command 

0 Strategic Air Command 

0 Air Force Security Service 

0 Air Weather Service 

0 Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratory 

0 4901st Support Wing (Atomic) (SWC) 

0 4925th Special Weapons Group (SWC) 

0 374th Reconnaissance Squadron (Very Long Range) 

Weather 

0 1009th Special Weapons squadron. 

Table 3-2 shows DOD participation in air support missions, 

indicating type of aircraft, unit of origin, and staging base. 

3.2.1 Delivery of the Nuclear Devices 

The drop aircraft for all five nuclear detonations was a 

B-50 operating out of Kirtland AFB with a crew of 11 from the 

4925th Special Weapons Group and possibly a LASL scientist. 

After the nuclear device was assembled and transported to 

Kirtland AFB by representatives of the Sandia Corporation, SWC 

51 
T a b l e3 - 2 : DOD PARTICIPATION IN RANGER AIR SUPPORT MISSIONS 

MISSION 

Airdrop 

Photography 

Emergency 

C l o u dS a m p l i n g 

C l o u dT r a c k i n gB - 2 9 

Aerial 

Surveying 

C o u r i e rS e r v i c e 

Atomic Energy

Detection 

System 

TYPE OF 

AIRCRAFT 

B-50 

B-50 

c-47 

B-29 

B-29 

H-13 

H-19 

c-47 

B-17 

B-25 

B-29 

B-29 

NUMBER OF UNIT 

AIRCRAFT OF ORIGIN 

1 4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a l 

WeaponsGroup 

1 SAC 

1 4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a l 

Weapons Group 

2 3 7 4 t hR e c o n 

Squadron (VLR) 

Weather 

1 3 7 4 t hR e c o n 

Squadron(VLR) 

Weather 

1 374th Recon 

Squadron (VLR) 

Weather 

1 4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a l 

WeaponsGroup 

1 4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a l 

Weapons Group 

1 Air Weather 

Service 

1 Air Force 

Cambridge

Research 

Laboratory 

3 4901st Support 

Wing (Atomic) 

5 Air Weather 

Service 

* Air Weather 

Service 

STAGING 

BASE 

Kirtland AFB 

Kirtland AFB 

Kirtland AFB 

Nellis AFB 

Nellis AFB 

McClellan AFB 

AEC Control 

Point 

AEC Control 

Point 

Nellis AFB 

Nellis AFB 

I n d i a nS p r i n g s 

AFB 

Barksdale AFB, 

Robins AFB 

Air Force 

bases in Alaska, 

Guam, J a p a n ,a n d 

S a u d iA r a b i a 

*Unknown 

52 
g r o u n dp e r s o n n e ll o a d e d it, without the n u c l e a rc a p s u l e ,i n t o the 

aircraft. LASL p e r s o n n e ld e l i v e r e d the n u c l e a rc a p s u l e to SWC 

a b o u t4 5m i n u t e sb e f o r et a k e o f f (4). 

The d e p a r t u r eo f the B-50 was planned so that the aircraft 

w o u l db ei nt h ev i c i n i t yo fg r o u n d zero about two h o u r sb e f o r e 

the d r o p .T h ea i r c r a f tf l e w at a na l t i t u d eo f 14,000 feet from 

Kirtland AFB to I n d i a nS p r i n g s AFB. Upon r e a c h i n gI n d i a nS p r i n g s 

AFB, the B-50 descended to 1 0 , 0 0 0f e e ta n dp r o c e e d e dn o r t ho f 

g r o u n dz e r o , where the n u c l e a rc a p s u l e was inserted. The 

aircraftthenclimbed to the b o m b i n gh e i g h t *a n dm a d e practice 

r u n si n a h o l d i n gp a t t e r n .A f t e ra p p r o v a l was radioed to the 

dropaircraft, it began its bomb runandreleased the device. 

Its m i s s i o nc o m p l e t e d , the B-50 returned to Kirtland AFB (4). 

The dropaircraft was a c c o m p a n i e do n its m i s s i o nb y two airc r a f tf r o mK i r t l a n d AFB, a B-50 and a C-47. A SAC crew of 11 

operated the B - 5 0 ,e q u i p p e dw i t hp h o t o g r a p h i ce q u i p m e n t .( W h i l e 

SWC h a do p e r a t i o n a lc o n t r o l , the Strategic Air Command provided 

the aircraft, crew, a n dg r o u n da n dm a i n t e n a n c es u p p o r tp e r s o n n e l 

for aerial d o c u m e n t a r yp h o t o g r a p h y . ) The B-50 l e f tK i r t l a n d at 

approximately the same time as the dropaircraftfor all shots 

except BAKER-2, when the SAC p h o t o g r a p h ya i r c r a f t was grounded 

because of a fuel leak. The B-50 followed the d r o pa i r c r a f t at 

a na l t i t u d eo f 16,000 feet to t h eg r o u n d zero area. During the 

p r a c t i c ea n db o m b i n gr u n so f the d r o pa i r c r a f t ,t h ep h o t o g r a p h y 

a i r c r a f tr e m a i n e df i v e to s i xk i l o m e t e r sb e h i n da n d2 , 0 0 0 feet 

above the dropaircraft to obtain a v a n t a g ep o i n tf r o m which to 

photograph the d r o p p i n go ft h ed e v i c e .A f t e rc o m p l e t i n g its 

mission, the p h o t o g r a p h ya i r c r a f tr e t u r n e d to Kirtland AFB. 

Figure 3-1 s h o w st h ef l i g h tp a t ho f the strikeaircraftand the 

SAC photography aircraft in the vicinity of ground zero (4). 

* B o m b i n gh e i g h t was 1 9 , 7 0 0f e e ta b o v e the g r o u n df o r all shots 

except FOX, for w h i c ht h e bombing height was 2 9 , 7 0 0f e e ta b o v e 

g r o u n d( 1 2 ;2 7 ) . 

53 
0 

AEC 

ControlPoint 

0 

-

10 

Kilometers 

SWC Drop Aircraft 

-------- SAC Photo DocumentaryAircraft 

Figure 3-1: FLIGHT PATH OF DROP AIRCRAFT AND 

SAC DOCUMENTARY AIRCRAFT 

54 
Because of AEC concern for safety and security, a C-47 

disaster assistance aircraft was available in case of emergency. 

The C-47 had a disaster team of ten and a crew of four from the 

4925th Special Weapons Group. This aircraft left Kirtland AFB 

and followed the path of the drop aircraft at 12,000 feet to the 

vicinity of Las Vegas. It then descended to 10,000feet and flew 

a holding pattern until the drop aircraft completed its mission 

over the NPG. The C-47 then returned to Kirtland AFB (4). 

3.2.2 Cloud Sampling 

An important objective of Operation RANGER was obtaining 

samples of fission products from nuclear detonations so that the 

yield and efficiency of the nuclear devices could be determined. 

The task of collecting samples of particulate and gaseous debris 

from the clouds formed by the detonations was the responsibility 

of Headquarters, USAF. The sampling missions gave the Air Force 

a chance to use manned sampling aircraft for the first time on a 

routine basis. During the Pacific series before RANGER, LASL 

collected cloud samples using drone aircraft. Since a drone 

operation could not be fielded to meet the RANGER test schedule, 

LASL reluctantly decided not to gather cloud samples for chemical 

analysis. Headquarters, USAF, however, concluded that manned 

cloud sampling was safe and feasible after studying the results 

of sampling experiences at Operation SANDSTONE in 1948 when 

manned aircraft accidentally penetrated the cloud. When LASL 

learned that the Air Force was conducting cloud sampling at 

RANGER, it asked for a share of the sampling filter papers. 

Headquarters, USAF, agreed (38). These filter papers provided 

LASL with information to complete two of the Scientific Tests 

Section experiments discussed in section 3.1: Radiochemical 

Results and Fractionation of Cloud Particles by Shearing Winds. 

55 
To collect samples, two B-29s, each with ten crewmen from 

the 374th Reconnaissance Squadron (Very Long Range) Weather, 

operated out of Nellis AFB (13;21;25). Each cloud sampler 

aircraft was equipped with two impact fklter paper collectors, 

approximately 21 centimeters by 25 centimeters. These collectors 

were mounted in boxes, one on top of the fuselage behind the 

wing, and the other on the bottom of the fuselage forward of the 

tail skid (34). 

As a safety precaution, the cloud-sampling aircrew was 

directed to depressurize their aircraft as it entered the nuclear 

cloud to prevent the intake of contaminated air. After 

depressurization, the aircrew was directed to breathe 100 percent 

oxygen and not to eat, drink,or smoke until after they exited 

from the aircraft. All personnel aboard the aircraft wore oxygen 

masks and regular flight gear. The radiological safety monitor, 

who was part of the crew, was in the front of the aircraft and 

was equipped with two ion chamber instruments,two Geiger-Mueller 

radiacs, and continuous recording ratemeters connected to the 

collecting filters (34; 38). 

The sampler aircraft left Nellis AFB approximately three 

hours before shot-time to make and report weather observations in 

the test area to the Chief of the Test Group. After the 

detonation, the aircraft followed the cloud until enough time had 

elapsed to permit diffusion of the fission products which varied 

with the shot. Next, the aircraft flew through various parts of 

the cloud collecting samples. The aircraft then returned to 

Nellis AFB with the samples (13;25). From Nellis AFB, the Air 

Force samples went to McClellan AFB to be analyzed by Tracerlab, 

a Government contractor. LASL's share of the samples was 

analyzed at Los Alamos (13; 25; 38). 

56 
3.2.3 Cloud Tracking 

Cloud tracking at RANGER served two purposes: to plot the 

course of the clouds resulting from the detonations and to help 

the Civil Aeronautics Administration divert commercial aircraft 

from the cloud path. A B-29, with a crew of 11 from the 374th 

Reconnaissance Squadron (VLR) Weather, conducted the cloud 

tracking during Operation RANGER. The B-29, instrumented with 

scintillation counter equipment and radiac survey devices, left 

Nellis AFB about two hours before the detonation to be sure the 

aircraft was fully operational (38). The tracker aircraft was 

also equipped with filter paper holders that permitted filter 

papers to be changed periodically during the missions. These 

filter papers used for sampling were taken to McClellan AFB for 

analysis by Tracerlab (38). The aircraft flew in the proximity 

of the cloud but did not come into contact with the cloud. The 

crew tracked the cloud visually for four to six hours and then 

continued the tracking, using instruments (13; 25). 

This phase of the tracking mission usually took 12 hours. 

Thereafter, the initial cloud-tracking aircraft, which by then 

had almost exhausted its fuel supply, was replaced by another 

B-29 from McClellan AFB with a crew of 11 from the Same squadron. 

This aircraft tracked the cloud up to the specified 1,000-kilometer limit and then returned to McClellan AFB (13; 25). 

3.2.4 Aerial Surveys 

Following each nuclear event, several support aircraft made 

low-altitude radiological surveys of the terrain in and around 

the Nevada Proving Ground. These surveys helped determine when 

ground parties could safely enter the test area after theshot 

and helped assure the safety of personnel in the surrounding 

areas. Both SWC and Headquarters, USAF, provided aerial 

surveying support. SWC used two helicopters manned with crews 

from the 4925th Special Weapons Group. One H-5 helicopter, 

57 
stationed at Nellis AFB, was under the control of the,Test Group 

Radiological Safety Section. This aircraft was not used during 

RANGER (4). 

An H-13 helicopter with two crewmen and an H-19 helicopter 

with three crewmen were directed from the AEC Control Point. 

Approximately 40 to 50 minutes after the detonation, these two 

helicopters, with monitors aboard, flew to the ground zero area 

to survey the area. The monitors measured the intensity of 

radioactivity at the landing strip at Frenchman Flat and at the 

various scientific stations located around ground zero. After 

the area was opened for recovery operations, LASL and contractor 

personnel were transported by vehicle to the scientific stations, 

and the two B-25 courier aircraft from Indian Springs AFB landed 

at the Frenchman Flat airstrip. The H-13 helicopter then 

conducted aerial surveys for the Radiological Safety Section, 

while the H-19 helicopter delivered scientific data to the third 

courier aircraft waiting at Indian Springs AFB (4). The H-13 

helicopter also assisted in delivering scientific data to Indian 

Springs AFB. 

Headquarters, USAF, directed an aerial survey of terrain 

outside the immediate area of ground zero, particularly areas 

outside the test site boundaries. To accomplish this, the Air 

Weather Service used a C-47 and a R-17. The Air Weather Service 

C-47 had a crew of six. The B-17 from the Air Force Cambridge 

Research Laboratory had nine crewmen (13; 25). 

These two aircraft left Nellis AFB at shot-time and 

proceeded to their assigned areas approximately one hour after 

the detonation. For the first two shots, the aircraft flew 

survey patterns planned by the AEC. The aircraft flew down 

indicated roads at low altitudes and radioed monitoring information to ground surveying teams. Because this method was 

unproductive, the Air Force developed a grid pattern for the 

58 
remaining three shots. A grid was drawn to include a very large 

area downwind from ground zero. The aircraft then flew at low 

altitudes, monitoring the terrain and radioing the intensities of 

radioactivity to the Headquarters, USAF, Control Center at Nellis 

AFB, using the grid coordinates as a reference. A large map of 

Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and California, in the Control Center, was 

marked with grids and covered with acetate so that the radiation 

readings of the aerial survey aircraft could be posted by 

location with a grease pencil as they made their reports. The 

Chief of the Test Group used this display to track the pattern of 

the fallout. The surveying missions were usually completed 

within two to four hours, and the aircraft returned to Nellis AFB 

(13; 25; 38). 

3.2.5 Courier Service 

The purpose of the SWC courier service wasto deliver cloud 

samples and experimental material from RANGER research projects 

to laboratory facilities. Three B-25 aircraft, operated by 

personnel from the 4901st Support Wing (Atomic), transported 

scientific data, samples, and instrumentation from the test site 

to Kirtland AFB. There, the data and materials were transferred 

to a commercial carrier, CARCO, for delivery to LASL. The three 

courier planes, each with five crewmen from the 4901st Air 

Support Wing (Atomic), operated from Indian Springs AFB. A LASL 

courier was also aboard each aircraft (2-4). 

After the area immediately surrounding ground zero was 

opened for reentry, two of the B-25s left Indian Springs AFB for 

the landing strip at Frenchman Flat. There they picked up 

scientific samples and instrumentation from LASL personnel and 

took off for Kirtland AFB. The third B-25 remained at Indian 

Springs AFB until helicopters had brought the scientific material 

from the test site. After the cloud-sampling aircraft returned 

to Nellis AFB, the third B-25 left Indian Springs AFB and flew to 

59 
Nellis AFB to pick up the LASL cloud samples. It then flew to 

Kirtland AFB (2-4). 

In case the CARCO aircraft was forced to abort its courier 

mission, SWC kept a C-45 standing by at Kirtland AFB, so that the 

delivery of scientific data and samples to LASL would not be 

interrupted. This standby aircraft was never used (2-4). 

3.2.6 Atomic Energy Detection System Activities 

To monitor atmospheric radioactivity in the United States 

and throughout the world, the Air Force maintained a network of 

ground filter stations and cloud sampler aircraft. The objectives of the AEDS were to (13; 25): 

0 Provide the Government with an indication of the 

atmospheric radioactivity over the continental United 

States 

0 Detect fallout from possible Soviet nuclear tests. 

During Operation RANGER, the AEDS maintained a control 

center at the Headquarters, USAF, control center at Nellis AFB. 

Five Air Force officers from the 1009th Special Weapons Squadron 

probably manned the AEDS control center (28). The AEDS control 

center coordinated operations with its field units, including 

ground filter squadrons staffed by elements of the 1009th Special 

Weapons Squadron at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio; Tinker AFB, 

Oklahoma; Rapid City AFB, South Dakota; and Offutt AFB, Nebraska, 

The Air Weather Service provided five B-29 sampler aircraft with 

a crew of 12 each for special vector flights from Barksdale AFB, 

Louisiana, and Robins AFB, Georgia. Their mission was to analyze 

the pa.th of the nuclear contamination in areas outside the 

continental United States. The AEDS also maintained ground 

filter stations and cloud sampler aircraft in Alaska, Japan, 

Guam, and Saudi Arabia (13; 25). 

60 
AEDS operations for the HANGER devices began soon after each 

detonation. Ground filter stations operated on a 24-hour basis 

and changed filter papers every six hours. Filters were then 

sent to Tracerlab for analysis. At the AEDS control center, 

personnel of the 1009th Special Weapons Squadron determined the 

probable location and altitude of the cloud as it drifted away 

from the Nevada Proving Ground. The 1009th Special Weapons 

Squadron liaison officers at Barksdale AFB and Robins AFB 

notified the Air Weather Service of these determinations (13; 

25). 

The Air Weather Service then dispatched the B-29 samplers to 

intercept the cloud. Upon return from each mission, the filter 

papers were sent to the 1009th Special Weapons Squadron Western 

Field Office at McClellan AFB for further laboratory analysis by 

Tracerlab (13). 

Because of wind conditions at the time of detonation, the 

clouds from Shots ABLE and BAKER were expected to leave the 

continental United States and circle the globe. AEDS B-29 

sampler aircraft, provided and manned by the Air Weather Service 

and operating from overseas bases, detected fission products Over 

the Far East (13; 25; 38). 

3.3 LAND SUPPORT ACTIVITIES 

DOD participation in land support activities at Operation 

RANGER involved two functions: operations of the Air Weather 

Service as part of the Test Group Meteorological Section and the 

operations of Air Force personnel involved in communications 

security. Although the documentation is not specific on this 

point, it is believed that the Security Group supervised 

communications security (22-23). 

61 
3.3.1 Air Weather Service 

In addition to supplying aircraft and crews for missions, 

the Air Weather Service also participated in other RANGER 

activities. The Test Group Meteorology Section, which provided 

the Chief of the Test Group with weather data necessary for 

scheduling the detonations, was staffed primarily by members of 

the 2059th Air Weather Wing from Tinker AFB, Oklahoma. Thirtgthree of the 56 Air Weather Service personnel assigned to the 

Meteorology Section came from the 2059th Air Weather Wing. 

Twenty members of the Meteorology Section were from Air Force 

facilities throughout the United States (29): 

Facility Personnel 

Colorado Lowry AFB, 2 

Edwards AFB, California 6 

Andrews AFB, Maryland 3 

Castle AFB, California 1 

LongBeach AFB, California 1 

March AFB, California 1 

Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona 1 

Nellis AFB, Nevada 3 

Kirtland AFB, New Mexico 1 

Air Weather Service Headquarters, 

Washington, D.C. ’ 1 

In addition, two Air Force weather specialists assigned to LASL 

and one assigned to the Dugwag Proving Ground in Utah participated in the Meteorological Section. 

Air Weather Service activities were divided between the 

Nellis AFB Weather Station, headquarters for the Meteorology 

62 
Section, and seven field stations. Forty-four of the 56 Air 

Weather Service personnel were at (29): 

Facility Personnel 

Nellis AFB Weather Station 19 

Beatty,Nevada, Observation Station 14 

Nellis AFB Observation Station 11 

The remaining 12 personnel were at the following stations 

(29): 

Facility Personnel 

AEC Control Point Station 2 

Observation Station,Tonopah, Nevada 3 

Observation Station, Indian Springs AFB 3 

Roving Observation Station,Caliente, Nevada 2 

Roving Observation Station, Cedar City, Utah 2 

The regular Nellis AFB Weather Station staff supported the 

Meteorology Section by assigning 24 individuals to work on forecasting for RANGER. Also, the 9th Weather Squadron from March 

AFB, California, supported the Meteorology Section with five 

participants (29). 

The Nellis AFB Weather Station and seven field stations 

collected the data and made weather forecasts, which were 

presented to the Chief of the Test Group and Technical Advisor at 

briefings held daily at 1300 and 2000 hours, and also at 0300 

hours on shot-days. The briefings, which took place at Nellis 

AFB, were very important since the decision to detonate a device 

on schedule depended on weather conditions (29; 38). With the 

exception of two participants at the AEC Control Point station, 

one from LASL, and one from Kirtland AFB, all Air Weather Service 

personnel involved in Operation RANGER were located offsite (29). 

63 
3.3.2 Security Group 

Security functions at RANGER were the responsibility of the 

AEC test organization Security Group. Most security personnel 

were drawn from LASL and the Sandia Base (32). The only 

documented DOD participation in security at RANGER involved an 

estimated 30 Air Force personnel who had been sent to Nellis AFB 

from Brooks AFB, Texas, and McClellan AFR, California. They were 

used to ensure the security of the communications system of the 

test organization, located at Nellis AFB (22-23). 

3.4 OBSERVERS 

The purpose of inviting observers to the RANGEK detonations 

was to demonstrate the AEC's ability to conduct safe nuclear 

testing within the continental United States. The AEC invited 

influential political figures, especially members of Congress, to 

accompany AEC and high-ranking military officials in witnessing 

the RANGER detonations. On shot-day, the observers were given an 

orientation lecture at the AEC Las Vegas office before being 

driven by bus to the NPG. There they were escorted by Security 

Group personnel to an observation area, where they witnessed the 

detonation. The observation area was located approximately 400 

meters south of the AEC Control Point (12;32). 

The total number of observers at RANGER was 156(32). Film 

badge data, however, have definitely identified only one highranking military observer: the brigadier general who was the AEC 

Director of Military Application (28). A Marine officer assigned 

to LASL and a Navy officer assigned to the U.S. Public Health 

Service might also h&ve been observers at RANGER, but there is no 

proof of this. It is documented, however, that these two men 

were at RANGER (28). 

64 
CHAPTER 4 

RADIATION PROTECTION AT OPERATION RANGER 

The Atomic Energy Commission initiated radiological safety 

programs to protect HANGER participants from the ionizing 

radiation produced by the nuclear detonations. The AEC also 

developed radiological safety programs to protect the general 

public residing in surrounding offsite areas. The programs 

included ground and aerial surveys to determine the extent of 

radioactive fallout in offsite areas. This chapter discusses 

these radiological safety procedures and the personnel responsible for and involved with the procedures. 

4.1 RADIATION PROTECTION FOR DOD PARTICIPANTS 

The Radiological Safety Section was responsible for 

radiological safety operations during Operation RANGER. The 

Deputy Test Director, who was assigned by the Chief of the Test 

Group, administered the section. 

The operational responsibilities of the Radiological Safety 

Section included: 

0 Providing radiological safety and orientation to 

personnel at the test site 

0 Monitoring onsite and offsite areas for radioactive 

fallout 

0 Acquiring information concerning the effects of 

nuclear weapons 

0 Acquiring knowledge to help determine the feasibility of future nuclear weapons test programs

within the continental United States, specifically 

at the Nevada Proving Ground 

0 Educating and informing the general public about the 

nuclear weapons test program. 

65 
The Radiological Safety Section worked within exposure 

guidelines recommended by the AEC. Individual exposures were 

routinely limited to 3.0 roentgens. Single exposures of up to 

3.0 roentgens were permitted, but only when the exposure could 

not be avoided in performing a necessary duty. The individual 

receiving this exposure would then be prohibited from any 

activity that might lead to additional exposure. For those 

personnel who were scheduled to participate in Operation 

GREENHOUSE, the exposure limit was 2.0 roentgens (16; 34). 

4.1.1 Organization 

The Radiological Safety Section included personnel from the 

AEC, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Los Alamos Scientific 

Laboratory. Figure 4-1 shows the organizational structure of 

this group, and the table below indicates the numbers of 

participants (16): 

PARTICIPANTS IN THE RADIOLOGICAL SAFETY SECTION 

LASL 40 

AEC Protective Services 6 

AEC Emergency Monitors 17 

Army Corps of Engineers -

6

TOTAL 69 

One of the 40 LASL personnel was the Deputy Test Director. 

Seven of the group held military rank, but, with the exception of 

one Air Force enlisted man, their service affiliation is unknown. 

Headquarters, USAF, and the Air Weather Service provided aircraft 

and aerial support services for the Radiological Safety Section 

(16; 28). 

66 
2 

0 

0 I 

c 

K 

67 
The Radiological Safety Section headquarters at Nellis AFB 

contained the communication center, storage and maintenance rooms 

for all monitoring equipment and instruments, a radio repair 

shop, and office space for the Test Director and his staff. 

Onsite headquarters for the section was in the Control Point 

building which housed the onsite monitors and their equipment. 

Their living quarters were at Indian Springs AFB. Members of the 

various mobile offsite teams were established in outlying 

communities. Communications among all groups were by telephone, 

teletype, and radio. Radio alone proved unreliable because of 

the distance involved and the irregularities of the terrain (16). 

The motor pool at Nellis AFB provided transportation. 

Eighteen vehicles, including jeeps, sedans, and pickups, were 

used to transport radiological safety personnel to and from the 

test area. These vehicles were also used to conduct ground 

surveys of the test area following a nuclear detonation (16). 

4.1.2 Protective Equipment and Personnel Dosimetry 

The main responsibility of the Radiological Safety Section 

was to ensure the radiological safety of RANGER participants by 

minimizing their exposure to radiation. The section adopted AEC 

guidelines to control both external and internal exposure. 

Radiological safety personnel stationed at the Control Point 

issued protective clothing, film badges, and other necessary 

supplies and instruments to personnel entering the test area (16). 

Each participant was issued a film badge, a pocket dosimeter, 

coveralls, booties, and gloves. Booties and gloves were sealed 

to coveralls with masking tape. Respirators were issued to the 

radiological safety team that made the initial survey. If 

radiation intensities in the test area were 0.002 roentgens per 

hour (R/h) or greater, as reported by the initial ground survey, 

the personnel at the Control Point gave respirators to personnel 

68 
entering the area (16). I n d i v i d u a l sl e a v i n g the test area were 

required to return this c l o t h i n ga n de q u i p m e n t to radiological 

s a f e t yp e r s o n n e l at the C o n t r o lP o i n t . The p r o t e c t i v ec l o t h i n g 

a n dr e s p i r a t o r s were l a u n d e r e da n dc l e a n e d ,a n d the f i l mb a d g e s 

were sent to LASL f o rp r o c e s s i n g (34). 

Exposure records were maintained for personnel who entered 

the test area. P e r s o n n e l e a v i n g the test area t u r n e di n pocket 

dosimeters and film badges to radiologicalsafetypersonnel at 

the C o n t r o lP o i n t . The d o s i m e t e rr e a d i n gf o r each individual was 

recorded on his c u m u l a t i v ee x p o s u r e card. Pocket dosimeter 

readings were used to monitoranindividual'sexposureinitially, 

since it took several days for the filmbadgeresults to come 

back from LASL (16). When the f i l mb a d g e data a r r i v e d ,t h e y were 

also recorded on the i n d i v i d u a l ' se x p o s u r e card (37). 

Although the report of the R a d i o l o g i c a lS a f e t yS e c t i o n (16) 

indicates that n oe x p o s u r e se x c e e d e d the 3.0 roentgen limit at 

RANGER, film badge records indicate that three individuals 

received more than 3.0 roentgens. One participant, with an 

exposure of 3.4 roentgens, was from the Office of the Chief of 

Engineers. The other two were N a v yp e r s o n n e lf r o m AFSWP and 

Joint Task Force 7. Their exposures were 5 . 3 2a n d3 . 2 1 

r o e n t g e n s ,r e s p e c t i v e l y (14; 28). 

G r o u n dp e r s o n n e lr e m o v i n g filter p a p e rs a m p l e s from sampling 

aircraft took special precautions to m i n i m i z ea n dc o n t r o le x p o -

sure to gamma and beta r a d i a t i o n .T h e yu s e dl o n g - h a n d l e dt o n g s 

to r e m o v ea n dt r a n s f e r the filter paper samples from the aircraft 

to the carrying case. Each member of the s a m p l er e m o v a l team 

wore two f i l mb a d g e s ,o n eo n his shirt p o c k e ta n d the other on 

the cuff at his wrist. He also wore p r o t e c t i v ec l o t h i n g , 

i n c l u d i n gc o v e r a l l s ,r u b b e rg l o v e s , booties, caps, and a 

respirator (16). 

69 
4.1.3 Onsite and Offsite Monitoring Operations 

Weeks before the first detonation, Air Weather Service 

crews made routine observations of the lower and upper air 

movements at the test site and surrounding area. Mobile teams of 

monitors surveyed both onsite and offsite areas to determine 

background levels of radiation. The monitoring teams used 

several types of survey meters to measure beta and gamma 

radiation levels in onsite and offsite areas. Some of the 

detectors were the T1B Ion Chamber, the Victoreen 2638, and the 

National Technical Lab MX-5 (16). The monitoring teams also took 

water samples from Lake Mead as part of this preliminary 

monitoring procedure (16). 

Onsite Monitoring Operations 

Monitors conducted ground surveys from several minutes to 

several hours after each detonation. The initial survey party 

probably consisted of three or four men with a two-way radio and 

radiation survey meters, who entered the shot area and took 

radiation intensity readings at predetermined distances from 

ground zero. The team radioed this information to the Control 

Point. Monitors resurveyed the shot area at various times after 

each detonation (16). Onsite monitoring operations were based at 

Indian Springs AFB, but the monitoring teams operated from the 

Control Point, 13 kilometers south of ground zero. Monitoring 

teams and other personnel entered the test area from this point 

(16). The Control Point was not in the path of any fallout 

generated by the detonations. Although Radiological Safety 

Section personnel did not prepare isointensity maps of the RANGER 

detonations at the time of the operation, maps based on reconstructed radiation intensity data are available and are included 

in the shot chapters of this volume (17). 

70 
Offsite Monitoring: ODerations 

Monitoring teams also surveyed areas outside the NPG. Five 

to ten teams, each consisting of three men in a radio-equipped 

vehicle, surveyed to a distance of 320 kilometers from ground 

zero (16; 34). They were in radio and telephone contact with 

radiological safety headquarters at Nellis AFB and with radiological safety personnel at the test site. Before each shot, 

they determined background radiation levels in the regions where 

forecasts indicated that the cloud would pass. They continued to 

monitor these regions for radiation as the cloud passed over 

their locations (34). 

The offsite ground monitoring teams were usually supported 

by two aircraft, a C-47 from the Air Weather Service and a B-17 

from the Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratory. The aircraft, 

which were airborne at the time of each detonation, surveyed the 

terrain and tracked the cloud resulting from the detonation as it 

moved away from ground zero. Information on the cloud path was 

also radioed to radiological safety headquarters at Nellis AFB 

and to the radiological safety Control Point at the test site. 

This information was then used to guide ground monitoring teams 

to specific areas in the cloud's path (16; 34). 

4.1.4 Decontamination 

The Radiological Safety Section was responsible for the 

decontamination of all personnel, vehicles, and helicopters 

participating in Operation RANGER. The group conducted 

decontamination operations at a station 30 meters from the 

Control Point building. Personnel and vehicles leaving the test 

area were required to report to this station and be checked for 

radioactive contamination. If gamma readings greater than 0.007 

R/h were registered on the surface of vehicles or outer garments 

of personnel, decontamination procedures were instituted (16). 

71 
Personnel 

Radiological safety personnel cleaned surface contamination 

from participants arriving at the decontamination station. They 

used an industrial vacuum cleaner to remove much of the dust and 

dirt from the surface of the garments. Test participants then 

removed respirators and protective clothing, turned in their film 

badges and pocket dosimeters, and were checked for radioactive 

contamination. If readings of 0.007 R/h or more were found, the 

individual was required to remove all clothing and take a shower. 

After showering, the individual again was monitored. When 

radiation readings were less than 0.002 R/h on the skin surface, 

he was issued fresh clothing and released. 

During the time between Shots BAKER and EASY, one incident 

of contamination of SWC personnel was reported. On 30 January, a 

helicopter with two courier aircraft crewmen landed at Frenchman 

Flat to inspect the dry lake landing strip. It had snowed 

earlier, and SWC personnel feared the lake might be too soft for 

landing operations. The trip proved that the lake was satisfactory for operations. While checking the lake area, however, 

the two crewmen also "kicked around in some of the damper spots 

of the lake bed, not knowing at the time that these wet spots 

were highly radioactive" (2). Upon returning to the Control 

Point, the men were surveyed and decontaminated after radioactivity was found on the shoes of oneof the crewmen (2). 

Vehicles 

Vehicles were parked in designated areas adjacent to the 

decontamination station. A team of radiological safety personnel 

monitored the vehicles for radioactivity and decontaminated them 

if radiation readings of 0.007 R/h or higher were detected. To 

clean the vehicles, they used the same type of vacuum cleaner 

used to decontaminate personnel. They vacuumed all surfaces, 

including running boards, floorboards, and under-surfaces of 

fenders. They then resurveyed the vehicles. If the vehicles 

72 
were still contaminated, they washed and rinsed them. When 

radiation intensities were reduced to less than 0.007 Rjh, they 

returned the vehicles to service. For the later RANGER shots, 

the rented civilian vehicles were given an industrial steam 

cleaning to ensure removal of all radiation before being returned 

to civilian use. Decontamination personnel used a portable steam 

generator and sprayer for the steam-cleaning operation (16; 34). 

Aircraft 

Decontamination of the aircraft used in cloud sampling, 

aerial surveys, and cloud tracking was the responsibility of two 

teams from Headquarters, USAF. Two five-man teams surveyed and 

decontaminated the aircraft after each mission. Each team member 

wore a film badge and protective clothing. 

After landing at Nellis AFB, the aircraft taxied to a 

designated area. Decontamination teams surveyed the aircraft to 

determine the initial level of contamination. They washed and 

rinsed contaminated aircraft before resurveying them. If 

radiation levels greater than 0.007 R/h were detected, they again 

washed the aircraft using a specially formulated detergent. This 

procedure was repeated until radioactivity on the aircraft had 

decreased to 0.007 R/h (31; 34). 

73 
CHAPTER 5 

DOSIMETRY FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 

PERSONNEL AT OPERATION RANGER 

This chapter summarizes the data available as of February 

1982 on the radiation doses received by Department of Defense 

personnel during their participation in various military and 

scientific activities during Operation RANGER. This information 

is based on research that identified the participants, their unit 

of assignment, and their doses. 

5.1 PARTICIPATION DATA 

The identity of participants was determined from several 

sources: 

0 The report of the Radiological Safety Officer provided 

information about the radiological safety personnel and 

programs at RANGER (16). 

0 Weapons test reports for AFSWP and other scientific 

projects often identified personnel, units, and 

organizations that participated in RANGER. 

0 After-action reports, security rosters, and vehicleloading rosters identified some participants. 

0 Morning reports, unit diaries, and muster rolls 

identified personnel assigned to participating units, 

absent from their home units, or in transient status for 

the purpose of participating in a nuclear weapons test. 

0 Official travel or reassignment orders provided 

information on the identity of transient or assigned 

personnel participating in the nuclear weapons tests. 

0 Discharge records, maintained by all services, aided in 

identification. 

A widely publicized national call-in campaign sponsored 

by the Department of Defense has identified some of the 

nuclear weapons test participants. 

74 
5.2 DOSIMETRY RECORDS 

Most of the dosimetry data for Operation RANGER were derived 

from film badge records (14). As stated in Chapter 4, dosimetry 

records were maintained by the Radiological Safety Section for 

each participant at RANGER. 

During Operation RANGER, the film badge was the primary 

device used to measure the radiation dose received by individual 

participants. The film badge, normally worn at chest level on 

the outside of clothing, was designed to measure the wearer's 

exposure to gamma radiation from external sources. The film 

badge was insensitive, however, to neutron radiation and did not 

measure the amount of radioactive material, if any, that may have 

been inhaled or ingested. 

Radiological safety personnel issued, received, and 

interpreted film badges during Operation RANGER. They used 

manual clerical procedures to record film badge data onto file 

cards. A dosimetry card was maintained for each participant (5; 

37). At the conclusion of the operation, it was the intent of 

the services to send individual dose records to each participant's home station for inclusion in his records. When the 

individual left the service, his records were retired to a 

Federal records repository. 

The film badge data summarized in this chapter were obtained 

from the following sources: 

0 Historical files of the Reynolds Electrical and 

Engineering Company, the prime support contractor to the 

Department of Energy (and previously to the AEC Nevada 

Operations office). REECo has provided support at the 

Nevada Test Site since 1952. REECo assumed responsibility for onsite radiological safety after Operation

TEAPOT in July 1955, and, consequently, has collected 

available dosimetry records for nuclear test participants 

at all nuclear testing operations from 1945 to the 

present. REECo has on microfilm all available exposure

records for individuals working under the Joint Test 

Organization at Operation RANGER (28). 

75 
0 Military medical records, maintained at the National 

Personnel Records Center, St. Louis, Missouri, for troops 

separated from military service, or at the Veterans 

Administration, for individuals who havefiled for 

disability compensation or health benefits. Unfortunately, many records were destroyed in a fire at the 

St. Louis repository in July 1973. That fire destroyed 

13 to 17 million Army records for personnel discharged 

through 31 December 1959, and for members of the Army Air 

Corps/Air Force discharged through 31 December 1963. 

5.3 DOSIMETRY DATA FOR OPERATION RANGER PARTICIPATION 

This section presents data on the gamma radiation doses 

received by DOD participants during RANGER. These doses are 

presented in tables 5-1 through 5-6, which give the following 

information by service or units (14): 

0 The number of personnel identified by name 

0 The number of personnel identified by both name and 

film badge 

0 The average gamma exposure in roentgens 

0 The distribution of these exposures. 

Table 5-1 summarizes all exposures for each service 

affiliation. In addition to the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and 

Air Force designations, the table has data for scientific 

personnel, contractors, and affiliates. Tables 5-2 through 5-6 

provide information about the gamma exposures received by the 

various participants. In these tables, distributions and 

averages are given by unit. 

76 
Table 5-1: DISTRIBUTION OF GAMMA RADIATION EXPOSURES FOROPERATION 

RANGER PARTICIPANTS BY AFFILIATION 

~~ 

Gamma Exposure (Roentgens1 

Service 

Army 14 14 0.871 

Navy 3 2 4.265 

Marine Corps 1 1 0.820 

Air Force 202 4 0.062 

Scientific Personnel, Contractors, and Affiliates I 42 1 42 1 0.618

TOTAL 

Table 5-2: DISTRIBUTION OF GAMMA RADIATION EXPOSURES FOR ARMY 

PERSONNEL AND AFFILIATES, OPERATION RANGER 

Personnel Gamma Exposure (Roentgens) Personnel Identified Gamma - Units 

Identified 

by Name 

by Name and 

by Film Badge 

-

.l-1.0 1.0-3.0 3.0-5.0 -5.0+

Army Chemical Center 2 2 0.220 0 2 0 0 0 

Armed Forces Special Weapons Project 1 1 0.900 0 1 0 0 0 

Camp Lee, VA 1 1 0.330 0 1 0 0 0 

Corps of Engineers, Fort Belvoir. VA 1 1 1.900 0 0 1 0 0 

Evans Signal Laboratory 1 1 0.360 1 0 0 0 

Los Alarnos Scientific Laboratory 2 2 1 0 0 0 

Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory 1 1 0.1 40 1 0 0 0 

Office Chief of Engineers 4 4 1.740 1 2 1 0 

Office of the Surgeon General 1 1 0.360 -

1 0 0 -

0

- TOTAL 14 14 1 

-

9 -0

77 
Table 5-3: DISTRIBUTION OF GAMMA RADIATION EXPOSURES FOR NAVY 

PERSONNEL AND AFFILIATES, OPERATION RANGER 

Personnel Average Gamma Exposure (Roentgens) Gamma Identified Personnel 

by Name and Identified Exposure

Units by Film Badge by Name (Roentgens) <.l .l-1.0 1.0-3.0 3.0-5.0 5.0+

Armed Forces Special Weapons Project 1 1 5.320 0 0 0 0 1 

Joint Task Force 7 1 1 3.210 0 0 0 1 0 

Observers 1 0 

TOTAL 3 2 4.265 0 0 0 1 1 

fable 5-4: DISTRIBUTION OF GAMMA RADIATION EXPOSURES FOR MARINE 

CORPS PERSONNEL AND AFFILIATES, OPERATION RANGER 

Personnel Average Gamma Exposure (Roentgens) Gamma Identified Personnel 

by and Name Identified Exposure

Units by Name by Film Badge (Roentgens) <.l .l-1.0 1.0-3.0 3.0-5.0 5.0+ 

US. Navy Administrative Unit, Sandia Base, NM 1 1 0.820 0 1 0 0 0 

TOTAL 1 1 0.820 0 1 0 0 0 
Table 5-5: DISTRIBUTION OF GAMMA RADIATION EXPOSURES FORAIRFORCE 

PERSONNEL AND AFFILIATES, OPERATION RANGER 

Units 

~ ~ ~~ 

Air Force Cambridge Research Center 

Air Research and Development Command 

Air Weather Service 

Special Weapons Command 

7th Aviation Squadron 

9th Weather Squadron 

55th Reconnaissance Squadron Weather 

57th Reconnaissance Squadron 

301st Bombardment Wing 

330th Bombardment Squadron 

373rd Reconnaissance Squadron WLR) Weather 

374th Reconnaissance Squadron (VLR) Weather 

51 3th Reconnaissance Squadron (VLR) Weather 

550th Aviation Squadron 

1009th Special Weapons Squadron 

11 31st Special Activity Squadron 

2059th Air Weather Wing (DETI 

2060th Mobile Weather Squadron 

31 71 st Electronics Group 

3595th Pilot Training Wing 

4901 st Support Wing (A) 

4914th Flight Operations Squadron 

4925th Special Weapons Group 

4950th Test Group (N) 

Unknown * 

TOTAL 

Personnel 

Identified 

by Name 

1 

1 

1 

5 

1 

15 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

33 

47 

1 

5 

1 

5 

29 

1 

15 

1 

4 

7 

1 

23 

202 

Personnel 

Identified 

by Name and 

by Film Badge 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

3 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

4 

Average 

Gamma 

Exposure 

(Roentgens) 

0.076 

0.020 

0.062 

Gamma Exposure (Roentgens) 

.l-1.0 3.0-5.0 

0 

-

0

-

0 

-

5.0+ 

-

0

-

0 ~ ~~ ~~ 

* Unit information is unavailable. 

79 

0 
Table 5-6: DISTRIBUTION OF GAMMA RADIATION EXPOSURES FOR SCIENTIFIC 

PERSONNEL, CONTRACTORS, AND AFFILIATES, OPERATION 

RANGER 

Personnel Average Gamma Exposure (Roentgens1 

Units by Name 

by Name 

by Film Ba

and 

dge 

Gamma 

Identified Exposure

(Roentgens) 

Identified 

<.l 

Personnel 

.l-1.0 1.0-3.0 3.0-5.0 5.0+ 

DOD Civilians 42 42 0.618 9 27 6 0 0 

TOTAL 42 42 0.618 9 27 6 0 0 
P u r p o s eo f Test: 

DOD Obj ective : 

Weather: 

Radiation Data: 

Participants : 

SHOTABLE SYNOPSIS 

AEC TEST SERIES: RANGER 

DOD EXERCISE: None 

DATE/TIME:

YIELD: 

2 7J a n u a r y 

1 kiloton 

1951, 0545 hours 

HEIGHT OF BURST: 1,060feetaboveground 

To test n u c l e a rd e v i c ed e s i g n s proposed for 

Operation GREENHOUSE. 

To collect data on the effectsof gamma and 

thermal r a d i a t i o nf r o m a n u c l e a rd e t o n a t i o n . 

At shot-time, t h et e m p e r a t u r e at the surface 

was -2.0' C, t h er e l a t i v eh u m i d i t y was 73 

p e r c e n t ,a n dt h ea t m o s p h e r i cp r e s s u r e was 

13.1 psi. The s u r f a c ew i n d s were nearly 

calm. Winds were 18 k n o t sf r o mt h e west at 

10,000 feetand 30 knots from the west at 

20,000feet. 

The i n i t i a lg r o u n ds u r v e yf o u n d that onsite 

radiationgreaterthan 0.03 R/h was 

confined to an area 460 meters f r o mg r o u n d 

z e r o ,r e a c h i n g a maximum i n t e n s i t yo f 0.75 R/h 

n e a rg r o u n dz e r o .I n t e n s i t i e se x c e e d i n g 

b a c k g r o u n dr a d i a t i o n were d e t e c t e d3 , 2 0 0 

meters from ground zero. 

S p e c i a lW e a p o n s Command; Headquarters, USAF; 

Army C o r p so fE n g i n e e r s ; Air Weather Service; 

O f f i c eo ft h eQ u a r t e r m a s t e rG e n e r a l , Army; 

Office of t h eS u r g e o nG e n e r a l ,A r m y ;S t r a t e g i c 

Air Command; Air Training Command; Air 

R e s e a r c ha n dD e v e l o p m e n t Command; Air Force 

Cambridge Research L a b o r a t o r y ;S a n t aF e 

O p e r a t i o n sO f f i c e ; Los Alamos Scientific 

L a b o r a t o r y ;S a n d i aC o r p o r a t i o n ; EG&G; Atomic 

E n e r g yC o m m i s s i o n . 

81 
CHAPTER 6 

SHOT ABLE 

Shot ABLE, the first nuclear test of Operation HANGER, was 

detonated on 27 January 1951 at 0545 hours Pacific Standard Time 

in Frenchman Flat at UTM coordinates 923758. ABLE, a developmental device designed by the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, 

was airdropped from a B-50 aircraft flying 19,700 feet above the 

ground.* The device, which detonated 1,060 feet above the terrain, had a yield of one kiloton (15; 17). 

At shot-time, the temperature at the surface was -2.0 

degrees Celsius, and the winds at the surface were nearly calm. 

At 10,000feet, winds were 18 knots fromthe west, and at 20,000 

feet, winds were 30 knots from the west. The top of the nuclear 

cloud reached an altitude of 17,000 feet and moved east from the 

point of detonation (17). 

The Scientific Tests Section, part of the AEC Test Group, 

fielded eight experiments at Shot ABLE. Twelve DOD participants 

took part in these experiments. An estimated 246 Air Force 

personnel engaged in air support. The Radiological Safety 

Section, part of the AEC Test Group, included the following 

personnel: one civilian and four officers from the Army Corps of 

Engineers, two officers from the Army Medical Corps, one Army 

officer and one Air Force enlisted man from LASL, and one officer 

whose service branch is unknown. An additional 86 Air Force 

participants were involved in communications security for the 

Security Group and in weather support for the Meteorology 

Section, discussed in chapter 3. Military and civilian officials 

took part in a program for observers, also discussed in chapter 3 

(19; 28; 30). 

*Ground zero at Frenchman Flat was 3,140 feet above mean sea 

level. 

82 
6.1 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PARTICIPATION IN SCIENTIFIC 

TESTS SECTION ACTIVITIES AT SHOT ABLE 

Department of Defense personnel took part in eight of the 16 

experiments fielded by the Scientific Tests Section at Shot ABLE. 

This section details DOD participation in five of these 

experiments: Protection Afforded by Field Fortifications against 

Gamma Radiation from an Air-burst Atomic Bomb, Thermal Effects 

Program, Thermal and Ionizing Radiation Measurements, Analysis of 

Fireball Growth at RANGER, and Gamma Radiation Exposure as a 

Function of Distance. Two of the remaining three experiments, 

Radiochemical Results and Fractionation of Cloud Particles by 

Shearing Winds, were primarily LASL projects. The cloud-sampling 

aircraft discussed in section 6.2, Air Support Activities, 

provided support for these experiments. The final experiment, 

Atmospheric Conditions and Their Effects on Atomic Clouds at the 

Nevada Test Site, was conducted by the Air Weather Service 

following Operation RANGER to analyze weather data collected for 

ABLE and the other RANGER shots. Chapter 3 includes information 

common to all of these experiments. 

Protection Afforded by Field Fortifications against Gamma 

Radiation from an Air-burst Atomic Bomb was conducted by the Army 

Chemical Center to determine the degree of shielding afforded 

against gamma radiation emitted by a nuclear airburst. The 

afternoon before the shot, two participants from the Army 

Chemical Center and one from the Army Corps of Engineers placed 

film packets in 11 of 14 fortifications. Figure 6-1 shows which 

positions were instrumented. These three men also placed four 

film packets at ground positions 370, 730, 1,100, and 1,460 

meters west of ground zero. The same DOD personnel retrieved the 

film packets, completing recovery by 1100 hours on shot-day (30). 

The Thermal Effects Program was conducted by the Office of 

the Quartermaster General (Army). The objective was to obtain 

83 
El 

lal 

B 

ffl 

Ground Zero 

I I I I I 

1,830 Meters 1,460 Meters 1,100 Meters 730 Meters 370 Meters 0 Meters 

Shaded positions were not instrumented 

A = Instrumented with film packets 

0= Proneshelters 

0 = Oneman foxhole 

0 = Two-man foxholes 

~~ ~~~~~~ ~ ~~ 

Figure 6-1: FIELD FORTIFICATIONS AT SHOT ABLE 

84 
data on the thermal hazard of a nuclear detonation to various 

materials and finishes (30). 

Before the detonation, the experiment's one participant 

placed test panels belonging to the Office of the Quartermaster 

General, Naval Material Laboratory, and National Bureau of 

Standards at the following distances from ground zero: 

Distance (meters) Agencies 

730 Quartermaster General 

910 Quartermaster General, 

Naval Material Laboratory,

National Bureau of Standards 

1,100 Quartermaster General, 

Naval Material Laboratory 

1,460 Quartermaster General, 

Naval Material Laboratory, 

National Bureau of Standards 

1,830 Quartermaster General 

2,290 Quartermaster General 

The participant also placed panels in the foxholes constructed 

for the gamma radiation experiment. He later recovered the 

panels (30). 

The third scientific experiment with DOD field participation 

was Thermal and Ionizing Radiation Measurements, performed by 

a civilian under contract to the Office of the Surgeon General 

(Army). The objectives were to (30): 

0 Collect data on the degree of biological burns 

produced by nuclear thermal radiation and 

correlate these data with flashburn experiments 

0 Determine the time rate of delivery of thermal 

radiation from the nuclear detonation. 

To obtain information for the first objective, the 

participant placed five plywood panels containing 14 different 

85 
textile fabrics at distances of 2,740,2,290, 1,830, 1,460, and 

1,280 meters west of ground zero. Each fabric test panel was 

exposed with a thermal radiation detector panel consisting of 

heat-sensitive paper and two grades of white paper on a plywood 

backing. The participant retrieved the panels after the shot 

area was declared safe for reentry (30). 

To obtain information for the second objective, the 

civilian placed a turntable coated with heat-sensitive paper 

1,460 meters northwest of ground zero. However, the turntable 

ran down before the detonation because of faulty timing (30). 

The ob-jective of Analysis of Fireball Growth, conducted by 

LASL, was to analyze the fireball growth and yield determination 

by studying film from cameras at photography stations 3.2 

kilometers southeast and northeast of ground zero. A special 

LASL group, consisting of three civilian employees and one Army, 

one Navy, and one Air Force participant, retrieved film from the 

photography stations after ABLE and returned it to LASL for 

analysis (19; 28). 

Gamma Radiation Exposure as a Function of Distance was 

conducted by the Sandia Corporation. To measure gamma radiation 

at different distances during and immediately following a nuclear 

detonation, 41 film badges were placed at 90-meter intervals from 

ground zero along the West Access Road and the South Access Road. 

One film badge was positioned at ground zero. To measure 

residual neutron-induced activity, film badges were also placed 

in lead cylinders with 10-centimeter-thick walls along the West 

Access Road 270, 550, 820, 1,100, and 1,370 meters from ground 

zero. To measure the fraction of initial gamma radiation 

reaching the film badges, the badges were placed in "mousetrap 

gadgets" (devices designed to shield the film badges from 

residual radiation) 460, 910, and 1,830 meters from ground zero 

along the West Access Road (30). 

86 
Personnel began recovering film badges within one to two 

hours after the shot and finished within five to six hours. 

Military personnel assisting in the placement and recovery of the 

film badges included one Navy participant from Field Command, 

AFSWP; one Navy participant from LASL; and one participant from 

the Army Corps of Engineers. Three Sandia Corporation employees 

also took part in the experiment (28; 30; 34). 

Specific details regarding personnel activities during this 

experiment have not been documented, but one report states that 

the Navy participant from Field Command, AFSWP, placed and 

retrieved film badges 370 and 730 meters from ground zero along 

the West Access Road (34). 

6.2 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PARTICIPATION IN AIR SUPPORT 

SECTION ACTIVITIES AT SHOT ABLE 

The Special Weapons Command and Headquarters, USAF, both 

with air control centers at Nellis AFB, Nevada, directed air 

support missions at Shot ABLE. SWC directed and conducted the 

airdrop, the emergency aircraft mission, the courier service, and 

the helicopter support of the aerial surveys conducted by the 

Radiological Safety Section. SAC conducted the SWC photography 

mission. Headquarters, USAF, persannel supervised the cloud 

sampling, cloud tracking, and, along with SWC, the aerial 

surveys. They also coordinated activities associated with the 

Atomic Energy Detection System. The Air Weather Service provided 

most of the aircraft and crews for air missions supervised by 

Headquarters, USAF. 

SWC support missions involved eight aircraft and an 

estimated 122 SWC personnel. Of these personnel, 56 were air 

crew and emergency team members, while the others were ground 

crew members, radiological safety monitors, air operations 

control personnel, and administrative staff. Headquarters, USAF, 

87 
test and support missions involved 11 aircraft and an estimated 

124 Air Force personnel. Of these personnel, an estimated 57 

were aircraft crew members, while the others were ground crew 

personnel, radiological safety monitors, air operations control 

personnel, and administrative staff (2-3; 4; 13; 25; 38). Table 

6-1 identifies the aircraft and the estimated numbers of DOD 

personnel engaged in air support activities. 

6.2.1 Delivery 

A B-50 aircraft delivered the ABLE nuclear device. Two 

other aircraft, a B-50 and a C-47, accompanied the drop aircraft 

for the purpose of documentary photography and emergency 

assistance, respectively. 

The B-50 drop aircraft, with a crew of 11 from the 4925th 

Special Weapons Group, left Kirtland AFB at 0115 hours on shotday and flew at an altitude of 14,000feet to Indian Springs AFB. 

Upon reaching the Indian Springs area, the aircraft descended to 

10,000feet and proceeded to the north of ground zero. At 0350 

hours, the crew began inserting the nuclear capsule into the 

device, completing this task at 0434. The aircraft then climbed 

to its bombing height of 19,700 feet. It completed its first 

practice run at 0507 and its second practice run at 0520. At 

0527, the bomb-bay doors were opened, and at 0534, the B-50 began 

its bombing run. At exactly 0544:05 hours, the device was 

released. The B-50 then returned to Kirtland AFB, arriving at 

0750 hours (3-4). 

The B-50 documentary photography aircraft, with a crew of 11 

from SAC, left Kirtland AFB at 0105, ten minutes before the drop 

aircraft. It accompanied the drop aircraft to the NPG, maintaining an altitude of 16,000feet. During the practice and 

bombing runs, the photography aircraft remained five to six 

kilometers behind and 2,000feet above the drop aircraft. After 

88 
Aircraft 

Table 6-1: SUMMARY OF AIR SUPPORT ACTIVITIES, SHOT ABLE

Mission 

Airdrop 

Cloud 

Sampling 

Cloud 

Tracking 

Aerial 

Surveying 

Courier 

Service 

AEDS 

*Unknown 

Type of 

Aircraft 

B-50 

B-50 

c-47 

B-29 

B-29 

B-29 

H-13 

H-19 

c-47 

B-17 

B-25 

B-29 

B-29 

Number 

1 

1 

1 

2 

of Unit 

of Origin 

4925th Special 

Weapons Group 

SAC 

4925th Special 

Weapons Group 

374th Recon 

Squadron(VLR) 

Weather 

3 7 4 t hR e c o n 

Squadron(VLR) 

Weather 

374th Recon 

Squadron (VLR) 

Weather 

4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a l 

WeaponsGroup 

4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a l 

Weapons Group 

Air Weather 

Service 

Cambridge

Research' 

Laboratory 

4 9 0 1 s tS u p p o r t 

Wing (Atomic) 

Air Weather 

Service 

Air Weather 

Service 

Estimated 

Staging DOD 

Base Personnel 

Kirtland AFB 11 

Kirtland AFB 11 

Kirtland AFB 14 

Nellis AFB 20 

Nellis AFB 11 

McClellan AFR 11 

AEC Control 2 

Point 

AEC Control 3 

Point 

Nellis AFB 6 

Nellis AFB 9 

I n d i a nS p r i n g s 15 

AFB 

Barksdale AFB, 60 

Robins AFB 

Air Force bases * 

in Alaska, Guam, 

J a p a n ,a n dS a u d i 

Arabia 

89 
completing its photography assignment, it returned to Kirtland 

AFB, arriving there at 0745 hours (3-4). 

The C-47 emergency aircraft, with a crew of four and a 

disaster team of ten from the 4925th Special Weapons Squadron, 

left Kirtland AFB at 0117 hours, two minutes after the drop 

aircraft. It followed the drop aircraft at an altitude of 12,000 

feet to the vicinity of Las Vegas, where it descended to 10,000 

feet and flew a holding pattern until the drop aircraft had 

completed its mission. The C-47 then returned to Kirtland AFB, 

arriving at 0823 hours (3-4). 

6.2.2 Cloud Sampling 

Cloud sampling was performed in conjunction with two 

Scientific Tests Section experiments, Radiochemical Results and 

Fractionation of Cloud Particles by Shearing Winds. To support 

these experiments, two B-29 cloud samplers, each with a crew Of 

ten from the 374th Reconnaissance Squadron (Very Long Range) 

Weather, left Nellis AFB at 0245 and 0250 hours, respectively. 

Each aircraft penetrated the cloud several times. The' first 

aircraft completed its initial cloud penetration two hours after 

the detonation and continued its sampling runs for about50 

minutes. The second aircraft made passes through the cloud for 

approximately one hour to obtain its samples (6;13; 20; 25; 38). 

6.2.3 Cloud Tracking 

Two B-29 aircraft flew cloud-tracking missions over and 

beyond the Nevada Proving Ground. One B-29, with a crew of 11 

from the 374th Reconnaissance Squadron (Very Long Range) Weather, 

left Nellis AFB at 0350 hours to track the cloud and returned to 

base within 12 hours. A second B-29, also with a crew of 11 from 

the 374th Reconnaissance Squadron (Very Long Range) Weather, 

replaced the first B-29, which was starting to run low on fuel. 

It left from and returned to McClellan AFB (6; 13; 20; 25; 38). 

90 
6.2.4 Aerial Surveys 

Aerial survey aircraft at Shot ABLE included one SWC helicopter that monitored the area immediately around ground zero and 

another that performed courier service. In addition, a C-47 and 

a B-17 aircraft surveyed both onsite and offsite areas. The C-47 

left Nellis AFB at 0750 hours with a crew of six from the Air 

Weather Service. The R-17 left Nellis AFB at 0755, with a crew 

of nine from the Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratory (6). 

The SWC H-19 helicopter, with a crew of three from the 

4925th Special Weapons Group, made three postshot trips to the 

ground zero area to monitor the area and to retrieve scientific 

data. On its first trip, the helicopter left the AEC Control 

Point at 0559 and returned at 0618 hours. The H-19 helicopter 

began its second trip to the ground zero area at 0625 and 

returned to the Control Point at 0719. Its third trip started at 

0800 and was completed at 0812. At 1027, the H-19 left for 

Indian Springs AFB carrying scientific data for the B-25 courier 

aircraft; it arrived at 1045 hours. The SWC H-13 helicopter did 

not fly any aerial survey missions at ABLE, but was instead 

assigned to deliver scientific data to the courier aircraft at 

Indian Springs AFB, leaving the Control Point at 1010 and 

arriving at the base at 1031. The H-13 had a crew of two from 

the 4925th Special Weapons Group (4). 

6.2.5 Courier Service 

After the sampling missions had been completed, three B-25 

aircraft left Indian Springs AFB on shot-day to deliver cloud 

samples, instrumentation, and other results from the scientific 

experiments to Kirtland AFB for later transport to LASL via 

commercial contract carrier. The couriers aboard these aircraft 

were LASL civilians, and the aircrews were from the 4901st Air 

Support Wing (2-4). 
The first B-25, with a crew of fiveand a LASL courier 

o n b o a r d ,l e f tI n d i a nS p r i n g s AFB for the F r e n c h m a nF l a tl a n d i n g 

strip at 0623. It reached F r e n c h m a nF l a t at 0640, p i c k e du p 

scientific s a m p l e s ,i n s t r u m e n t a t i o n ,a n dd a t a ,a n d left Frenchman 

Flat at 0659 for Kirtland AFB, arriving at 0905 hours (3-4). 

The secondB-25, with a crew of fiveand a LASL courier, 

left I n d i a nS p r i n g s AFB for the F r e n c h m a nF l a tl a n d i n gs t r i p at 

0652. It r e a c h e dF r e n c h m a nF l a t at 0708, p i c k e du ps c i e n t i f i c 

s a m p l e sa n d materials, and left F r e n c h m a nF l a t at 0742 for 

Kirtland AFB, arriving there at 0951 hours (3-4). 

The third B-25, with a crew of fiveand a LASL courier, left 

I n d i a nS p r i n g s AFB for Nellis AFB at 1040 a n da r r i v e d there at 

1102. A f t e rr e c e i v i n gc l o u ds a m p l e s from Headquarters, USAF, 

personnel, it left f o rK i r t l a n d AFB at 1140, arriving at 1331 

hours (3-4). 

6.3 RADIATION PROTECTION .AT SHOT ABLE 

The i n f o r m a t i o na v a i l a b l e for Shot ABLE includes results of 

o n s i t ea n do f f s i t er a d i o l o g i c a lm o n i t o r i n ga n dd e c o n t a m i n a t i o n 

procedures. 

Monitoring 

The i n i t i a lg r o u n ds u r v e yb e g a n almost immediately after the 

shot and was c o n d u c t e db y a team of t h r e e ,e q u i p p e dw i t h a 

two-way r a d i oa n d alpha, b e t a ,a n d gamma survey meters. Monitors 

firstencountered gamma r a d i a t i o ni n t e n s i t i e se x c e e d i n gb a c k -

ground level at about 3,200 meters west of ground zero. They 

t h e nt o o kr a d i a t i o nr e a d i n g s at 460-meter i n t e r v a l sa n dr a d i o e d 

the results to the C o n t r o lP o i n t . At 460 meters from ground 

z e r o ,t h e yd e t e c t e d a gamma intensity of 0.03 R/h. From this 

p o i n t ,t h e yt o o kr a d i a t i o nr e a d i n g s at 90-meter intervals. 

M o n i t o r sf o u n d a maximumgamma i n t e n s i t yo f 0.75 R/h n e a rg r o u n d , , 

92 
zero about 90 minutes after the shot (16). They did not detect 

alpha radiation at any location. Figure 6-2 shows a reconstructed isointensity map based on this initial survey (17). 

Because there were not enough monitors, subsequent ground 

surveys in the shot area were unsystematic and uncoordinated. 

Only a few radiation measurements were taken in the shot area 

after the initial survey was completed. These measurements 

indicated that induced radioactivity in the area around ground 

zero had a half-life of about eight hours (16). 

Offsite ground monitoring teams concentrated their efforts 

in the area east of ground zero, because the Shot ABLE cloud had 

drifted in that direction. The maximum gamma intensity 

encountered by any monitoring team was 0.0002 R/h, only slightly 

greater than the normal background level (16; 34). Two aircraft, 

a C-47 and a B-17, conducted offsite aerial surveys upto about 

320 kilometers from ground zero. Neither aircraft encountered 

any detectable radiation intensities (16). 

Decontamination 

Onsite personnel were monitored at the decontamination 

center about 30 meters from the Control Point. No significant 

contamination was found on participants, but some of the 

protective booties they were wearing showed gamma intensities of 

0.006 R/h (16). 

Vehicles were decontaminated at the same location. Decontamination personnel found that the areas most contaminated were 

the running boards, floorboards, tires, and mudguards. The 

highest intensity encountered at any of these locations was 0.03 

R/h. In all cases, vacuuming and washing reduced the radioactivity to less than 0.007 R/h (16). 

93 
N 

. 

. 

. 

0 

0 

Urn 

Meters 

I 

Figure 6-2: RECONSTRUCTED ISOINTENSITY MAP OF ABLE, 

ONE HOUR AFTER DETONATION 

94 
The crews of the two B-29 sampling aircraft were monitored 

for radiation at Nellis AFB. Decontamination personnel found an 

average of 0.2 to 0.3 R/h of gamma radiation on some of the crew 

members. Showering and a change of clothing removed the contamination. 

The sampling aircraft were also monitored at Nellis AFB. 

Decontamination personnel detected average gamma intensities of 

0.73 and 0.16 R/h on the aircraft immediately after landing. The 

first washing reduced the'se levels to 0.045 and 0.01 R/h, 

respectively. The final washing further reduced the radioactivity to 0.017 and 0.004 R/h, respectively. The washing 

effluent was allowed to run off the ramp into the desert sand. 

Decontamination procedures removed over 95 percent of the 

radiation on the aircraft (31; 38). 

95 
Purpose of Test: 

DOD Objective: 

Weather: 

Radiation Data: 

Participants: 

SHOT BAKER SYNOPSIS 

AEC TEST SERIES: RANGER 

DOD EXERCISE: None 

DATE/TIME:

YIELD: 

28 January 1951, 0552 hours 

8 kilotons 

HEIGHT OF BURST: 1,080feet above ground 

To test nuclear device designs proposed for 

Operation GREENHOUSE. 

To collect data on the effects of gamma and 

thermal radiation from a nuclear detonation. 

At shot-time, the temperature at the surface 

was -2.8' C, the relative humidity was 87 

percent, and the atmospheric pressure was 

13.04 psi. The winds were six knots from the 

south-southwest at the surface, 13 knots from 

the west at 10,000 feet, and 33 knots from the 

west-northwest at 30,000 feet. 

Soon after the detonation, onsite induced 

activity greater than 0.3 R/h was confined to 

an area 460 meters from ground zero; 

intensities climbed to 16.0 R/h within 90 

meters of ground zero. Lighter activity, 

ranging from 0.0001 R/h to 0.3 R/h, was 

confined to an area 3,200 to 460 meters from 

ground zero. 

Special Weapons Command;Headquarters,USAF; 

Army Corps of Engineers; Air Weather Service; 

Office of the Quartermaster General, Army;

Office of the Surgeon General, Army; Strategic 

Air Command; Air Training Command; Air 

Research and Development Command; Air Force 

Cambridge Research Laboratory; Santa Fe 

Operations Office; Los Alamos Scientific 

Laboratory; Sandia Corporation; EG&G; Atomic 

Energy Commission. 

96 
CHAPTER 7 

SHOT BAKER 

Shot BAKER, the second nuclear test of Operation RANGER, was 

detonated on 28 January 1951 at 0552 hours Pacific Standard Time 

in Frenchman Flat at UTM coordinates 923758. BAKER, a developmental device designed by the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, 

was airdropped from a B-50 aircraft flying 19,700 feet above 

the ground. The device, which detonated 1,080 feet above the 

terrain, had a yield of eight kilotons (15; 17). 

At shot-time, the temperature at the surface was -2.8 

degrees Celsius, and the surface winds were from the southsouthwest at six knots. Winds were 13 knots from the west at 

10,000 feet, 23 knots from the west-northwest at 20,000 feet, and 

33 knots from the west-northwest at 30,000 feet. The top of the 

cloud resulting from Shot BAKER reached an altitude of 35,000 

feet and moved southeast from the point of detonation (17). 

The Scientific Tests Section fielded seven experiments at 

Shot BAKER. Eleven DOD participants took part in these 

experiments. An estimated 236 Air Force personnel engaged in air 

support for BAKER. The Radiological Safety Section included the 

following personnel: one civilian and four officers from the 

Army Corps of Engineers, two officers from the Army Medical 

Corps, one Army officer and one Air Force enlisted man from LASL, 

and one officer whose service affiliation is unknown. An 

additional 86 Air Force participants were involved in 

communications security for the Security Group and in weather 

support for the Meteorology Section, discussed in chapter 3. 

Military and civilian officials took part in a program for 

observers, also discussed in chapter 3 (19;28;30). 

97 
7.1 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PARTICIPATION IN SCIENTIFIC 

TESTS SECTION ACTIVITIES AT SHOT BAKER 

Department of Defense personnel took part in seven of the 15 

scientific experiments conducted by the Scientific Tests Section 

at Shot BAKER. This section details DOD participation in four of 

these experiments: Protection Afforded by Field Fortifications 

against Gamma Radiation from an Air-burst Atomic Bomb, Thermal 

Effects Program, Analysis of Fireball Growth at RANGER, and Gamma 

Radiation Exposure as a Function of Distance. Two of the 

remaining three experiments, Radiochemical Results and Fractionation of Cloud Particles by Shearing Winds, were primarily LASL 

pro,jects. The cloud-sampling aircraft discussed in section 7.2, 

Air Support Activities, provided support for these experiments. 

The final experiment, Atmospheric Conditions and Their Effects on 

Atomic Clouds at the Nevada Test Site, was conducted by the Air 

Weather Service following Operation RANGER to analyze weather 

data collected for BAKER and other RANGER shots. Chapter 3 

includes information common to all of these experiments. 

Protection Afforded by Field Fortifications against Gamma 

Radiation from an Air-burst Atomic Bomb was conducted to 

determine the protection afforded against gamma radiation emitted 

by a nuclear airburst. The afternoon before the shot, two 

participants from the Army Chemical Center and one from the Army 

Corps of Engineers placed film packets in 11 of 14 fortifications. 

In addition, they placed one LASL neutron detector in each of 

three foxholes. Figure 7-1 shows the instrumented foxholes. The 

three men also placed four film packets at ground positions 370, 

730, 1,100, and 1,460 meters west of ground zero. After the area 

was opened for recovery, the three personnel began retrieving the 

film packets. They completed recovery by 0912 hours (30). 

98 
NP 

lral 

@ Ground Zero 

I 1 1 I I 1 

1,830 Meters 1,460 Meters 1,100 Meters 730 Meters 370 Meters 0 Meters 

Shaded positions were not instrumented 

A = Instrumented with film packets 

* = Instrumented with gold-foil neutron detector 

0= Prone shelters 

0 = Oneman foxhole 

0= Tweman foxholes 

Figure 7-1: FIELD FORTIFICATIONS AT SHOT BAKER 

99 
The Thermal Effects Program was conducted by the Office of 

the Quartermaster General (Army). The objective was to obtain 

data on the thermal hazard of a nuclear detonation to various 

materials and finishes (30). 

Before the detonation, the experiment's one participant 

placed test panels belonging to the Office of the Quartermaster 

General, Naval Material Laboratory, and National Bureau of 

Standards at the following distances from ground zero: 

Distance (meters) Agencies 

1,100 Quartermaster General 

1,460 Quartermaster General, 

Naval Material Laboratory, 

National Bureau of Standards 

1,830 Quartermaster General, 

Naval Material Laboratory,

National Bureau of Standards 

2,290 Quartermaster General, 

Naval Material Laboratory, 

National Bureau of Standards 

2,740 Quartermaster General 

3,660 Quartermaster General 

4,570 Quartermaster General 

The participant retrieved the panels after the area was opened 

for recovery operations (30). 

Analysis of Fireball Growth was conducted by LASL. The 

objective was to analyze the fireball growth and yield 

determination by studying film from cameras at photography 

stations 3.2 kilometers southeast and northeast of ground zero. 

A special LASL group, consisting of three civilian employees and 

one Army, one Navy, and one Air Force participant, retrieved film 

from the photography stations after BAKER and returned it to LASL 

for analysis (19; 28). 

100 
Gamma Radiation Exposure as a Function of Distance was 

conducted by the Sandia Corporation. To measure gamma radiation 

at different distances during and immediately following a nuclear 

detonation, 41 film badges were placed at 90-meter intervals from 

ground zero along the West Access Road and the South Access Road. 

One film badge was positioned at ground zero. To measure 

residual neutron-induced activity, film badges were also placed 

in lead cylinders with 10-centimeter-thick walls along the West 

Access Road 270, 550, 820, 1,100, and 1,370 meters from ground 

zero. To measure the fraction of initial gamma radiation 

reaching the film badges, the badges were placed in "mousetrap 

gadgets" (devices designed to shield the film badges from 

residual radiation) 460, 910, and 1,830 meters from ground zero 

along the West Access Road (30). 

Personnel began recovering film badges within one to two 

hours after the detonation and finished within five to six hours. 

Military personnel assisting in the placement and recovery of the 

film badges included one Navy participant from Field Command, 

AFSWP; one Navy participant from LASL; and one participant from 

the Army Corps of Engineers. Three Sandia Corporation employees 

also took part in the experiment (28; 30; 34). 

Specific details regarding personnel activities during this 

experiment at BAKER have not been documented, but one report 

states that the Navy participant from Field Command, AFSWP, 

placed and retrieved film badges 370 and 730 meters from ground 

zero along the West Access Road (34). 

7.2 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PARTICIPATION IN AIR SUPPORT 

SECTION ACTIVITIES AT SHOT BAKER 

The Special Weapons Command and Headquarters, USAF, both 

with air control centers at Nellis AFB, Nevada, directed air 

support missions at Shot BAKER. SWC directed and conducted the 

101 
airdrop, the emergency aircraft mission, the courier service, and 

the helicopter support of the aerial surveys condllcted by the 

Radiological Safety Section. SAC conducted the SWC photography 

mission. Headquarters, USAF, personnel directed the cloud 

sampling, cloud tracking, and, along with SWC, the aerial 

surveys. They also coordinated activities associated with the 

Atomic Energy Detection System, The Air Weather :iei+v:i.ceprovided 

most of the aircraft and crews for air missions supervised by 

Headquarters, Air Force. 

Swc support missions involved eight aircraft and an estimated 122 SWC personnel. Of these personnel, 56 were aircrew and 

engineering team members and the others were ground crew 

personnel, radiological safety monitors, air operations control 

personnel, and administrative staff. Headquarters, USAF, support 

missions involved ten aircraft and an estimated 114 Air Force 

personnel, of whom an estimated 47 were aircrew members, while 

the others were ground crew members, radiological safety 

monitors, air operations control personnel, and administrative 

staff (2-4; 13; 25; 38). Table 7-1 identifies the aircraft and 

the estimated numbers of DOD personnel engaged in air support 

activities. 

7.2.1 Delivery 

A B-50 aircraft delivered the BAKER nuclear device. Two 

other aircraft, a B-50and a C-47, accompanied the drop aircraft 

for the purpose of documentary photography and emergency 

assistance, respectively. 

The B-50 drop aircraft, with a crew of 11 from the 4925th 

Special Weapons Group, left Kirtland AFB at 0105 hours on shotday and flew at an altitude of 14,000feet to Indian Springs AFB. 

Upon reaching the Indian Springs area, the aircraft descended to 

10,000feet and proceeded to the north of ground zero. At 0342, 

102 
Table 7-1: SUMMARY OFAIR SUPPORT ACTIVITIES, SHOT BAKER

h l .:I' 2.~7 - . OKI

Airdrop 

Photograph y 

E;mer.-

gencv 

C1 oud 

Sampling 

Cloud 

Tracking 

Aerial 

Surveying 

Courier 

Service 

AEDS 

2'ype of' 

Ai.j*(:3-8 5'1-

13--fj!:) 

R-50 

(2-47 

B-29 

R-29 

B-29 

H-13 

H-19 

c-47 

B-17 

B-25 

B-29 

B-29 

Number of Staging Unit 

Aircraft of Origin 

1 4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a l 

WeaponsGroup 

1 SAC 

1 Special 4925th

Weapons Group 

1 374th Recon 

Squadron (VLK ) 

Weather 

374th Recon 

Squadron (VLH) 

Weather 

374th Hecon 

Squadron (VLR ) 

W ea1.;he 3-

4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a l 

WeaponsGroup 

4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a l 

WeaponsGroup 

Air Weather 

Service 

Cambridge 

Research 

Laboratory 

4 9 0 1 s tS u p p o r t 

Wing (Atomic) 

Air Weather 

Service 

Air Weather 

Service 

Estimated 

DOD 

Base Personnel 

Kirtland AFB 

Kirtland AFB 

Kirtland AFB 

Nellis AFB 

Nellis AFB 

McClellan AFB 

AEC Control 

Point 

AEC Control 

Point 

Nellis AFB 

Nellis AFB 

I n d i a nS p r i n g s 

AFB 

Barksdale AFB, 

Robins AFB 

Air F o r c eb a s e s 

in Alaska, Guam, 

J a p a n ,a n dS a u d i 

Arabia 

11 

11 

14 

10 

11 

11 

2 

3 

6 

9 

15 

60 

* 

*Unknown 

103 
the crew began inserting the nuclear capsule into the device, 

.completing this task at 0418. The aircraft then climbed to its 

bombing height of 19,700 feet. It completed its first practice 

run at 0447, its second practice run at 0508, and its third run 

at 0525 hours. At 0530, the bomb-bay doors were opened, and at 

0538, the B-50 began its bombing run. At exactly 0552:lO hours, 

the device was released. The B-50 then returned to Kirtland AFB, 

arriving at 0751 hours (3-4). 

The B-50 documentary photography aircraft, with a crew of 11 

from the Strategic Air Command, left Kirtland AFB at 0100, five 

minutes before the drop aircraft. It accompanied the drop 

aircraft to the NPG, maintaining an altitude of 163,000 feet. 

During the practice and bombing runs, the photography aircraft 

remained five to six kilometers behind and 2,000feet above the 

drop aircraft. After completing its photography assignment, it 

returned to Kirtland AFB, arriving there at 0753 hours (3-4). 

The C-47 emergency aircraft, with a crew of four and a 

disaster team of ten from the 4925th Special Weapons Squadron, 

left Kirtland AFB at 0107, two minutes after the drop aircraft. 

It followed the drop aircraft at an altitude of 12,000 feet to 

the vicinity of Las Vegas, where it descended to 10,000 feet and 

flew a holding pattern until the drop aircraft had completed its 

mission. The C-47 then returned to Kirtland AFB, arriving at 

0820 hours (3-4). 

7.2.2 CLOUD SAMPLING 

Cloud sampling was performed in conjunction with two 

Scientific Tests Section experiments, Radiochemical Results and 

Fractionation of Cloud Particles by Shearing Winds. To support 

these experiments, one B-29 cloud sampler, with a crew of ten 

from the 374th Reconnaissance Squadron (Very Long Range) Weather, 

left Nellis AFB at 0145. The aircraft penetrated the cloud 

104 
several times. It completed its first c l o u dp e n e t r a t i o na b o u t 

two hours after the BAKER d e t o n a t i o na n df i n i s h e d its sampling 

r u n si na p p r o x i m a t e l y 50 minutes (7; 13; 20; 25; 38). 

7.2.3 Cloud Tracking 

Two €3-29 aircraft flew cloud-trackingmissionsoverand 

b e y o n dt h eN e v a d aP r o v i n gG r o u n d . One B-29, with a crew of 11 

from t h e3 7 4 t hR e c o n n a i s s a n c eS q u a d r o n( V e r yL o n gR a n g e )W e a t h e r , 

left Nellis AFB at 0350 hours to t r a c kt h ec l o u da n dr e t u r n e d to 

b a s ew i t h i n1 2h o u r s . A s e c o n dB - 2 9 , also with a crew of 11 from 

t h e3 7 4 t hR e c o n n a i s s a n c eS q u a d r o n( V e r yL o n gR a n g e )W e a t h e r , 

replaced the first B-29,which was starting to run low o nf u e l . 

It left from a n dr e t u r n e d to McClellan AFB (7; 13; 2 0 ;2 5 ) . 

7.2.4 Aerial Surveys 

Aerial s u r v e y si n c l u d e dm o n i t o r i n g of the area immediately 

a r o u n dg r o u n d zero b yo n e SWC helicopter. The other swc aerials u r v e yh e l i c o p t e rp e r f o r m e do n l yc o u r i e rs e r v i c e at BAKER. In 

addition, a C-47 and a B-17 s u r v e y e db o t hO n s i t ea n d offsite 

areas. The C-47 left Nellis AFB at 0750 with a crew of six from 

the Air W e a t h e rS e r v i c e .T h e B-17 left Nellis AFB at 0755 hours 

with a crew ofnine from the Air F o r c eC a m b r i d g e Research Laboratory (7). 

The SWC H-19 helicopter, with a crew of three f r o mt h e 

4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a lW e a p o n sG r o u p , made two postshottrips to the 

ground zero area to m o n i t o ra n d to r e t r i e v es c i e n t i f i c data. Its 

first trip began at 0618, when the helicopter left the AEC 

C o n t r o lP o i n t . It arrived at the ground zero area at 0 6 2 5a n d 

returned to the C o n t r o lP o i n t at 0730 h o u r s .T h e H-19 began its 

s e c o n ds u r v e y at 0740 a n dr e t u r n e d to the C o n t r o lP o i n t at 0820 

h o u r s .I na d d i t i o n , the h e l i c o p t e rw e n t to I n d i a nS p r i n g s AFB to 

d e l i v e rd a t a to the courier aircraft. It left the C o n t r o lP o i n t 

105 
at 0946 a n dr e a c h e dI n d i a nS p r i n g s AFB at 1009. The SWC H-13 

aerial-surveyhelicopterdeliveredscientificdata to the courier 

aircraft at I n d i a nS p r i n g s AFR, leaving the C o n t r o lP o i n t at 0940 

a n da r r i v i n g at the base at 0959 hours. The 14-13 had a crew of 

two f r o mt h e4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a lW e a p o n s Group (4). 

7.2.5 C o u r i e rS e r v i c e 

After the s a m p l i n gm i s s i o n sh a db e e nc o m p l e t e d ,t h r e e B-25 

a i r c r a f tl e f tI n d i a nS p r i n g s AFB o ns h o t - d a y to d e l i v e rc l o u d 

s a m p l e s ,i n s t r u m e n t a t i o n ,a n d other r e s u l t sf r o mt h es c i e n t i f i c 

experiments to Kirtland AFB f o rs u b s e q u e n tt r a n s p o r t to LASL via 

commercial contract carrier. While the c o u r i e r sa b o a r d these 

aircraft were LASL civilians,the aircrews were from the 4901st 

Air Support Wing (2-4). 

The first B-25, with a crew o ff i v ea n d a LASL courier 

o n b o a r d ,l e f tI n d i a nS p r i n g s . AFB for the F r e n c h m a nF l a tl a n d i n g 

strip at 0645. It r e a c h e dF r e n c h m a nF l a t at 0 7 0 6 ,p i c k e du p 

scientific samples, i n s t r u m e n t a t i o n ,a n dd a t a ,a n dl e f tF r e n c h m a n 

Flat at 0709 forKirtland AFB, arriving at 0919 hours (3-4). 

The second B-25, carrying a crew of f i v ea n d a LASL courier, 

l e f tI n d i a nS p r i n g s AFB f o rt h eF r e n c h m a nF l a tl a n d i n gs t r i p at 

0705. It r e a c h e dF r e n c h m a nF l a t at 0721, p i c k e du p scientific 

s a m p l e sa n d materials, a n dl e f tF r e n c h m a nF l a t at 0803 for 

Kirtland AFB, arriving there at 1008 hours (3-4). 

The third B-25, with a crew of fiveand a LASL courier 

o n b o a r d ,l e f tI n d i a nS p r i n g s AFB for Nellis AFB at 1021 and 

arrived at 1040. A f t e rr e c e i v i n gc l o u d samples from p e r s o n n e lo f 

Headquarters, USAF, it left f o rK i r t l a n d AFB at 1134, arriving at 

1331 hours (3-4). 

106 
7.3 RADIATION PROTECTION AT SHOT RAKER 

The information available for Shot BAKER includes the 

results of onsite and offsite radiological monitoring and 

decontamination procedures. 

Monitoring 

The initial survey monitoring team entered the test area 

shortly after the detonation. The team took radiation readings 

initially at 1,600-meter intervals and radioed the results to the 

Control Point. About 3,200meters from ground zero, the team 

began reporting the readings at 460-meter intervals. After gamma 

radiation intensities of 0.01 R/h were found 1,350 meters from 

ground zero, the team began reporting its findings at 90-meter 

intervals and continued this to ground zero. Readings of 1.0 R/h 

were encountered about 300 meters from ground zero and a reading 

of 16.0 R/h was registered near ground zero (16). Figure 7-2 

shows a reconstructed isointensity map based on this initial 

survey. 

An aerial survey helicopter with another monitoring team 

entered the test area about one hour after the detonation. Gamma 

intensity at the camera station 3.2 kilometers southeast of 

ground zero was measured at background levels. The helicopter 

then circled ground zero at a height of 100 feet. The radiation 

intensity through the floor of the helicopter reached a maximum 

of 8.0 R/h (30). The helicopter monitoring team next took 

readings at the generator house, over three kilometers south of 

ground zero, and found gamma intensities of 0.015 R/h. 

Offsite monitoring was conducted by the same survey teams 

stationed offsite to monitor the previous shot, ABLE. Communications were poor between these teams and the cloud-tracking 

aircraft that was supposed to direct them to areas over which the 

Shot BAKER cloud passed. Therefore, the teams did not monitor 

offsite areas extensively. Through a limited survey, however, 

they found no gamma intensities exceeding 0.0002 R/h (16; 34). 

107 
P 

N 

0 

WW 

Meters 

D 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

.... 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

-0-.- 

. 

. 

. 

1.0 Rlh 

- - - 0.1 R/h 

.. . . 0.01 Rih 

Figure 7-2: RECONSTRUCTED ISOINTENSITY MAP OF BAKER, 

ONE HOUR AFTER DETONATION 

108 
Two aircraft, a C-47 and a B-17, conducted offsite aerial 

surveys out to about 320 kilometers from ground zero. Neither 

aircraft encountered radiation intensities above background 

levels (16). 

Decontamination 

Onsite personnel were monitored at the decontamination 

center about 30 meters from the Control Point. Radiological 

safety teams reported that no radioactive contamination remained 

on individuals after they had showered and changed into fresh 

clothing. Working at the same center, the personnel decontaminating vehicles reported gamma intensities of 0.03 R/h at 

Certain locations, particularly on running boards, tires, and 

mudguards. They found that other contaminated areas on the 

vehicles had much lower intensities. In all cases, they reduced 

the radioactivity to below 0.007 R/h by vacuuming and washing the 

vehicles with detergent and water (16). 

The B-29 sampler aircraft was decontaminated at Nellis AFB. 

The average gamma intensity registered on this aircraft after 

landing was 0.16 R/h. Decontamination personnel reduced the 

intensity to 0.02 R/h with two washings, but the radiation was 

still too high. After they washed the aircraft a third time, the 

gamma intensity was reduced to an acceptable level of 0.01 R/h. 

The washing effluent was allowed to run down the ramp into the 

desert sand. This procedure removed about 93 percent of the 

radiation on the aircraft (31; 38). 

109 
Purpose of Test: 

DOD Objective: 

Weather: 

Radiation Data: 

Participants: 

SHOT EASY SYNOPSIS 

AEC TEST SERIES: RANGER 

DOD EXERCISE: None 

DATE/TIME: 1 February 1951, 0547 hours 

YIELD: 1 kiloton 

HEIGHT OF BURST: 1,080 feet above ground 

To test nuclear device designs proposed for 

Operation GREENHOUSE. 

To collect data on the effects of gamma and 

thermal radiation from a nuclear detonation. 

At shot-time, the temperature at the surface 

was -11.5' C, the relative humidity was 89 

percent, and the atmospheric pressure was 

13.33 psi. The wind was two knots from the 

north at the surface and at the height of 

burst, increasing to ten knots from the 

north-northeast at 5,000feet, 26 knots from 

the north-northwest at 10,000feet, and 39 

knots from the north-northwest at 12,500 feet. 

One hour after the detonation, onsite induced 

activity greater than 0.01 R/h was confined to 

an area 500 meters from ground zero. A 

maximum radiation intensity of 0.55 R/h was 

detected at ground zero. Radiation readings 

of 0.005 R/h were measured 900 meters from 

ground zero. 

Special WeaponsCommand;Headquarters,USAF; 

Army Corps of Engineers; Air Weather Service; 

Office of the Quartermaster General, Army; 

Office of the Surgeon General, Army; Strategic 

Air Command; Air Training Command; Air 

Research and Development Command; Air Force 

Cambridge Research Laboratory; Santa Fe 

Operations Off ice ; Los Alamos Scientific 

Laboratory; Sandia Corporation; EG&G; Atomic 

Energy Commission. 

110 
CHAPTER 8 

SHOT EASY 

Shot EASY, the third nuclear test of Operation RANGER, was 

detonated on 1 February 1951 at 0547 hours Pacific Standard Time 

in Frenchman Flat at UTM coordinates 923758. EASY, a developmental device designed by the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, 

was airdropped from a B-50 aircraft flying at a height of 19,700 

feet above ground. The device, which detonated 1,080feet above 

the terrain, had a yield of one kiloton (15; 17). 

At shot-time, the temperature at the surface was -11.5 

degrees Celsius. Winds were two knots from the north at the 

surface and at the height of burst. They were ten knots from the 

north-northeast at 5,000 feet, 26 knots from the north-northwest 

at 10,000 feet, and 39 knots from the north-northwest at 12,500 

feet. The top of the Shot EASY cloud reached an altitude of 

12,500 feet and moved southeast from the point of detonation. 

There was no detectable offsite fallout(17). 

The Scientific Tests Section fielded eight experiments at 

Shot EASY. Twelve DOD participants took part in these 

experiments. An estimated 246 Air Force personnel engaged in air 

support activities. The Radiological Safety Section, part of the 

AEC Test Group, included the following personnel: one civilian 

and four officers from the Army Corps of Engineers, two officers 

from the Army Medical Corps, one Army officer and one Air Force 

enlisted man from LASL, and one officer whose service affiliation 

is unknown. Eighty-six Air Force participants were involved in 

communications security for the Security Group and in Weather 

Support for the Meteorology Section, discussed in chapter 3. 

Military and civilian officals took part in a program for 

observers, also discussed in chapter 3 (19; 28; 30). 

111 
8.1 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PARTICIPATION IN SCIENTIFIC 

TESTS SECTION ACTIVITIES AT SHOT EASY 

Department of Defense personnel took part in eight of the 16 

scientific experiments conducted by the Scientific Tests Section 

at Shot EASY. This section details DOD participation in five of 

these experiments: Protection Afforded by Field Fortifications 

against Gamma Radiation from an Air-burst Atomic Bomb, Thermal 

Effects Program, Thermal and Ionizing Radiation Measurements, 

Analysis of Fireball Growth at RANGER, and Gamma Radiation 

Exposure as a Function of Distance. Two of the remaining three 

experiments, Radiochemical Results and Fractionation of Cloud 

Particles by Shearing Winds, were primarily LASL projects. The 

cloud-sampling aircraft discussed in section 8.2, Air Support 

Activities, provided support for these experiments. The final 

experiment, Atmospheric Conditions and Their Effects on Atomic 

Clouds at the Nevada Test Site, was conducted by the Air Weather 

Service after the series to analyze weather data collected for 

EASY and the other RANGER shots. Chapter 3 includes information 

common to all of these experiments. 

Protection Afforded by Field Fortifications against Gamma 

Radiation from an Air-burst Atomic Bomb was conducted by the Army 

Chemical Center to determine the degree of shielding afforded 

against gamma radiation emitted by a nuclear airburst. The 

afternoon before the shot, two participants from the Army 

Chemical Center and one from the Army Corps of Engineers placed 

film packets in 11 of 14 fortifications. They also placed a LASL 

neutron detector in one of the foxholes and an ion chamber in one 

of the prone shelters. Figure 8-1 shows the instrumented 

fortifications. In addition, the three men placed four film 

packets at ground positions 370, 730, 1,100 and 1,460 meters west 

of ground zero. After the area was opened for reentry, the three 

personnel retrieved the film packets, completing recovery 

operations by 0900 hours on shot-day (30). 

112 
N P 

lal 

B 

@ Ground Zero 

1 1 I I I I 

1,830 Meters 1,460 Meters 1,100 Meters 730 Meters 370 Meters 0 Meters 

Shaded positions were not instrumented 

A = Instrumented with film packets 

* = Instrumented with gold-foil neutron detector 

t = Instrumented with Victoreen bakelite thimble ion chamber 

0 = Prone shelters 

0 = Oneman foxhole 

0 = Two-man foxholes 

Figure 8-1: FIELD FORTIFICATIONS AT SHOT EASY 

113 
The film was then sent for analysis to the Army Chemical Center 

in Maryland. 

The Thermal Effects Program was conducted by the Office of 

the Quartermaster General (Army). The ob,jective was to obtain 

data on the thermal hazard of a nuclear detonation to various 

materials and finishes. Before the detonation, the experiment's 

one participant placed test panels belonging to the Office of the 

Quartermaster General and Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory 

720 and 1,080 meters from ground zero. He recovered the 

materials after the area was opened for reentry (30). 

Thermal and Ionizing Radiation Measurements was conducted by 

a civilian under contract to the Office of the Surgeon General 

(Army). The objective was to determine the intensity and quality 

of the initial gamma radiation from a nuclear bomb at distances 

where the combined effects of thermal and ionizing radiation 

energy may have serious biological consequences. Before the 

detonation, the participant placed six ion chambers on the ground 

1,260 meters from ground zero and a seventh ion chamber in a 

prone shelter 730 meters from ground zero. He later retrieved 

the ion chambers (30). 

Analysis of Fireball Growth at Shot EASY was conducted by 

LASL to analyze the fireball growth and yield determination by 

studying film from cameras at photography stations 3.2 kilometers 

southeast and northeast of ground zero. A special LASL group, 

consisting of three civilian employees and one Army, one Navy, 

and one Air Force participant, retrieved film from the photography stations after Shot EASY and returned it to LASL for 

analysis (19; 28). 

Gamma Radiation Exposure as a Function of Distance was 

conducted by the Sandia Corporation. To measure gamma radiation 

at different distances during and immediately following a nuclear 

114 
detonation, 41 film badges were placed at 90-meter intervals from 

ground zero along the West Access Road and the South Access Road. 

One film badge was positioned at ground zero. To measure 

neutron-induced activity, film badges were also placed in lead 

cylinders with ten-centimeter-thick walls along the West Access 

Road 270, 550, 820, 1,100, and 1,370 meters from ground zero. To 

measure the fraction of initial gamma radiation reaching the film 

badges, the badges were placed in "mousetrap gadgets" (devices 

designed to shield the film badges from residual radiation) 460, 

910, and 1,830 meters from ground zero along the West Access Road 

(30) 

Personnel began recovering film badges within one to two 

hours after the detonation and finished within five to six hours. 

Military personnel assisting in the placement and recovery of the 

film badges included one Navy participant from Field Command, 

AFSWP; one Navy participant from LASL; and one participant from 

the Army Corps of Engineers. Three Sandia Corporation employees 

also took part in the experiment (28; 30; 34). 

Specific details regarding personnel activities during this 

experiment have not been documented, but one report states that 

the Navy participant from Field Command, AFSWP, placed and 

retrieved film badges 370 and 730 meters from ground zero along 

the West Access Road (34). 

8.2 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PARTICIPATION IN AIR SUPPORT 

SECTION ACTIVITIES AT SHOT EASY 

The Special Weapons Command and Headquarters, USAF, both 

with air control centers at Nellis AFB, directed air support 

missions at Shot EASY. SWC directed and conducted the airdrop, 

the emergency aircraft mission, the courier service, and the 

helicopter support of the aerial surveys conducted by the 

Radiological Safety Section. SAC conducted the SWC photography 

115 
mission. Headquarters, USAF, personnel supervised the cloud 

sampling, cloud tracking, and, along with SWC, the aerial 

surveys. They also coordinated activities associated with the 

Atomic Energy Detection System. The Air Weather Service provided 

most of the aircraft and crews for air missions supervised by 

Headquarters, USAF. 

SWC support missions involved eight aircraft and an 

estimated 122 SWC personnel. Of these individuals, 56 were air 

crew and emergency team personnel, while the others were ground 

crew personnel, radiological safety monitors, air operations 

control personnel, and administrative staff. Headquarters, USAF, 

support missions involved 11 aircraft and an estimated 124 Air 

Force personnel. Of these personnel, an estimated 57 were 

aircraft crew members, while the others were ground crew 

personnel, radiological safety monitors, air operations control 

personnel, and administrative staff (2-4; 13; 25; 38). Table 8-1 

identifies the aircraft and the estimated numbers of DOD 

personnel engaged in air support activities. 

8.2.1 Delivery 

A B-50 aircraft delivered the EASY nuclear device. Two 

other aircraft, a B-50 and a C-47, accompanied the drop aircraft 

for the purpose of documentary photography and emergency 

assistance, respectively. 

The B-50 drop aircraft, with a crew of 11 from the 4925th 

Special Weapons Group, left Kirtland AFB at 0116 hours on shotday and flew at an altitude of 14,000 feet to Indian Springs AFB. 

Upon reaching the Indian Springs area, the aircraft descended to 

10,000 feet and proceeded to the north of ground zero. At 0357, 

the crew began inserting the nuclear capsule into the device, 

completing this task at 0430. The aircraft then climbed to its 

bombing height of 19,700 feet for two practice runs. At 0515, 

116 
Aircraft 

Table 8-1: SUMMARY OF AIR SUPPORT ACTIVITIES, SHOT EASY 

Type of 

Mission O r i g i nA i r c r a f t of 

Airdrop B-50 

Photog- B-50 

raPhY 

B-29 Cloud 

Sampling 

B-29 Cloud 

Tracking 

B-29 

Aerial H-13 

Surveying 

H-19 

c-47 

B-17 

Courier B-25 

Service 

AEDS B-29 

B-29 

*Unknown 

Number 

1 

1 

1 

2 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

3 

5 

* 

of Unit 

4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a l 

Weapons Group 

SAC 

4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a l 

WeaponsGroup 

374th Recon 

Squadron(VLR) 

Weather 

374th Recon 

Squadron(VLR) 

Weather 

374th Recon 

Squadron (VLR) 

Weather 

4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a l 

WeaponsGroup 

4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a l 

WeaponsGroup 

Air Weather 

Service 

Cambridge 

Research 

Laboratory 

4 9 0 1 s tS u p p o r t 

Wing (Atomic) 

Air Weather 

Service 

Air Weather 

Service 

Estimated 

Staging DOD 

Base Personnel 

Kirtland AFB 11 

Kirtland AFB 11 

Kirtland AFB 14 

Nellis AFB 20 

Nellis AFB 11 

McClellan AFB 11 

AEC Control 2 

Point 

AEC Control 3 

Point 

Nellis AFB 6 

Nellis AFB 9 

I n d i a nS p r i n g s 15 

AFB 

Barksdale AFB, 60 

Robins AFB 

Air Force bases * in Alaska, Guam, 

Japan, a n dS a u d i 

Arabia 

117 
the B-50 began its bombing run. At exactly 0546:02 hours, the 

device was released. The B-50 then returned to Kirtland AFB, 

arriving at 0751 (3-4). 

The B-50 documentary photography aircraft, with a crew of 11 

from the Strategic Air Command, left Kirtland AFB at 0122, six 

minutes after the drop aircraft. It accompanied the drop 

aircraft to the NPG, maintaining an altitude of 16,000feet. 

During the practice and bombing runs, the photography aircraft 

remained five to six kilometers behind and 2,000 feet above the 

drop aircraft. After completing its photography assignment, it 

returned to Kirtland AFB, arriving there at 0753 hours (3-4). 

The C-47 emergency aircraft, with a crew of four and a 

disaster team of ten from the 4925th Special Weapons Squadron, 

left Kirtland AFB at 0120, four minutes after the drop aircraft. 

It followed the drop aircraft at an altitude of 12,000 feet to 

the vicinity of Las Vegas, where it descended to 10,000feet and 

flew a holding pattern there until the drop aircraft had 

completed its mission at the NPG. The C-47 then returned to 

Kirtland AFB, arriving at 0820 hours (3-4). 

8.2.2 Cloud Sampling 

Cloud sampling was performed in conjunction with two 

Scientific Tests Section experiments, Radiochemical Results and 

Fractionation of Cloud Particles by Shearing Winds. To support 

these experiments, two B-29 cloud samplers, each with a crew of 

ten from the 374th Reconnaissance Squadron (Very Long Range) 

Weather, left Nellis AFB at 0245 hours. Each aircraft penetrated 

the cloud several times. The first aircraft completed its cloud 

penetration about two hours after the detonation, finishing its 

sampling runs in approximately 50 minutes. The second aircraft 

made passes through the cloud for approximately one hour to 

obtain its samples (8; 13; 20; 25; 38). 

118 
8.2.3 Cloud Tracking 

Two B-29 aircraft flew cloud-tracking missions over and 

beyond the Nevada Proving Ground. One B-29, with a crew of 11 

from the 374th Reconnaissance Squadron (Very Long Range) Weather, 

left Nellis AFB at 0245 hours to track the cloud. A second B-29, 

also with a crew of 11 from the 374th Reconnaissance Squadron 

(Very Long Range) Weather, left from McClellan AFB approximately 

12 hours later to replace the first B-29, which was running low 

on fuel (8; 13; 20; 25). 

8.2.4 Aerial Surveys 

Aerial survey aircraft included two SWC helicopters that 

monitored the area immediately around ground zero. In addition, 

a C-47 and a B-17 surveyed both onsite and offsite areas. The 

C-47, with a crew of six from the Air Weather Service, left 

Nellis AFB at 0750 hours, The B-17, with a crew of nine from the 

Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratory, left Nellis AFB at 

0755 (8). 

The SWC H-19 helicopter, with a crew of three from the 

4925th Special Weapons Group, made two postshot trips to the 

ground zero area to monitor radiation intensities and to retrieve 

scientific instrumentation. On its first trip, the helicopter 

left the AEC Control Point at 0603 and returned at 0625 hours. 

The helicopter began its second trip to the ground zero area at 

0635 and returned to the Control Point at 0724. At 0907, it left 

for Indian Springs AFB carrying scientific data for the B-25 

courier aircraft. It arrived there at 0928 hours (4). 

The other SWC helicopter, an H-13 with a crew of two from 

the 4925th Special Weapons Group, performed one aerial survey. 

It left the Control Point at 0630, arrived in the ground zero 

area at 0738, and retLrned to the Control Point at 0848. It also 

delivered scientific data to the courier aircraft at Indian 

119 
Springs AFB, leaving the Control Point at 0849 and arriving at 

the base at 0910 hours (4). 

8.2.5 Courier Service 

After the sampling missions had been completed, three B-25 

aircraft left Indian Springs AFB on shot-day to deliver cloud 

samples, instrumentation, and other results from the scientific 

experiments to Kirtland AFB for subsequent transport to LASL via 

a commercial contract carrier. While the couriers aboard these 

aircraft were LASL civilians, the aircrews were from the 4901st 

Air Support Wing (2-4). 

The first B-25 courier aircraft, with a crew of five and a 

LASL courier onboard, left Indian Springs AFB for the Frenchman 

Flat landing strip at 0623. It reached Frenchman Flat at 0639, 

picked up scientific samples, instrumentation, and data, and left 

Frenchman Flat at 0655 for Kirtland AFB, arriving at 0910 hours 

(3-4). 

The second B-25, with a crew of five and a LASL courier, 

left Indian Springs AFB for the Frenchman Flat landing strip at 

0635. It reached Frenchman Flat at 0651, picked up scientific 

samples and materials, and left Frenchman Flat at 0733 for 

Kirtland AFB, arriving there at 0941 hours (3-4). 

The third B-25, carrying a crew of five and a LASL courier,

left Indian Springs AFB for Nellis AFB at 1008 and arrived there 

at 1142. After receiving cloud samples from Headquarters, USAF, 

personnel, it left for Kirtland AFB at 1215 hours, arriving at 

1410 hours (3-4). 

120 
8.3 RADIATION PROTECTION AT SHOT EASY 

The information available for Shot EASY includes the results 

of onsite and offsite radiological monitoring and decontamination 

procedures. 

Monitoring: 

The initial survey monitoring team entered the test area 

immediately after the detonation. Monitors detected radiation 

intensities of about 0.005 R/h approximately 900 meters from 

ground zero. They measured 0.35 R/h 180 meters from ground zero 

and a maximum of 0.55 R/h at ground zero. Monitors resurveyed 

the area twice, once about three hours and 30 minutes after the 

initial survey and again approximately nine hours after the 

first survey. They took 15 to 20 minutes to complete each survey 

(16). Figure 8-2 shows a reconstructed isointensity map based on 

the initial survey (17). 

Offsite monitoring was conducted by the same survey teams 

that monitored the radiation intensities for previous shots. 

These teams did not conduct extensive offsite surveys because of 

poor communication links with the surveillance aircraft. 

However, limited surveys did not detect radiation levels above 

background levels in offsite areas (16). 

Decontamination 

Onsite personnel were monitored at the decontamination 

center about 30 meters from the Control Point. Decontamination 

personnel reported that no radiation remained on individuals 

after they had showered and changed into fresh clothing (16). 

Vehicles were also decontaminated at the same location. 

Decontamination personnel found gamma intensities of 0.03 R/h at 

certain locations on the vehicles, primarily the running boards, 

121 
N 

P

. 

. .. 

Urn -0-0 - 0.1 Rth

Meters .. . . . .. 0.01 R/h

Figure 8-2: RECONSTRUCTED ISOINTENSITY MAP OF EASY, 

ONE HOUR AFTER DETONATION 

122 

0 
floorboards, tires, and mudguards. In all cases, vacuuming and 

washing reduced the radioactivity to less than 0.007 R/h (16). 

The two B-29 sampling aircraft were decontaminated at Nellis 

AFB. Decontamination personnel detected an average gamma 

intensity on each aircraft of 0.15 and 0.18 R/h. Repeated 

washings reduced these levels to 0.01 and 0.02 R/h, respectively. 

The washing effluent was allowed to run off the ramp into the 

desert sand. This procedure removed over 90 percent of the 

radiation on the aircraft (31; 38). 

123 
I! 

SHOT BAKER-2 SYNOPSIS 

AEC TEST SERIES: RANGER 

DOD EXERCISE : None 

DATE/TIME: 2 February 1951, 0549 hours 

YIELD: 8 kilotons 

HEIGHT OF BURST: 1,100 feet above ground 

Purpose of Test: To test nuclear device designs proposed for 

Operation GREENHOUSE. 

DOD Objective : To collect data on the effects of gamma and 

thermal radiation from a nuclear detonation. 

Weather: At shot-time, the temperature at the surface 

was -9.2' C, the relative humidity was 79 

percent, and the atmospheric pressure was 12.8 

psi. The surface winds were calm. Winds were 

22 knots from the west-southwest at 10,000 

feet and 45 knots from the northwest at 20,000 

feet . Radiation Data: About one hour after the detonation, onsite 

induced activity greater than 0.5 R/h was 

confined to an area 450 meters from ground 

zero. Lesser intensities, ranging from 0.5 

R/h to 0.0004 R/h, were confined to an area 

950 to 3,600 meters from ground zero. 

Participants: Special Weapons Command;Headquarters, USAF; 

Army Corps of Engineers; Air Weather Service; 

Office of the Quartermaster General, Army;

Office of the Surgeon General, Army; Strategic 

Air Command; Air Training Command; Air 

Research and Development Command; Air Force 

Cambridge Research Laboratory; Santa Fe 

Operations Office; Los Alamos Scientific 

Laboratory; Sandia Corporation; EG&G; Atomic 

Energy Commission. 

124 
CHAPTER 9 

SHOT BAKEK-2 

Shot BAKER-2, the fourth nuclear test of Operation RANGER, 

was detonated on 2 February 1951 at 0549 hours Pacific Standard 

Time in Frenchman Flat at UTM coordinates 923758. BAKER-2, a 

developmental device designed by the Los Alamos Scientific 

Laboratory, was airdropped from a B-50 aircraft flying at a 

height of 19,700feet above the ground. The device, which 

detonated 1,100 feet above the terrain, had a yield of eight 

kilotons (15). 

At shot-time, the temperature at the surface was -9.2 

degrees Celsius, and the winds at the surface were calm. Winds 

were 22 knots from the west-southwest at 10,000feet and 45 knots 

from the northwest at 20,000 feet. The top of the Shot BAKER-2 

cloud reached an altitude of 28,000feet and moved east-southeast 

from the point of detonation. Fallout occurred to the southeast 

(15; 17). 

The Scie,ntific Tests Section fielded eight experiments at 

the shot. Twelve DOD participants took part in these 

experiments. An estimated 226 Air Force personnel engaged in air 

support for BAKER-2. The Radiological Safety Section included 

the following personnel: one civilian and four officers from the 

Army Corps of Engineers, two officers from the Army Medical 

Corps, one Army officer and one Air Force enlisted man from LASL, 

and one officer whose service affiliation is unknown. Another 86 

Air Force participants were involved in communications security 

for the Security Group and in weather support for the Meteorology 

Section, discussed in chapter 3. Military and civilian officals 

took part in a program for observers, also discussed in chapter 3 

(19; 28; 30). 

125 
I! 

9.1 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PARTICIPATION IN SCIENTIFIC 

TESTS SECTION ACTIVITIES AT SHOT BAKER-2 

Department of Defense personnel took part in eight of the 16 

scientific experiments conducted by the Scientific Tests Section 

at Shot BAKER-2. This section details DOD participation in five 

of these experiments: Protection Afforded by Field Fortifications against Gamma Radiation from an Air-burst Atomic Bomb, 

Thermal Effects Program, Thermal and Ionizing Radiation Measurements, Analysis of Fireball Growth at RANGER, and Gamma Radiation 

Exposure as a Function of Distance. Two of the remaining three 

experiments, Radiochemical Results and Fractionation of Cloud 

Particles by Shearing Winds, were primarily LASL projects. The 

cloud-sampling aircraft discussed in section 9.2, Air Support 

Activities, provided support for these experiments. The final 

experiment, Atmospheric Conditions and Their Effects on Atomic 

Clouds at the Nevada Test Site, was conducted by the Air Weather 

Service after the series to analyze weather data collected for 

BAKEH-2 and the other RANGER shots. Chapter 3 includes 

information common to all of these experiments. 

Protection Afforded by Field Fortifications against Gamma 

Radiation from an Air-burst Atomic Bomb was conducted by the Army 

Chemical Center to determine the shielding afforded against gamma 

radiation emitted by a nuclear airburst. The afternoon before 

the shot, two participants from the Army Chemical Center and one 

from the Army Corps of Engineers placed film packets in five 

fortifications. In addition, they placed ion chambers at three 

locations. Figure 9-1 indicates the instrumented positions. 

These personnel retrieved the film packets, completing recovery 

by 0859 hours (30). 

The Thermal Effects Program was conducted by the Office of 

the Quartermaster General (Army). The objective was to obtain 

data on the thermal hazard of a nuclear detonation to various 

materials and finishes (30). 

126 
NP 

Ground Zero 

I I I 1 I 

1,830 Meters 1.460 Meters 1.100 Meters 730 Meters 370 Meters 0 Meters 

Shaded positions were not instrumented 

A = Instrumented with film packets 

t = Instrumented with Victoreen bakelitethimbleionchamber 

0 = Proneshelters 

0 = Oneman foxhole 

0 = Tweman foxholes 

Figure 9-1: FIELD FORTIFICATIONS AT SHOT BAKER-2 

127 
Before the detonation, the experiment's one participant 

placed test materials belonging to the Office of the 

Quartermaster General, the Naval Material Laboratory, Naval 

Radiological Defense Laboratory, and the National Bureau of 

Standards in and near foxholes used in the gamma radiation 

experiment. The materials were at the following distances from 

ground zero: 

Distance (meters) Agencies 

680 Quartermaster General 

1, 100 Quartermaster General, 

Naval Material Laboratory , Naval Radiological Defense 

Laboratory , National Bureau of Standards 

1,830 Quartermaster General , Naval Material Laboratory,

Naval Radiological Defense 

Laboratory, 

National Bureau of Standards 

Thermal and Ionizing Radiation Measurements was conducted by 

a civilian under contract to the Office of the Surgeon General 

(Army). The objectives were to (30): 

0 Determine the intensity and quality of the initial 

gamma radiation from the nuclear detonation at 

distances where the combined effects of thermal and 

ionizing injury could have serious biological 

consequences 

0 Determine the time rate of delivery of thermal 

dosage from the nuclear detonation. 

For the first objective, the participant placed ion chambers 

in one foxhole 1,460 meters northwest of ground zero and in prone 

shelters 1,100 meters west of ground zero. To gather data for 

the second objective, he placed a turntable coated with heat128 
sensitive paper 1,830 meters northwest of ground zero. Sometime 

after the detonation, the participant retrieved the ion chambers 

and the turntable (30). 

Analysis of Fireball Growth was conducted by LASL to analyze 

the fireball growth and yield determination by studying film from 

cameras at photography stations 3.2 kilometers southeast and 

northeast of ground zero. A special LASL group, consisting of 

three civilian employees and one Army, one Navy, and one Air 

Force participant, retrieved film from the photography stations 

after BAKER-2 and returned it to LASL for analysis(19; 28). 

Gamma Radiation Exposure as a Function of Distance was 

conducted by the Sandia Corporation. To measure gamma radiation 

at different distances during and immediately following a nuclear 

detonation, 41 film badges were placed at 90-meter intervals from 

ground zero along the West Access Road and the South Access Road. 

One film badge was positioned at ground zero. To measure neutroninduced activity, film badges were also placed in lead cylinders 

with ten-centimeter-thick walls along the West Access Road 270, 

550, 820, 1,100, and 1,370 meters from ground zero. To measure 

the fraction of initial gamma radiation reaching the film badges, 

the badges were placed in "mousetrap gadgets" (devices designed 

to shield the film badges from residual radiation) 460, 910, and 

1,830 meters from ground zero along the West Access Road (30). 

Personnel began recovering film badges within one to two 

hours after the detonation and finished within five to six hours. 

Military personnel assisting in the placement and recovery of the 

film badges included one Navy participant from Field Command, 

AFSWP; one Navy participant from LASL; and one participant from 

the Army Corps of Engineers. Three Sandia Corporation employees 

also took part in the experiment (28; 30; 34). 

129 
Specific details regarding personnel activities during this 

experiment have not been documented, but one report states that 

the Navy participant from Field Command, AFSWP, placed and 

retrieved film badges 370 and 730 meters from ground zero along 

the West Access Road (34). 

9.2 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PARTICIPATION IN AIR SUPPORT 

SECTION ACTIVITIES AT SHOT BAKER-2 

The Special Weapons Command and Headquarters, USAF, both 

with air control centers at Nellis AFB, directed air support 

missions at Shot BAKER-2. SWC directed and conducted the 

airdrop, the emergency aircraft mission, the courier service, and 

the helicopter support of the aerial surveys conducted by the 

Radiological Safety Section. Personnel from Headquarters, USAF, 

supervised the cloud sampling, cloud tracking, and, along with 

SWC, the aerial surveys. They also coordinated activities 

associated with the Atomic Energy Detection System. The Air 

Weather Service provided most of the aircraft and crews for air 

missions supervised by Headquarters, USAF. 

SWC support missions involved seven aircraft and an 

estimated 112 SWC personnel. Of these individuals, 45 were 

aircrew and emergency team personnel, while the others were 

ground crew personnel, radiological safety monitors, air 

operations control personnel, and administrative staff. 

Headquarters, USAF, support missions involved ten aircraft and an 

estimated 114 Air Force personnel. Of these personnel, an 

estimated 47 were aircrew members, while the others were ground 

crew personnel, radiological safety monitors, air operations 

control personnel, and administrative staff (2-4; 13; 25; 38). 

Table 9-1 identifies the aircraft and the estimated numbers of 

DOD personnel engaged in air support activities. 

130 
Aircraft 

Table 9-1: SUMMARY OF AIR SUPPORT ACTIVITIES, SHOT BAKER-2

of Number of 

M i s s i o nA i r c r a f to f 

Type Unit 

Origin 

Staging 

Base 

Estimated 

DOD 

Personnel 

Airdrop B-50 1 4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a lK i r t l a n d 

WeaponsGroup 

AFB 11 

1 4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a lK r t l a n d 

WeaponsGroup 

AFB 14 

B-29 Cloud 

Sampling 

1 3 7 4 t hR e c o n 

Squadron(VLR) 

Weather 

Nellis AFB 10 

B-29 Cloud 

Tracking 

1 3 7 4 t hR e c o n 

Squadron(VLR) 

Weather 

Nellis AFB 11 

B-29 1 3 7 4 t hR e c o n 

Squadron(VLR) 

Weather 

McClellan AFB 11 

Aerial 

Surveying 

H-13 1 4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a l 

W e a p o n sG r o u pP o i n t 

AEC Control 2 

H-19 1 4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a l 

W e a p o n sG r o u pP o i n t 

AEC Control 3 

c-47 1 Air Weather 

Service 

Nellis AFB 6 

B-17 1 Cambridge 

Research 

Laboratory 

Nellis AFB 9 

Courier 

Service 

B-25 3 4 9 0 1 s tS u p p o r tI n d i a nS p r i n g s 

Wing (Atomic) AFB 

15 

AEDS B-29 5 Air W e a t h e rB a r k s d a l e 

Robins Service

AFB, 

AFB 

60 

B-29 * Air Weather 

Service 

Air Force*bases 

in Alaska, Guam, 

Japan, a n dS a u d i 

Arabia 

* 

*Unknown 

131 
9.2.1 Delivery 

A B-50 a i r c r a f td e l i v e r e dt h e BAKER-2 n u c l e a rd e v i c e . A 

C-47 a c c o m p a n i e dt h e B-50 to p r o v i d ee m e r g e n c y assistance. 

The dropaircraft, with a crew of 11 from the 4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a l 

WeaponsGroup, leftKirtland AFB at 0 1 2 2h o u r so ns h o t - d a ya n d 

flew at a na l t i t u d eo f1 4 , 0 0 0f e e t to I n d i a nS p r i n g s AFB. Upon 

reaching the I n d i a nS p r i n g s area, the a i r c r a f td e s c e n d e d to 

10,000 f e e ta n dp r o c e e d e d to t h en o r t ho fg r o u n d zero area. At 

0340, the crew b e g a ni n s e r t i n gt h en u c l e a rc a p s u l ei n t o the 

d e v i c e ,c o m p l e t i n gt h i st a s k at 0408. The a i r c r a f tt h e nc l i m b e d 

to its b o m b i n gh e i g h to f1 9 , 7 0 0f e e t . It completed its first 

p r a c t i c er u n at 0437, its second practice run at 0456, and its 

third at 0519. At 0524, the crew opened the b o m b - b a gd o o r s ,a n d 

at 0 5 3 2 ,t h e B-50 began its bomb run. At e x a c t l y0 5 4 8 : O lh o u r s , 

the device was released. The B-50 t h e nr e t u r n e d to Kirtland AFB, 

arriving at 0745 hours (3-4). 

The B-50 d o c u m e n t a r yp h o t o g r a p h y aircraft originally 

s c h e d u l e df o r the shot d i dn o tf l yb e c a u s eo ff u e ll e a k s . The 

c-47 emergencyaircraft, with a crew of f o u ra n d a disaster team 

o ft e nf r o m the 4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a lW e a p o n sS q u a d r o n ,l e f tK i r t l a n d 

AFB at 0 1 2 3 ,o n em i n u t ea f t e rt h ed r o pa i r c r a f t . It followed the 

dropaircraft at analtitude of 12,000feet to the vicinity of 

L a sV e g a s , where it descended to 10,000 feetandflew a holding 

patternthereuntil the d r o pa i r c r a f th a dc o m p l e t e d its mission. 

TheC-47 returned to Kirtland AFB at 0831 h o u r s( 3 - 4 ) . 

9 . 2 . 2Cl o u dS a m p l i n g 

C l o u ds a m p l i n g was p e r f o r m e di nc o n j u n c t i o n with two 

Scientific Tests S e c t i o ne x p e r i m e n t s ,R a d i o c h e m i c a lR e s u l t sa n d 

F r a c t i o n a t i o no fC l o u dP a r t i c l e s by S h e a r i n gW i n d s . To support 

132 
t h e s ee x p e r i m e n t s ,o n e B-29 cloud sampler, with a crew o ft e n 

from the 374th R e c o n n a i s s a n c eS q u a d r o n( V e r yL o n gR a n g e )W e a t h e r , 

left Nellis AFB at 0245. The a i r c r a f tp e n e t r a t e d the cloud 

several times. It completed its f i r s tc l o u dp e n e t r a t i o n two 

hoursafter the BAKER-2 detonationandfinished its s a m p l i n gr u n s 

i na p p r o x i m a t e l y 50 minutes (9; 1 3 ;2 0 ; 25; 38). 

9 . 2 . 3Cl o u dT r a c k i n g 

Two B-29 aircraftflewcloud-trackingmissionsoverand 

beyond the N e v a d aP r o v i n gG r o u n d . OneB-29, with a crew of 11 

from the 374th R e c o n n a i s s a n c eS q u a d r o n( V e r yL o n gR a n g e )W e a t h e r , 

left Nellis AFB at 0350 hours to track the c l o u da n dr e t u r n e d to 

b a s ew i t h i n1 2h o u r s . A s e c o n dB - 2 9 , also with a crew of 11 from 

the 3 7 4 t hR e c o n n a i s s a n c eS q u a d r o n( V e r yL o n g, R a n g e )W e a t h e r , 

replaced the first B-29, which was starting to run low on fuel. 

The second B-29 l e f tf r o ma n dr e t u r n e d to McClellan AFB (9; 13; 

20; 25). 

9.2.4 Aerial Surveys 

Aerial s u r v e y si n c l u d e d two m i s s i o n sf l o w nb y SWC 

helicopters that monitored the area i m m e d i a t e l ya r o u n dg r o u n d 

z e r o .I na d d i t i o n , a C-47and a B-17 s u r v e y e db o t ho n s i t ea n d 

offsite areas. The C - 4 7 ,w i t h a crew of six from the Air Weather 

S e r v i c e ,l e f t Nellis AFB at 0750 h o u r s .T h e B-17, with a crew of 

n i n ef r o mt h e Air F o r c eC a m b r i d g e Research Laboratory, left 

Nellis AFB at 0755 (9). 

The SWC H-19 helicopter, with a crew of three f r o mt h e 

4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a lW e a p o n sG r o u p ,m a d e two postshottrips to the 

ground zero area to monitorthe area and to retrievescientific 

data. On its first trip, the h e l i c o p t e rl e f tt h e AEC Control 

Point at 0610 a n dr e t u r n e d at 0 6 5 2 .T h eh e l i c o p t e rb e g a n its 

secondtrip to t h eg r o u n dz e r o area at 0801 a n dr e t u r n e d to the 

133 
Control Point at 0824. At 0928, it left the Control Point for 

Indian Springs AFB carrying scientific data for the B-25 courier 

aircraft; it arrived at 0940 hours (4;24). 

The other SWC helicopter, an H-13, with a crew of two from 

the 4925th Special Weapons Group, left the AEC Control Point at 

0716 hours for the generator shack 3.2 kilometers due south of 

ground zero on the South Access Road. The helicopter returned to 

the Control Point at 0739. At 0840 hours, the H-13 flew back to 

the generator shack and then returned to the Control Point at 

0901. The purpose of both trips was to monitor the retrieval of 

scientific data (4). 

9.2.5 Courier Service 

After the sampling missions had been completed, three B-25 

aircraft left Indian Springs AFB on shot-day to deliver cloud 

samples, instrumentation, and other results of the scientific 

experiments to Kirtland AFB for subsequent transport to LASL via 

a commercial contract carrier. The couriers aboard these 

aircraft were LASL civilians, while the aircrews were from the 

4901st Air Support Wing (2-4). 

The first B-25, with a crew of five and a LASL courier 

onboard, left Indian Springs AFB for the Frenchman Flat landing 

. strip at 0619 hours. It reached Frenchman Flat at 0630, picked 

up scientific samples, instrumentation, and data, and left 

Frenchman Flat at 0646 for Kirtland AFB, arriving at 0856 hours 

(3-4). 

The second B-25, carrying a crew of five and a LASL courier, 

left Indian Springs AFB for the Frenchman Flat landing strip at 

0630 hours. It reached Frenchman Flat at 0645, picked up 

scientific samples and materials, and left for Kirtland AFB at 

1100, arriving at 1258 (3-4). 

134 
The third B-25, with a crew of five and a LASL courier, left 

Indian Springs AFB for Nellis AFB at 0955 hours and arrived there 

at 1015. After receiving cloud samples from Headquarters, USAF, 

personnel, it left for Kirtland AFB at 1100, arriving at 1258 

hours (3-4). * 

9.3 RADIATION PROTECTION AT SHOT BAKER-2 

The information available for Shot BAKER-2 includes the 

results of onsite and offsite monitoring and decontamination 

procedures. 

Monitoring 

The initial survey monitoring team entered the test area 

about 45 minutes after the detonation. Monitors first 

encountered a gamma radiation intensity of 0.0004 R/h about 3,600 

meters west of ground zero. At 900 meters from ground zero, the 

radiation level increased to 0.011 R/h. Monitors detected 

radiation intensities of 0.5 R/h 450 meters from ground zero. 

They found a maximum intensity of 16.0 R/h at ground zero about 

75 minutes after the detonation (16). Figure 9-2 shows a 

reconstructed isointensity map based on this initial survey (17). 

A second monitoring team surveyed the same area eight hours 

after completion of the initial survey. The maximum gamma 

radiation intensity encountered at that time was 7.0 R/h at 

ground zero. Monitors found intensities of 0.12 R/h and 0.008 

R/h at distances of 450 and 900 meters west of ground zero, 

respectively (16). 

Several other surveys of the test area were made the day 

after the detonation. The maximum radiation intensity 

encountered during these surveys was 3.7 R/h at ground zero, 33 

hours after the detonation. Surveys conducted 50 hours after the 

detonation measured the highest gamma intensity, 0.42 R/h, at 

135 
. . . 0 

t 

1.0 Rlh 

- - - 0.1 Rlh 

0 d 

Meters . . . . . . . 0.01 Rlh 

N 

. 

8 

Figure 9-2: RECONSTRUCTED ISOINTENSITY MAP OF BAKER-2, 

ONE HOUR AFTER DETONATION 

136 
ground zero. About 60 hours after the detonation, the radiation 

intensity at ground zero had decreased to 0.3 R/h (16). 

Offsite monitoring was conducted by the same survey teams 

that monitored the previous RANGER shots. These teams found a 

maximum gamma radiation intensity of 0.008 H/h at the 9,000-foot 

level in the Spring Mountains southeast of ground zero. The 

BAKER-2 cloud had drifted toward these mountains. Monitoring 

teams in all other areas reported gamma radiation intensities of 

no greater than 0.0002 R/h (16). 

Two aircraft, a C-47 fromthe Air Weather Service and a B-17 

from the Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratory, conducted off-, 

site aerial surveys upto about 320 kilometers from ground zero. 

These aircraft encountered no gamma radiation levels above the 

background level (34). 

Decontamination 

Onsite personnel were monitored at the decontamination 

center about 30 meters from the Control Point. Decontamination 

personnel reported that no radioactive contamination remained on 

individuals after they had showered and changed into fresh 

clothing. 

Vehicles were also decontaminated at the center near the 

Control Point. Decontamination personnel found that the areas 

most contaminated were the running boards, floorboards, tires, 

and mudguards. The highest intensity encountered at any of these 

places was 0.03 R/h. In all cases, vacuuming and washing reduced 

the radioactivity to less than 0.007 R/h (16). 

The B-29 sampling aircraft was decontaminated at Nellis AFB. 

The average gamma intensity registered on this aircraft was0.15 

R/h. This was reduced to an acceptable level of 0.01 R/h after 

137 
two washings, and the aircraft was released for further service. 

The washing effluent was allowed to run off the ramp into the 

desert sand. The decontamination procedure removed about 93 

percent of the radiation on the aircraft (31; 38). 

138 
SHOTFOX SYNOPSIS 

AEC TEST SERIES: RANGER 

DOD EXERCISE: None 

DATE/TIME:

YIELD: 

6 February 1951, 0 5 4 7h o u r s 

22 kilotons 

HEIGHT OF BURST: 1,435 feetaboveground 

P u r p o s eo f Test: To test n u c l e a rd e v i c ed e s i g n sp r o p o s e d for 

Operation GREENHOUSE. 

DOD Objective: To collect d a t ao n the e f f e c t so f gamma and 

thermal radiationfrom a nucleardetonation. 

Weather: At shot time, the temperature at t h es u r f a c e 

was -2.0' C, the r e l a t i v eh u m i d i t y was 85 

p e r c e n t ,a n dt h ea t m o s p h e r i cp r e s s u r e was 13.2 

p s i .S u r f a c ew i n d s were l i g h ta n dv a r i a b l e 

o n eh o u ra n d4 5m i n u t e sb e f o r e the shot, the 

only time for which w i n dd a t a are available. 

Winds were 2 7k n o t sf r o m the northwest at 

10,000feetand45knotsfrom the westnorthwest at 30,000 feet. 

Radiation Data: One h o u ra f t e r the d e t o n a t i o n ,o n s i t ei n d u c e d 

activitygreaterthan 0.16 R/h was confined to 

an area 900 meters f r o mg r o u n d zero. The 

maximum r a d i a t i o ni n t e n s i t y , 15.5 R/h, was 

detected at g r o u n dz e r o .L o w e ra c t i v i t y , 

r a n g i n gf r o m 0.16 R/h to 0.0003 R/h, was found 

inan area 900 to 2,300 meters f r o mg r o u n d 

zero. 

Participants: Weapons Special Command; Headquarters, USAF; 

Army Corps of Engineers; Air W e a t h e rS e r v i c e ; 

O f f i c eo f the Q u a r t e r m a s t e rG e n e r a l ,A r m y ; 

O f f i c eo f the S u r g e o nG e n e r a l ,A r m y ;S t r a t e g i c

Air Command; Air Training Command; Air 

Research andDevelopmentCommand; Air Force 

Cambridge Research L a b o r a t o r y ;S a n t aF e 

O p e r a t i o n sO f f i c e ; Los Alamos Scientific 

L a b o r a t o r y ;S a n d i aC o r p o r a t i o n ; EG&G; Atomic 

EnergyCommission. 

139 
CHAPTER 10 

SHOT FOX 

Shot FOX, the fifth and final nuclear test of Operation 

RANGER, was detonated on 6 February 1951 at 0547 hours Pacific 

Standard Time in Frenchman Flat at UTM coordinates 923758. A 

developmental device designed by the Los Alamos Scientific 

Laboratory, FOX was airdropped from a B-50 aircraft flying 29,700 

feet above the ground. The device was detonated 1,435 feet above 

the terrain. FOX had a yield of 22 kilotons, which made it the 

largest RANGER shot ( 1 5 ;1 7 ) . FOX was the only RANGER device not 

detonated on its scheduled date, 5 February 1951. The postponement was caused by an oil leak in the drop aircraft (27). 

At shot-time, the temperature was -2.0 degrees Celsius at 

the surface. One hour and 45 minutes before the detonation, the 

only time for which wind data are available, surfacewinds were 

light and variable. Winds were 27 knots from the northwest at 

10,000 feet, 48 knots from the west-northwest at 20,000 feet, and 

45 knots from the west-northwest at 30,000feet. The top of the 

Shot FOX cloud reached an altitude of 43,000 feet and moved 

southeast from the point of detonation. Light fallout occurred 

to the southeast (17). 

The Scientific Tests Section fielded eight experiments at 

Shot FOX. Twelve DOD participants took part in these experiments. An estimated 246 Air Force personnel engaged in air 

support for FOX. The Radiological Safety Section included the 

following personnel: one civilian and four officers from the 

Army Corps of Engineers, two officers from the Army Medical 

Corps, one Army officer and one enlisted man from LASL, and one 

officer whose service affiliation is unknown. Another 86 Air 

Force participants were involved in communications security for 

140 
the Security Group, discussed in chapter 3. Military and 

civilian officials took part in a program for observers, also 

discussed in chapter 3 (19;28; 30). 

10.1 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PARTICIPATION IN SCIENTIFIC 

TESTS SECTION ACTIVITIES AT SHOT FOX 

Department of Defense personnel took part in eight of the 16 

scientific experiments conducted by the Scientific Tests Section 

at Shot FOX. This section details DOD participation in five of 

these experiments: Protection Afforded by Field Fortifications 

against Gamma Radiation from an Air-burst Atomic Bomb, Thermal 

Effects Program, Thermal and Ionizing Radiation Measurements, 

Analysis of Fireball Growth at RANGER, and Gamma Radiation 

Exposure as a Function of Distance. Two of the remaining three 

experiments, Radiochemical Results and Fractionation of Cloud 

Particles by Shearing Winds, were primarily LASL projects. The 

cloud-sampling aircraft, discussed in section 10.2, Air Support 

Activities, provided support for the experiments. The final 

experiment, Atmospheric Conditions and Their Effects on Atomic 

Clouds at the Nevada Test Site, was conducted by the Air Weather 

Service after the series to analyze weather data collected during 

Operation RANGER. Chapter 3 includes a discussion of this 

experiment, as well as information common to the other experiments. 

Protection Afforded by Field Fortifications against Gamma 

Radiation from an Air-burst Atomic Bomb was conducted by the Army 

Chemical Center to determine the shielding afforded by foxholes 

against gamma radiation emitted by a nuclear airburst. Two days 

before the shot, two participants from the Army Chemical Center 

and one from the Army Corps of Engineers plac,ed film packets in 

five of 14 fortifications. An ion chamber was placed in one 

foxhole and one prone shelter. Figure 10-1 indicates the 

instrumented foxholes. Personnel retrieved the film packets, 

completing recovery by 0922 hours (30). 

141 
NP 

El 

1,830 Meters 1,460 Meters 1,100 Meters 730 Meters 370 Meters 0 Meters 

Shaded positions were not instrumented 

A = Instrumented with film packets 

t = Instrumented with Victoreen bakelite thimble ion chamber 

0= Proneshelters 

0 = Oneman foxhole 

n= Twwnan foxholes 

Figure 10-1: FIELD FORTIFICATIONS AT SHOT FOX 

142 
The T h e r m a lE f f e c t sP r o g r a m was c o n d u c t e db yo n ep a r t i c i p a n t 

from the Office of the Q u a r t e r m a s t e rG e n e r a l( A r m y ) . The 

objective was to obtain data on the thermal hazard of a nuclear 

detonation to various materials a n df i n i s h e s . Before the 

detonation, the participantplaced test panels from the Office of 

the Q u a r t e r m a s t e rG e n e r a l ,N a v a l Material L a b o r a t o r y ,a n d 

N a t i o n a lB u r e a u of Standards at the f o l l o w i n gd i s t a n c e sf r o m 

ground zero: 

Distance (meters) Agencies 

2,100 N a t i o n a lB u r e a u of Standards 

2,290 Standards o f Bureau National

2,740 QuartermasterGeneral, 

Naval Material Laboratory, 

N a t i o n a lB u r e a u of Standards 

3,200 QuartermasterGeneral, 

Naval Material Laboratory, 

N a t i o n a lB u r e a u of Standards 

3,660 QuartermasterGeneral, 

Naval Material Laboratory, 

N a t i o n a lB u r e a u of Standards 

4,120 Q u a r t e r m a s t e rG e n e r a l , 

Naval Material Laboratory 

4,570 G e n e r a lQ u a r t e r m a s t e r 

He also p l a c e dp a n e l si n the f o x h o l e s .I na d d i t i o n , he placed 

one film b a d g ea n d three w a s h e r - s h a p e dd e v i c e sm o u n t e d with heatsensitive material at three locations 1,100, 1,460, and 1,800 

meters from ground zero. He recovered the test materials after 

the i n i t i a lr a d i a t i o ns u r v e y was completed (30). 

T h e r m a la n dI o n i z i n gR a d i a t i o nM e a s u r e m e n t s was conducted by 

a civilianundercontract to the Office of the S u r g e o nG e n e r a l 

(Army). The objectives were to (30): 

0 Determine the intensity a n dq u a l i t y of the 

initial gamma radiation from the nuclear 

detonation at distances where the combined 

143 
effects of thermal and ionizing energy could 

have serious biological consequences 

e Determine the time rate of delivery of thermal 

radiation from the nuclear detonation. 

For the first ob.jective, the participant placed one ion 

chamber in each of the two fortifications located 1,460 meters 

west of ground zero. He also placed five other ion chambers at 

ground level 2,100 meters west of ground zero. To collect data 

for the second objective, the participant placed a turntable 

coated with heat-sensitive paper 2,740 meters northwest of ground 

zero. He retrieved the ion chambers and the turntable after the 

completion of the initial radiation survey (30). 

Analysis of Fireball Growth was conducted by LASL. The 

objective was to analyze the fireball growth and yield determination by studying film from cameras at photography stations 3.2 

kilometers southeast and northeast of ground zero. A special 

LASL group, consisting of three civilian employees and one Army, 

one Navy, and one Air force participant, retrieved film from the 

photography stations after FOX and returned it to LASL for 

analysis (19; 28). 

Gamma Radiation Exposure as a Function of Distance was 

conducted by the Sandia Corporation. To measure gamma radiation 

at different distances during and immediately following a nuclear 

detonation, 41 film badges were placed at 90-meter intervals from 

ground zero along the West Access Road and the South Access Road. 

One film badge was positioned at ground zero. To measure 

neutron-induced activity, film badges were also placed in lead 

cylinders with ten-centimeter-thick walls along the West Access 

Road 270, 550, 820, 1,100, and 1,370 meters from ground zero. To 

measure the fraction of initial gamma radiation reaching the film 

badges, the badges were placed in "mousetrap gadgets" (devices 

designed to shield the film badges from residual radiation) 460, 

910, and 1,830 meters from ground zero along the West Access Road 

(30) 

144 
Personnel began recovering film badges one to two hours 

after the detonation. Except for six film badges located within 

180 meters of ground zero that could not be recovered, all badges 

were recovered within five to six hours. Military personnel 

assisting in the placement and recovery of the film badges 

included one Navy participant from Field Command, AFSWP; oneNavy 

participant from LASL; and one participant from the Army Corps of 

Engineers. Three Sandia Corporation employees also took part in 

the experiment (28; 30; 34). 

Specific details regarding personnel activities during this 

experiment at Shot FOX have not been documented, but one report 

states that the Navy participant from Field Command, AFSWP, 

placed and retrieved film badges 370 and 730 meters from ground 

zero along the West Access Road (34). 

10.2 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PARTICIPATION IN AIR SUPPORT 

SECTION ACTIVITIES AT SHOT FOX 

The Special Weapons Command and Headquarters, USAF, both 

with air control centers at Nellis AFB, directed air support 

missions at Shot FOX. SWC directed and conducted the airdrop, 

the emergency aircraft mission, the courier service, and the 

helicopter support of the aerial surveys conducted by the 

Radiological Safety Section. SAC conducted the SWC photography 

mission. Headquarters, USAF, personnel supervised the cloud 

sampling, cloud tracking, and, along with SWC, the aerial 

surveys. They also coordinated activities associated with the 

Atomic Energy Detection System. The Air Weather Service provided 

most of the aircraft and crews for air missions supervised by 

Headquarters, USAF. 

SWC support missions involved eight aircraft and an estimated 122 SWC personnel, 56 of whom were aircrew and emergency 

145 
team personnel. The others were ground crew personnel, radiological safety monitors, air operations control personnel,and 

administrative staff. Headquarters, USAF, support missions 

involved 11 aircraft and an estimated 124 Air Force personnel. 

Of these personnel, an estimated 57 were aircraft crew members, 

while the others were ground crew members, radiological safety 

monitors, air operations control personnel,and administrative 

staff (2-4; 13; 25; 38). Table 10-1 identifies the aircraft and 

the estimated numbers of DOD personnel engaged in air support 

activities. 

10.2.1 Delivery 

A B-50 aircraft delivered the FOX nuclear device. Two other 

aircraft, a B-50 and a C-47, accompanied the B-50 for the purpose 

of documentary photography and emergency aid, respectively. 

The B-50 drop aircraft, with a crew of 11 from the 4925th 

Special Weapons Group, left Kirtland AFB at 0045 hours on shotday and flew at an altitude of 14,000 feet to Indian Springs AFB. 

Upon reaching the Indian Springs area, the aircraft descended to 

10,000feet and proceeded to the north of ground zero. At 0319, 

the crew began inserting the nuclear capsule into the device, 

completing this task at 0349. The aircraft then climbed to its 

bombing height of 29,700 feetfor two practice runs. At 0437, 

the B-50 bomb-bay doors were opened, and at 0529 hours, the B-50 

began its bombing run. At exactly 0546:17 hours, the device was 

released, approximately one minute later than scheduled. The 

B-50 then returned to Kirtland AFB, arriving at 0750 (3-4). 

The B-50 documentary photography aircraft, with a crew of 11 

from the Strategic Air Command, left Kirtland AFB at 0039, six 

minutes before the drop aircraft. It accompanied the drop 

aircraft to the NPG, maintaining an altitude of 16,000 feet. 

146 
Aircraft 

Table 10-1: SUMMARY OFAIR SUPPORT ACTIVITIES, SHOT FOX

Number of Type 

M i s s i o nA i r c r a f to fO r i g i n 

of Staging Unit

Base 

Estimated 

DOD 

Personnel 

Airdrop B-50 1 4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a l 

WeaponsGroup 

Kirtland AFB 11 

B-50 PhotograPhY 

1 SAC Kirtland AFB 11 

Emergency c-47 1 4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a l 

WeaponsGroup 

Kirtland AFB 14 

C 1oudB-29 

Sampling 

2 374th Recon 

Squadron (VLR) 

Weather 

Nellis AFB 20 

B-29 Cloud 

Tracking 

1 374th Recon 

Squadron (VLH) 

Weather 

Nellis AFB 11 

B-29 1 3 7 4 t hR e c o n 

Squadron(VLR) 

Weather 

McClellan AFB 11 

Aerial 

Surveying 

H-13 1 4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a l 

WeaponsGroup 

AEC Control 

Point 

2 

H-19 1 4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a l 

Weapons Group 

AEC Control 

Point 

3 

c-47 1 Air Weather 

Service 

Nellis AFB 6 

B-17 1 Cambridge 

Research 

Laboratory 

Nellis AFB 9 

Courier 

Service 

B-25 3 4 9 0 1 s tS u p p o r t 

Wing (Atomic) 

I n d i a nS p r i n g s 

AFB 

15 

AEDS B-29 5 Air Weather 

Service 

Barksdale AFB, 

Robins AFB 

60 

B-29 * Air Weather 

Service 

Air F o r c eb a s e s 

in Alaska, Guam, 

J a p a n ,a n dS a u d i 

Arabia 

* 

*Unknown 

147 
During the practice and bombing runs, the photography aircraft 

remained five to six kilometers behind and 2,000feet above the 

drop aircraft. After completing its photography assignment, it 

returned to Kirtland AFB, arriving there at 0745 hours (3-4). 

The C-47 emergency aircraft, with a crew of four and a 

disaster team of ten from the 4925th Special Weapons Squadron, 

left Kirtland AFB at 0046, one minute after the drop aircraft. 

Its mission was to assist the drop aircraft in case of emergency. 

It followed the drop aircraft at an altitude of 12,000 feet to 

the vicinity of Las Vegas, where it descended to 10,000 feet and 

flew a holding pattern there until the drop aircraft had 

completed its mission at the NPG. The C-47 then returned to 

Kirtland AFB, arriving at 0826 hours (3-4). 

10.2.2 Cloud Sampling 

Cloud sampling was performed in conjunction with two 

Scientific Tests Section experiments, Radiochemical Results and 

Fractionation of Cloud Particles by Shearing Winds. To support 

these experiments, two B-29 cloud samplers, each with a crew of 

ten from the 374th Reconnaissance Squadron (Very Long Range) 

Weather, left Nellis AFB at 0245 and 0250 hours, respectively. 

Each aircraft penetrated the cloud several times. The first 

aircraft completed its initial cloud penetration two hours after 

the detonation and finished its sampling runs in approximately 50 

minutes. The second aircraft made sampling passes through the 

cloud for about one hour (10; 13; 20;25; 38). 

10.2.3 Cloud Tracking 

Two B-29 aircraft flew cloud-tracking missions over and 

beyond the Nevada Proving Ground. One B-29, with a crew of 11 

from the 374th Reconnaissance Squadron (Very Long Range) Weather, 

left Nellis AFB at 0245 to track the cloud. Approximately 12 

148 
hours later, a s e c o n dB - 2 9 , also with a crew of 11 from the 374th 

R e c o n n a i s s a n c eS q u a d r o n( V e r yL o n gR a n g e )W e a t h e r ,l e f tM c C l e l l a n 

AFB to replace the first B-29, which was starting to run low on 

fuel (10; 1 3 ;2 0 ;2 5 ) . 

10.2.4 Aerial Surveys 

S u r v e ya i r c r a f ti n c l u d e d two SWC helicopters,an H-19 that 

monitored the area i m m e d i a t e l ya r o u n dg r o u n d zero a n da n H-13 

that d e l i v e r e ds c i e n t i f i cd a t a to courier aircraft. I na d d i t i o n , 

a C-47and a B-17 s u r v e y e db o t ho n s i t ea n do f f s i t e areas. The 

C-47, with a crew o fs i xf r o m the Air W e a t h e rS e r v i c e ,l e f t 

Nellis AFB at 0750 hours. The B-17, with a crew o fn i n ef r o m the 

Air F o r c eC a m b r i d g e Research Laboratory, left Nellis AFB at 0755 

hours (10). 

The SWC H-19 helicopter, with a crew o ft h r e e from the 

4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a lW e a p o n sG r o u p ,m a d e two postshottrips to the 

g r o u n dz e r o area to monitor the area and to retrievescientific 

data. On its first trip to the g r o u n dz e r oa r e a , the helicopter 

left the C o n t r o lP o i n t at 0 6 2 5a n dr e t u r n e d at 0 7 2 5h o u r s . It 

began its second trip at 0 9 2 5a n dr e t u r n e d to the C o n t r o lP o i n t 

at 0938. At 1031 hours, this helicopter left for I n d i a nS p r i n g s 

AFB c a r r y i n gs c i e n t i f i cd a t af o r the B-25 c o u r i e ra i r c r a f t . It 

arrived there at 1 0 4 9h o u r s . The SWC H-13 h e l i c o p t e rd e l i v e r e d 

scientificdata to the courieraircraft at I n d i a nS p r i n g s AFB, 

leaving the C o n t r o lP o i n t at 0 8 2 9h o u r sa n da r r i v i n g at the base 

at 0845. The H-13 had a crew of two from the 4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a l 

W e a p o n sG r o u p( 4 ) . 

10.2.5 C o u r i e rS e r v i c e 

After the s a m p l i n gm i s s i o n sh a db e e nc o m p l e t e d , three B-25 

aircraftleftIndianSprings AFB o ns h o t - d a y to d e l i v e rc l o u d 

s a m p l e s ,i n s t r u m e n t a t i o n ,a n d other r e s u l t sf r o m the scientific 

149 
experiments to Kirtland AFB for subsequent transport to LASL via 

commercial contract carrier. The couriers aboard these aircraft 

were LASL civilians, while the aircrews were from the 4901st Air 

Support Wing (2-4). 

The first B-25, with a crew of five and a LASL courier, left 

Indian Springs AFB for the Frenchman Flat landing strip at 0623 

hours. It reached Frenchman Flat at 0647, picked up scientific 

samples, instrumentation, and data, and left Frenchman Flat at 

0729 for Kirtland AFB, arriving at 0940 hours (3-4). 

The second B-25, with a crew of five and a LASL courier 

onboard, remained at Indian Springs AFB. At 0850, it received 

scientific data from the H-13 helicopter. Five minutes later, at 

0855, the B-25 left Indian Springs for Kirtland AFB, arriving at 

1044 hours (3-4). 

The third B-25, carrying a crew of five and a LASL courier, 

left Indian Springs AFB for Nellis AFB at 1058 hours and arrived 

there at 1117. After receiving cloud samples from Headquarters, 

USAF, personnel, it left at l2Ol'and arrived at Kirtland AFB at 

1359 hours (3-4). 

10.3 RADIATION PROTECTION AT SHOT FOX 

The information available for Shot FOX includes the results 

of onsite and offsite radiological monitoring and decontamination 

procedures. 

Monitoring 

The initial survey monitoring team entered the test area 

about 30 minutes after the detonation. Their survey took about 

30 minutes to complete. Monitors detected a gamma radiation 

intensity of 0.0003 R/h about 2,100 meters from ground zero. At 

900 meters from ground zero, they measured an intensity of 0.16 

150 
R/h. The monitors encountered radiation intensities of 1.1 R/h 

at 370 meters and 8.0 R/h at 200 meters from ground zero. A 

maximum intensity of 15.5 R/h was registered near ground zero 

(16). Figure 10-2 shows a reconstructed isointensity map based 

on this initial survey (17). 

A second monitoring team surveyed the same area seven hours 

after the initial survey was completed. The maximum gamma 

intensity they encountered was 5.2 R/h, registered near ground 

zero. They detected intensities of 2.60 R/h and 0.05 R/h at 

distances of 300 and 760 meters, respectively, from ground 

zero (16). 

Several other surveys of the shot area were made the day 

after the detonation. The maximum radiation intensity 

measured during these surveys was 3.2 R/h, registered near ground 

zero, 27 hours after the detonation. Surveys conducted about 50 

hours after the detonation found a maximum radiation level of 

0.32 R/h near ground zero (16). 

Offsite monitoring was conducted by the same survey teams 

stationed offsite to monitor the previous RANGER shots. These 

teams found the maximum gamma radiation intensity in the area of 

Charleston Mountain, about 60 kilometers southeast of ground 

zero. During the morning, the maximum gamma intensity was 0.014 

R/h. Two hours later, this reading had decreased to 0.0007 R/h. 

Monitoring teams in all other offsite areas reported gamma 

radiation intensities no greater than 0.0002 R/h (16; 34). 

Two aircraft, a C-47 and a B-17, conducted offsite aerial 

surveys out to about 320 kilometers from ground zero. These 

aircraft detected no gamma radiation levels above background 

level (16). 

151 
NP 0 

. /

.-*-. 

\ 

\ . . \* *. 

\ .* I . 1: 

\ . \ / -

. . 

. \ / 

. 

1.0 R/h 

Urn -. -.- 0.1 Rih

Meters 

Figure 10-2: RECONSTRUCTED ISOINTENSITY MAP OF FOX, 

ONE HOUR AFTER DETONATION 

‘. 

152 

0 
Decontamination 

Onsite personnel were monitored at the decontamination 

center about 30 meters from the Control Point. Decontamination 

personnel reported that no radioactive contamination remained on 

individuals after they had showered and changed into fresh 

clothing (34). 

Vehicles were also decontaminated at the center near the 

Control Point. Decontamination personnel found that the areas 

most contaminated were the running boards, floorboards, tires, 

and mudguards. The highest intensity encountered at any of these 

places was 0.03 R/h. In all cases, vacuuming and washing reduced 

the radioactivity to less than 0.007 R/h (34). 

The two B-29 sampling aircraft were decontaminated at Nellis 

AFB. The average gamma intensity registered on each aircraft, 

upon landing, was 0.17 R/h and 0.05 R/h. Two washings reduced 

these levels to 0.01 R/h and 0.007 R/h, respectively. The 

washing effluent was allowed to run off the ramp into the desert 

sand. The decontamination procedure removed about 90 percent of 

the radiation on the aircraft (31; 38). 

153 
154 
RANGERVOLUMEREFERENCE LIST 

The following list of references represents 

only those documents cited in the RANGER 

volume. When a WT document is followed by an 

EX, the latest version has been cited. 

155 
AVAILABILITY INFORMATION 

An availability statement has been included at the end of 

the reference citation for those readers who wish to read or 

obtain copies of source documents. Availability statements were 

correct at the time the bibliography was prepared. It is 

anticipated that many of the documents marked unavailable mag

become available during the declassification review process. The 

Coordination and Information Center (CIC) and the National 

Technical Information Service (NTIS) will be provided future 

DNA-WT documents bearing an EX after the report number. 

Source documents bearing an availability statement of CIC 

may be reviewed at the following address: 

Department of Energy

Coordination and Information Center 

(Operated by Reynolds Electrical & Engineering Co., Inc.)

ATTN: Mr. Richard V. Nutley 

2753 S. Highland 

P.O. Box 14100 Phone: (702) 734-3194 

Las Vegas, Nevada 89114 598-3194 FTS: 

Source documents bearing an availability statement of NTIS 

may be purchased from the National Technical Information Service. 

When ordering by mail or phone, please include both the price 

code and the NTIS number. The price code appears in parentheses 

before the NTIS order number. 

National Technical Information Service 

5285 Port Royal Road Phone: (703) 487-4650 

Springfield, Virginia 22161 (Sales Off ice) 

Additional ordering information or assistance may be obtained by

writing to the NTIS, Attention: Customer Service, or by calling 

(703) 487-4660. 

156 
RANGER REFERENCES 

1 7 9 t hC o n g r e s s of t h eU n i t e dS t a t e s ,2 n dS e s s i o n .P u b l i c 

Law 585: Atomic Energy Act 1946. o fW a s h i n g t o n , 

D. C. : GPO. A u g u s t1 9 4 6 . 2 4P a g e s . 

2. 4901st Support Wing ( A t o m i c ) ." N a r r a t i v eR e p o r t on 

'Operation RANGER' Parts I and 11." Air Force, 

S p e c i a lW e a p o n s Command. Kirtland AFB, NM.: AFSWC. 

15 February 1951. 35 Pages.** 

3. 4925th Weapons Special Group. "Operation RANGER." USAF, 

Special Weapons Command. Kirtland AFB, NM.: AFSWC. 

16 October 1951. 40 Pages. Secret/RD.***

4. 4 9 2 5 t hS p e c i a lW e a p o n sG r o u p ." O p e r a t i o n s Report - Project 

RANGER." Air Force S p e c i a lW e a p o n s Command. 

Kirtland AFB, NM.: AFSWC. 12 1951. February 45

Pages. Secret/RD.*** 

5. Air F o r c eR a d i o l o g i c a lH e a l t hL a b o r a t o r y . Air Force ADP 

Project: REECo S o u r c eD o c u m e n t s , 1945-1962 (RANGER).

W r i g h tP a t t e r s o n AFB, OH.: USAF, RHL. 1967.  

6. Air F o r c eS p e c i a lW e a p o n s Command. O p e r a t i o nO r d e r No. 1, 

Annex 3, Tab A. Kirtland AFB, NM.: AFSWC. 

2 6J a n u a r y 1951. 1 Page.**  

7. Air F o r c eS p e c i a lW e a p o n s Command. O p e r a t i o nO r d e r No. 2, 

Annex 3, Tab A. Kirtland AFB, NM.: AFSWC. 

2 7J a n u a r y 1951. 1 Page.** 

8. Air F o r c eS p e c i a lW e a p o n s Command. O p e r a t i o nO r d e r NO. 3, 

Annex 3, Tab A. Kirtland AFB, NM.: AFSWC. 

2 February 1951. 1 Page.** 

9. Air F o r c eS p e c i a l Weapons Command. O p e r a t i o nO r d e r No. 4, 

Annex 3, Tab A. Kirtland AFB, NM.: AFSWC. 

1 February 1951. 1 Page.** 

* A v a i l a b l ef r o mN T I S ;o r d e rn u m b e ra p p e a r sb e f o r et h ea s t e r i s k . 

**Available at CIC. 

***Not available, see A v a i l a b i l i t yI n f o r m a t i o np a g e . 

* * * * R e q u e s t ss u b j e c t to Privacy Act restrictions. 

157 
10. Air F o r c eS p e c i a lW e a p o n s Command. O p e r a t i o nO r d e r No. 5, 

Annex 3, Tab A. Kirtland AFB, NM.: AFSWC. 

6 February 1951. 1 Page.** 

11. Atomic Energy Commission. [AEC Minutes f o rM e e t i n g s #513, 

515, 5 4 1 ,5 4 3 ,5 4 9 , 551, 553, 564, 565, 566, 578, 576, 

583, 584, 615, 6231. AEC. Washington, D.C.: AEC. 

1951. 50 Pages .** 

12. Clark, J. C. Operation RANGER Series. Vol. 1: "Report 

o ft h eD e p u t y Test Director." Washington, D.C.: 

DNA. WT-206-EX. October 1979. 71 Pages. 

(A04) AD/A995 073.*/** 

13. Cody, J.J., Lt. Col., USAF. Memorandum for Col. W. B. 

R e e d ,C h i e f ,O p e r a t i o n s Division, Sub,ject : 

PreliminaryNarrative Report on AFOAT-1 Participation

in Operation RANGER. Air F o r c e ,O f f i c eo f Atomic 

E n e r g y .W a s h i n g t o n , D.C. 12 February 1951. 

8 Pages .** 

14. D e f e n s eN u c l e a rA g e n c y ." P e r s o n n e lE x p o s e d to Radiation 

f r o mA t m o s p h e r i c Nuclear Tests (File C)." Computer 

M a g n e t i cT a p e : RANGER. Washington, D.C.: DNA. 

F e b r u a r y1 9 8 2 . HDNA 60903.  

15. D e p a r t m e n to fE n e r g y ,O f f i c eo fP u b l i cA f f a i r s ; Los Alamos 

Scientific Laboratory ; LawrenceLivermoreLaboratory ; 

S a n d i aL a b o r a t o r i e s ." A n n o u n c e dU n i t e dS t a t e s 

Nuclear Tests, J u l y1 9 4 5t h r o u g h1 9 7 9 . "[ M e r c u r y , 

NV.]: Operations Nevada Office. NVO-209.

January 1980. 38 Pages. 

16. F e l t ,G a e l e n ; Russell, D. H.; Denning, 0. V.; et al. 

Operation RANGER Series. Vol. 5: "Program 

Reports--Operational." Los Alamos Scientific 

Laboratory. Oak Ridge, TN.: AEC, Technical 

Information Service. WT-204. July 1952.

104 Pages** *. 

17. General Electric Company - TEMPO. C o m p i l a t i o no f Local 

Fallout Data from Test D e t o n a t i o n s1 9 4 5 - 1 9 6 2 .V o l u m e 

1: "Continental U.S. Tests." Washington, D.C.: 

DNA-1251-1-EX. 1979. 619 Pages.

(A99) AD/A079 309* 

* A v a i l a b l ef r o mN T I S ;o r d e rn u m b e ra p p e a r sb e f o r e the asterisk. 

**Available at CIC. 

***Not available, see A v a i l a b i l i t yI n f o r m a t i o np a g e . 

* * * * R e q u e s t ss u b j e c t to Privacy Act restrictions. 

158 
18. 

19. 

20. 

21. 

22. 

23. 

24. 

25. 

26. 

Greene, W.; Minge, W.; Yost, M. H i s t o r yo ft h e AFSWC for 1 

January - 30 June 1957, Volume 1: "Narrative," 

Kirtland, AFB, NM.: AFSWC. December 1957. 

319Pages,K242-01-K2823. *** 

Grier, H. E.; Houghton, R. A.; Ogle, W. E.; et al. 

Operation RANGER Series. Vol. 3: "Program Reports 

--WeaponsDevelopment .It Los Alamos Scientific

Laboratory. Washington, D.C.: DNA. WT-203--EX.

February 1980. 183 Pages. (A09) AD/A995 101.*/**

Headquarters, 374th R e c o n n a i s s a n c eS q u a d r o n (VLR) Weather. 

Historical S u p p l e m e n to f3 7 4 t h Reconnaissance Squadron 

(VLR) Weather. Air Force. McClellan AFB, CA.:

H q s .3 7 4 t h Recon. Squadron. 1951. 17 Pages.** 

H e a d q u a r t e r s ,3 7 4 t hR e c o n n a i s s a n c eS q u a d r o n( V L R )W e a t h e r . 

S p e c i a lO r d e r s , Number 8: Personnel Movement Orders. 

Air F o r c e .M c C l e l l a n AFB, CA.: Hqs., 3 7 4 t hR e c o n . 

Squadron. 17 J a n u a r y1 9 5 1 . 2 Pages .** 

Headquarters, Nellis Air Force Base. E x t r a c tf r o mS p e c i a l 

Order No. 20. Air Force. Air Training Command. 

Las Vegas, NV.: Nellis AFB. 2 4J a n u a r y 1951. 

2 Pages. ** 

H e a d q u a r t e r s ,S a c r a m e n t o Air Materiel Area. Extract from 

S p e c i a lO r d e r No. 12. Air F o r c e .L o g i s t i c s Command. 

McClellan AFB, CA. Sacramento AMA. 16 January 1951. 

1 Page.** 

[ M i l i t a r yE f f e c t s Test Group.] Helicopter Runs;LITTLE JOE 

THREE-- [BAKER-2 3. AEC. [ L a sV e g a s , NV. : Test 

Director. ] 2 February 1951. 2 Pages.** 

Reed, W. B., Col., USAF, C h i e fO p e r a t i o n sD i v i s i o n . 

Memorandum f o r :H e a d q u a r t e r s USAF, Subject: 

P r e l i m i n a r yR e p o r to nP a r t i c i p a t i o n in Operation

RANGER, w/incl. Headquarters USAF, Ops Div. 

Washington, DC. 12 February 1951. Pages.*** 2 9

Reines, F r e d e r i c k ." D i s c u s s i o no fR a d i o l o g i c a lH a z a r d s 

A s s o c i a t e dw i t h a Continental Test Site for Atomic 

Bombs."Meeting Notes, 1 Aug. 1950. Los Alamos 

S c i e n t i f i cL a b o r a t o r y . Los Alamos, NM.: UCLA; LASL. 

1 September 1950. 2 6P a g e s * * 

* A v a i l a b l ef r o mN T I S ;o r d e rn u m b e ra p p e a r sb e f o r et h ea s t e r i s k . 

**Available at CIC. 

***Not available, see A v a i l a b i l i t yI n f o r m a t i o np a g e . 

* * * * R e q u e s t ss u b j e c t to Privacy Act restrictions. 

159 
27. 

28. 

29. 

30. 

31. 

32. 

33. 

34. 

35. 

Reines, Frederick. Operation RANGER Series. Vol. 2: 

"Handbook for Operation RANGER and a Summary of Test 

Results." Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory.

Washington D.C.: DNA.WT-202-EX. February 1980. 

105 Pages. (A06) AD/A995 032.*/** 

Reynolds Electrical & Engineering Co., Inc. Exposures of 

Personnel Film Badges from the Nevada Tests, Operation 

RANGER. Microfilm. Mercury, NV. March 1951.  

Russell, D. H., Ma,j., USAF. "Weather Support: Program

RANGER." Headquarters, 2059th Air Weather Wing.

Tinker AFB, OK.: Hqs., 2059th AW Wing. 1 March 1951. 

15 Pages.**  

Sudyam, B. R.; Kent, G. A.; Holzman, B. G.; et al. 

Operation RANGER Series. Vol. 4: "Program 

Reports--Gross Weapons Measurements." Los Alamos 

Scientific Laboratory. Oak Ridge, TN.: AEC, 

Technical Information Service. WT-201. June 1952. 

267 Pages.*** 

Trexler, C. E., Maj., USAF. "Decontamination of 

Aircraft--Operation RANGER." Air Force, Office of 

Atomic Energy. Washington, D.C.:Air Force, Office 

of Atomic Energy.1951. 91 Pages.*** 

Tyler, C. L. Operation RANGER Series. Vol. 6: 

"Administrative Summary Report. I' Los Alamos

Scientific Laboratory. Los Alamos, NM.: University

of California; LASL.WT-205. July 1952. 

57 Pages. (A04) AD/A078 580.*/** 

Wilson, R. C., Ma.j. Gen., USAF. Letter to the Director 

Military Application Division, Subject: Air Support

Activities. Air Force, Deputy Chief of Staff, Atomic 

Energy. Washington, D.C. 22 January 1951. 

1 Page.** 

Wolfe , R. D. , LTC. , USA. "Informal Report--Operation 

RANGER."Navy.San Francisco, CA. : Naval 

Radiological Defense Laboratory. 2 March 1951. 

USNRD-AD-319(C). 59 Pages.*** 

York, Herbert T. [Compiler]. Arms Control: Readings from 

Scientific American.San Francisco, CA: W.H. Truman 

andCo.1973. 427 Pages. 

*Available from NTIS; order number appears before the asterisk. 

**Available at CIC. 

***Not available, see Availability Information page. 

 Requests subject to Privacy Act restrictions. 

160 
36. The Airman's Guide. Civil Aeronautics Administration and 

US Air Force. Harrisburg, PA: Military Services 

Publishing Co. 1950. 250 Pages. 

37. Brady, William J. [Phone Conversation between Jay Brady,

REECo, and Stephen Rohrer, JRB, Subject: Radiation 

Safety at RANGER.] March 1, 1982.** * 

38. Fackler, P. H. Interview with Colonel Paul Fackler, USAF 

(Retired).April 24, 1980.*** 

*Available from NTIS; order number appears before the asterisk. 

**Available at CIC. 

***Not available, see Availability Information page. 

****Requests subject to Privacy Act restrictions. 

161 
162 
DISTRIBUTION LIST 

DEPARTMENTOF DEFENSE DEPP.RTMENT OF THE NAVY (Continued) 

Armed ForcesStaffCollege James CarsonBreckinridgeLibrary 

ATTN : Library Department ofthe Navy 

ATTX: L i b r a r yD i v 

AssistantSecretary of Defense , Public Affairs 

ATTN: PA0 MarineCorpsNuclearTestPersonnelReview

ATTN: Code MSRB-6C 

DefenseNuclearAgency MerchantMarine Academy ATTN: PA0 ATTN: D i r e c t o ro fL i b r a r i e s ATTN: GC 

ATTN: BA NavalAviationSchool Command 5 cy ATTN: NTPR ATTN: Library 25 cy ATTN: TITL 

DefenseTechnicalInformationCenter NavalHospitalCorpsSchool

ATTN: Library 12 cy ATTN: DD 

Naval OceanSystemsCenter Field Command 

DefenseFluclearAgency ATTN : Library

ATTN. FCLS 

ATTN: NavalOceanographicOffice FCTT, W. Summa 

ATTN: Code 325, Historian ATTN: FCLS, Maj 0. Norton 

ATTN: FCTT, G. Ganong NavalPostgraduateSchool 

ATTN: Code 1424, Library InterserviceNuclear !!capons School 

ATTN: TTV 

NavalResearchLaboratory 

NationalDefenseUniversity ATTN : Library 

ATTN: ICAF Tech Library NavalSchool 

AssistanttotheSecretaryofDefense N a v a lC o n s t r u c t i o nB a t t a l i o nC e n t e r

ATTN: Commanding Officer AtomicEnergy 

ATTN: M i l i t a r yA p p l i c a t i o n s 

ATTN: E x e c u t i v eA s s i s t a n t NavalSchool o fH e a l t hS c i e n c e s

ATTN: Library 

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY 

Naval Sea Systems Command 

ATTN: NuclearTechnologyDiv Army Library 

ATTN: Military Doc Sec 

NavalSurface Weapons Center 

ATTN: Library Army NuclearTestPersonnelReview 

2 Cy ATTN: DAAG-AMR-R TAG0 Naval War College 

ATTN: Professor 8 Libraries U.S. Army Center of Military History 

ATTN : DAMH-HSO Naval Weapons Center 

ATTN: Code 233 U.S. Army ChemicalSchool 

ATTN: ATZN-CM-CS Naval Weapons E v a l u a t i o nF a c i l i t y ATTN: ATZN-CM-AL 

ATTN: Library 

U.S. Army Comd & G e n e r a lS t a f fC o l l e g e NavyDept Library ATTN : Library ATTN : Li brn 

U.S. Army War College Navy NuclearFowerSchool ATTN : Library ATTN: Library 

U.S. Army Nuclear & ChemicalAgency 

ATTN : Library NavyNuclearTestPersonnelReview

2 Cy ATTN: W. Loeffler 

DEPARTMENT OF THE N E 

U.S. Naval Academy 

PiirnitzLibrary AviationHistoryUnit 

Department ATTN: Documents & ReportsDept of the Navy 

ATTN: Library 

MarineCorpsBase 

Bureau of Medicine and Surgery ATTN: Document Custodian 

Department of the Navy 

ATTN: A s s tf o r Med Surgery 

163 
DEPARTMENTOFTHE NAVY (Continued) 

Office of the Judge Adv Gen 

Department ofthe Navy 

ATTN: Code 73 

MarineCorpsHistoricalCenter 

2 cy ATTN: Code HDH-2 

U.S. MerchantMarine Academy 

ATTN: Librn 

U.S. Naval Air S t a t i o nL i b r a r y 

Department of the Navy 

ATTN : Library 

DEPARTMENTOF THE AIR FORCE 

Academy Library DFSELD 

U.S. Air Force Academy 

ATTN: Library 

AerospaceDefense Command 

ATTN: Historian 

Air ForceCommunications Command 

ATTN: Historian 

Air ForceInstituteofTechnology 

ATTN: Library 

Air F o r c eL o g i s t i c s Command 

ATTN: Historian 

Air ForceNuclearTestPersonnelReview 

ATTN: HQ USAF/SGES 

Air ForceSchool of AerospaceMedicine 

ATTN: S t r u g h o l dL i b r a r y 

Air ForceSystems Command 

ATTN: Historian 

Air ForceTechnicalApplicationsCenter 

ATTN: Historian 

Air Force Weapons Laboratory 

Air ForceSystems Command 

ATTN: T e c hL i b r a r y 

Air National Guard 

ATTN: Historian 

Air Training Command 

ATTN: Historian 

Air UniversitvLibrarv 

Department of- the Air" Force 

ATTN: AUL-LSE 

Military Air Lift Command 

ATTN: Historian 

Comnander-in-Chief 

Pacific Air Forces 

ATTN: Historian 

Tactical Air Command 

Department oftheAirForce 

ATTN: Historian 

DEPARTMENTOFTHE AIR FORCE (Continued) 

Strategic Air Comnand 

Department of the Air Force 

ATTN: NRI-STINFO Library 

ATTN: Historian 

U.S. Air ForceOccupational & Env Health Lab 

ATTN: NTPR 

DEPARTMENTOF ENERGY 

Department of Energy 

ATTN: OMA 

Department of Energy 

Nevada O p e r a t i o n sO f f i c e 

ATTN: HealthPhysicsDiv 

2 cy ATTN: R. Nutley 

Department of Energy 

Human Health & AssessmentsDivision 

ATTN: EV-31 

OTHERGOVERNMEIiT AGENB 

CentersforDiseaseControl 

U.S. P u b l i cH e a l t hS e r v i c e 

ATTN: G. Caldwell 

C e n t r a lI n t e l l i g e n c e Agency 

ATTN: O f f i c eo fM e d i c a lS e r v i c e s 

DepartmentofHealth & Human Svcs 

ATTN: O f f i c eo fG e n e r a l Counsel 

Exec Ofcof The President 

Management & Budget Off Lib 

ATTN : Li brn 

Library of Congress

ATTN: L i b r a r yS e r v i c eD i v i s i o n 

ATTN: Science & TechnologyDiv 

ATTN: Serial & G o v tP u b l i c a t i o n 

NationalAtomic Museum 

ATTN: Historian 

Department of Commerce 

NationalBureauofStandards 

ATTN: Librn 

NationalTechnicalInformationService 

12 cy ATTN: CustomerServices 

OccupationalSafety & Health Admin 

ATTN: C. Wright 

Office of Health & Disability (ASPER) 

ATTN: R. Copeland 

Ofc of WorkersCompensationProgram 

Department ofLabor 

ATTN: R. Larson 

U.S. CoastGuard Academy Library 

ATTN : Li brn 

U.S. House o fR e p r e s e n t a t i v e s 

ATTN: Committeeon Armed Svcs 

164 
OTHERGOVERNMENT AGENCIES (Continued) OTHER GOVERNMENTAGENCIES (Continued) 

U.S. House o fR e p r e s e n t a t i v e s VeteransAdministration-RO 

Committee on Interstate & Foreign Comnerce 

ATTN: Subcommittee on Health & Envir 

Honolulu, HI 

ATTN : D i rector 

U.S. Military Academy VeteransAdministration-RD 

ATTN: D i r e c t o ro fL i b r a r i e s Chicago, IL 

U.S. Senate 

ATTN : Director 

Committeeon Armed Services VeteransAdministration-RO 

ATTN: Comittee on V e t e r a n sA f f a i r s Seattle, WA 

ATTN : Director 

U.S. Senate 

ATTN: CommitteeonVeteransAffairs VeteransAdministration-RO 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

I n d i a n a p o l i s ,I N 

ATTN : Director 

Providence, RI 

ATTN : D i rector VeteransAdministration-RO 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

Des Moines, IA 

ATTN: Director 

Montgomery , AL 

ATTN : Oirector VeteransAdministration-RO 

Wichita, KS 

VeteransAdministration-RO ATTN: Director 

Anchorage, AK 

ATTN: Oirector VeteransAdministration-RO 

Louisville, KY 

VeteransAdministration-RO ATTN : Oirector 

Phoenix, AZ 

ATTN : Director VeteransAdministration-RO 

New Orleans, LA 

VeteransAdministration-RO ATTN : D i rector 

Little Rock, AR 

ATTN : Director VeteransAdministration-RO 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

Togus, ME 

ATTN : Director 

Los Angeles, CA 

ATTN : Director VeteransAdministration-RO 

Ba 1 timore, MD 

VeteransAdministration-RO ATTN : Director 

San Francisco, CA 

ATTN : Director VeteransAdministration-RO 

Boston, MA 

VeteransAdministration-RO ATTN : Director 

Denver, CO 

ATTN : D i rector VeteransAdministration-RO 

St. Paul. MN 

VeteransAdministration-RO ATTN: Director 

Hartford, CT 

ATTN: Director VeteransAdministration-RO 

Jackson, MS 

VeteransAdministration-RO ATTN : Director 

Wilmington, DE 

ATTN: Oirector VeteransAdministration-RO 

VeteransAdministration-OFCCentral 

Huntington, WV 

ATTN : D i rector 

Washington, D. C. 

ATTN: DeptVeteransBenefit,Central 

ATTN: Director 

Ofc VeteransAdministration-RO 

St. Louis, MO 

ATTN: BoardofVeteranAppeal ATTN : Director 

VeteransAdministration-RO VeteransAdministration-RO 

St. Petersburg, FL 

ATTN : D i rector 

Ft.Harrison, MT 

ATTN: Director 

VeteransAdministration-RO N a t i o n a lA r c h i v e s 

At1anta, GA ATTN : L i brn 

ATTN : Director 

165 
OTHERGOVERNMENTAGENCIES (Continued) OTHERGOVERNMENT AGENCIES (Continued) 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

Lincoln , NE 

ATTN : Director 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

Reno, NV 

ATTN : D i rector 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

Manchester, NH 

ATTN : D i rector 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

Newark, NJ 

ATTN: Director 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

Milwaukee, WI 

ATTN : D i rector 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

A1 buquerque, NM 

ATTN : Director 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

Buffalo, NY 

ATTN: Director 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

New York, NY 

ATTN : Director 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

Winston-Salem, NC 

ATTN: Director 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

Fargo, ND 

ATTN: Director 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

Cleveland, OH 

ATTN : Director 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

Muskogee, OK 

ATTN : Director 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

Portland, OR 

ATTN: Director 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

Pittsburgh, PA 

ATTN : Director 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

Philadelphia, PA 

ATTN : D i rector 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

San Francisco, CA 

ATTN : Di rector 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

San Juan,PuertoRico 

ATTN : Director 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

Columbia, SC 

ATTN: Director 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

S i o u xF a l l s , SD 

ATTN : Director 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

Houston, TX 

ATTN : Director 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

Waco, TX 

ATTN: Director 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

SaltLake City, UT 

ATTN : Director 

VeteransAdministraiton-RO 

WhiteRiverJunction, \IT 

ATTN : Director 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

Roanoke, VA 

ATTN : Director 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

Cheyenne, MY 

ATTN : Director 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

San Diego, CA 

ATTN : Director 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

Boise, ID 

ATTN : Director 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

Detroit, MI 

ATTN : Director 

VeteransAdministration-RO 

Nashvi 11 e, TN 

ATTN : Director 

The White House 

ATTN: D o m e s t i cP o l i c yS t a f f 

DEPARTMENTOF ENERGY CONTRACTORS 

LawrenceLivermoreNational Lab 

ATTN: Tech Info D e p tL i b r a r y 

Los Alarnos National Lab 

ATTN: Library 

ATTN: AOPA MMS 195 

SandiaNationalLab 

ATTN: W. Hereford 

ATTN: C e n t r a lL i b r a r y 

R e y n o l d sE l e c t r i c a l & Engr Co., IRC 

ATTN: CIC 

ATTN: W. Brady 
-

OTHER 

Adams StateCollege 

ATTN : Librn 

A k r o nP u b l i cL i b r a r y 

ATTN : Li brn 

Alabama StateDept of Archives & History 

ATTN: Mi1itary RecordsDiv 

University of Alabama 

ATTN: ReferenceDept,Dralier 3 

ATTN: D i r e c t o ro fL i b r a r i e s (Reg) 

University of AlaskaLibraryat AnchoraTe 

ATTN : Librn 

University of Alaska 

ATTN: Dir of Libraries 

AlbanyPublicLibrary 

ATTN : Li brn 

Alexander City State Jr College 

ATTN: Librn 

A I 1 egheny Col 1 ege 

ATTN : Librn 

AllenCountyPubl ic Library 

ATTN: Librn 

A1 toona AreaPubl ic Library 

ATTN : Librn 

A m e r i c a nS t a t i s t i c sI n d e x 

CongressionalInfoService,Inc 

ATTN: CathyJarvey 

Anaheim PublicLibrary 

ATTN: L ib r n 

College of Wooster 

ATTN: GOv DOCS 

AngeloStateUniversityLibrary 

ATTN : Li brn 

AngeloIacoboniPubl ic Library 

ATTK!: L ib r n 

AnokaCounty Library 

ATTN : Li brn 

AppalachianStateUniversity 

ATTN: Library Docs 

ArizonaStateUniversityLibrary 

ATTN : Li brn 

University of Arizona 

ATTN:Gov Doc Dept/C.Bower 

ArkansasCollegeLibrary 

ATTN : Library 

BrooklynCollege 

ATTN: Doc Civ 

OTHER (Continued) 

ArkansasLibrary Comm 

ATTN: Library 

ArkansasStateUniversity 

ATTN: Library 

University of Arkansas 

ATTN:Gov Docs D i v 

A u s t i nC o l l e g e 

ATTN : L ibrn 

At1 anta Publ ic Library 

ATTN: I v a nA l l e nD e p t 

At1 anta University 

ATTN: Librn 

AuburnUniversityLibrary ?tMongomery (Reg) 

ATTN : Li brn 

c. W. Post Ctr L o n gI s l a n dU n i v e r s i t y 

ATTN: Librn 

BangorPubl ic Library 

ATTN: Librn 

Bates Col 1 ege Library 

ATTN: Librn 

BaylorUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: DOCS Dept 

BeloitCollegeLibraries 

ATTN: Serials DocsDept 

BemidjiStateCollege 

ATTN: Library 

State University Coll ege 

ATTN : Gov Docs 

A k r o nU n i v e r s i t y 

ATTN: Gov DOCS 

BostonPubl ic Library (Reg) 

ATTN: Docs Dept 

BowdoinCollege 

ATTN : Li brn 

BowlingGreenStateUniversity 

ATTN: Lib Gov Docs Services 

BradleyUniversity 

ATTN: Librn 

B r a n d e i sU n i v e r s i t yL i b r a r y 

ATTN: Docs Section 

Brigham Young University 

ATTN: Librn 

Brigham Young University 

ATTN: Docs Collection 

BrookhavenNationalLaboratory 

ATTN: Tech Library 

167 
OTHER (Continued) " OTHER (Continued)

BrowardCountyLibrarySys CarnegieLibraryofPittsburgh 

ATTN: Librn ATTN: Librn 

Brown University CarnegieMellonUniversity 

ATTN : Li brn ATTN: D i ro fL i b r a r i e s 

B u c k n e l lU n i v e r s i t y CarsonRegionalLibrary 

ATTN: Reference Dept ATTN: Gov Pubs Unit

Buffalo ?U Erie Co PublicLibrary CaseWesternReserveUniversity 

ATTN : Li brn ATTN: Librn 

StateUniversityLibraryofCaliforniaatFresno CasperCollege 

ATTN : Lib 1-a ry ATTN : Librn 

UniversityLibraryofCaliforniaatLos AnGeles U n i v e r s i t yo fC e n t r a lF l o r i d a 

ATTN: Pub Affairs Serv U.S. Docs ATTN: Library Docs Dept 

UniversityofCaliforniaat San Diego C e n t r a lM i c h i g a nU n i v e r s i t y 

ATTN: Docs Dept ATTN: Library Docs Sec 

StateCollegeLibraryofCaliforniaatStanislaus C e n t r a lM i s s o u r iS t a t eU n i v 

ATTN : Library ATTN: Gov Docs 

CaliforniaStatePolytechnicUniversityLibrary C e n t r a lS t a t eU n i v e r s i t y 

ATTN : Li brn ATTN: Lib Docs Dept 

CaliforniaStateUniversityatNorthridge CentralWashingtonUniversity 

ATTN: Gov Doc ATTN: Lib Docs Sec 

CaliforniaStateLibrary(Reg) Central Wyoming College Library 

ATTN: Librn ATTN: L ib r n 

CaliforniaStateUniversityat LongBeach Library CharlestonCountyLibrary 

ATTN : Li brn ATTN: Librn 

CaliforniaStateUniversity Charlotte & MechlenburgCountyPublicLibrary 

ATTN : Li brn ATTN: E. Correll 

CaliforniaStateUniversity ChattanoogaHamiltonCounty,BicentennialLibrary 

ATTN : Li brn ATTN: Librn 

CaliforniaUniversityLibrary Chesapeake PublicLibrary System 

ATTN: Gov Pub Dept ATTN: Librn

CaliforniaUniversityLibrary ChicagoPublicLibrary 

ATTN: L ib r n ATTN: Gov Pubs Dept

CaliforniaUniversityLibrary StateUniversityofChicago 

ATTN: Gov Docs Dept ATTN: Librn

CaliforniaUniversityLibrary ChicagoUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: Docs Sec ATTN: Dir o fL i b r a r i e s 

ATTN: Docs Processing 

UniversityofCalifornia 

ATTN: Gov Docs Dept CincinnatiUniversityLibrary

ATTN : Li brn 

C a l v i nC o l l e g eL i b r a r y 

ATTN: Librn ClaremontCollegesLibraries 

ATTN: Doc Col1ection 

KearneyStateCollege 

ATTN: Gov Docs Dept Clemson University

ATTN: Dir o fL i b r a r i e s 

CambriaCounty Library Sys 

ATTN: Li brr: 

Carl eton Col1ege Library 

ATTN : Librn 

168 
OTHER (Continued) 

C1 eve1 and Publ ic Library 

ATTN: Docs Collection 

ClevelandStateUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

Coe Library 

ATTN: Docs Div 

ColgateUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: R e fL i b 

ColoradoStateUniversityLibraries 

ATTN: Librn 

University of ColoradoLibraries 

ATTN: Dir of Libraries 

C o l u m b i aU n i v e r s i t yL i b r a r y 

ATTN: Docs Svc Ctr 

Columbus & Franklin Cty PublicLibrary 

ATTN: Gen Rec Div

Compton Library 

ATTN: Librn 

ConnecticutStateLibrary(Reg) 

ATTN: Librn 

University of Connecticut 

ATTN: G o v ' to fC o n n e c t i c u t 

University of Connecticut 

ATTN: Dir o fL i b r a r i e s 

C o r n e l 1U n i v e r s i t yL i b r a r y 

ATTN: Librn 

C o r p u sC h r i s t iS t a t eU n i v e r s i t yL i b r a r y 

ATTN: Librn 

Culver City Library 

ATTN: Librn 

CurryCollegeLibrary 

ATTN : Li brn 

University of NorthCarolinaatAsheville 

ATTN : Li brn 

DallasCountyPublicLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

DallasPubl ic Library 

ATTN: Librn 

DaltonJuniorCollegeLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

Dartmouth Col1 ege 

ATTN : Li brn 

DavenportPubl ic Library 

ATTN: Librn 

DavidsonCollege 

ATTN: Librn 

OTHER (Continued) 

Dayton & Montgomery City Publ ic Library 

ATTN : Li brn 

University of Dayton 

ATTN: Librn 

DecaturPublicLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

DekalbCommunityCollege So Cpus 

ATTN: Librn 

Delaware Pauw University 

ATTN: L ibrn 

University of Delaware 

ATTN: Librn 

D e l t aC o l l e g eL i b r a r y 

ATTN : Librn 

DeltaStateUniversity 

ATTN: Librn 

DenisonUniversityLibrary 

ATTN : L ibrn 

DenverPubl ic Library (Reg) 

ATTN: Docs Div 

Dept of Library & Archives (Reg) 

ATTN : Li brn 

Detroit Publ ic Library 

ATTN: L ib r n 

Burl ington Library 

ATTN . Librn 

DickinsonStateCollege 

ATTN: Librn 

Alabama A g r i c u l t u r a lM e c h a n i c a lU n i v e r s i t y & Coli 

ATTN: Librn 

D r a k eU n i v e r s i t y 

ATTN : Cowl es Library 

Drew University 

ATTN: Librn 

Duke University 

ATTN: Pub Docs Dept 

DuluthPublicLibrary 

ATTN : Docs Sec 

E a s tC a r o l i n aU n i v e r s i t y 

ATTN: Lib Docs Oept 

E a s tC e n t r a lU n i v e r s i t y 

ATTN : Li brn 

EastIslipPublicLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

169 
___ OTHER (Continued) 

EastOrangePublicLibrary 

ATTN: U.S. G o v ' tD e p o s i t o r y 

EastTennesseeStateUniversitySherrodLibrary 

ATTN: DOCS Dept 

EastTexasStateUniversity 

ATTN: Library 

Monmouth CountyLibraryEasternBranch 

ATTN: Librn 

E a s t e r nI l l i n o i sU n i v e r s i t y 

ATTN : Li brn 

E a s t e r nK e n t u c k yU n i v e r s i t y 

ATTN : Li brn 

E a s t e r nM i c h i g a nU n i v e r s i t yL i b r a r y 

ATTN : Library 

EasternMontanaCollegeLibrary 

ATTN: Docs Dept 

Eastern New MexicoUniversity 

ATTN : L ibrn 

EasternOregonCollegeLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

EasternWashingtonUniversity 

ATTN: Librn 

El Paso P u b l i cL i b r a r y 

ATTN: DOCS & GeneologyDept 

E l koCountyLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

E l m i r aC o l l e g e 

ATTN : Librn 

E l on Col lege Library 

ATTN: Librn 

Enoch PrattFreeLibrary 

ATTN: DOCS Ofc 

Emory University 

ATTY: L ib r n 

Evansville & Vanderburgh Cty PublicLibrary 

ATTN: L ib r n 

Everett Publ ic Library 

ATTN : Li brn 

F a i r l e i g hD i c k i n s o nU n i v e r s i t y 

ATTN: DepositoryDept 

Florida A & M University 

ATTN: Librn 

FloridaAtlanticUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: D i vo f Pub DOCS 

OTHER (Continued) 

Florida Institute of Techno Iogy 

ATTN : Library 

F l o r i d aI n t e r n a t i o n a lU n i v e r s i t yL i b r a r y 

ATTN: Docs SeC 

FloridaStateLibrary 

ATTN: DocsSec 

FloridaStateUniversity 

ATTN: Librn 

University of Florida 

ATTN: DocsDept 

Fond Du Lac PublicLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

Ft Hays StateUniversity 

Ft HaysKansas StateCollege 

ATTN : Li brn 

Ft WorthPublicLibrary 

ATTN : Li brn 

FreePublicLibrary of Elizabeth 

ATTN : Li brn 

FreePubl ic Library 

ATTN : Li brn 

F r e e p o r tP u b l i cL i b r a r y 

ATTN: Librn 

Fresno Cty FreeLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

GadsdenPubl ic Library 

ATTN: Librn 

GardenPubl ic Library 

ATTN: Librn 

Gardner Webb Col 1 ege 

ATTN: Docs Library 

GaryPubl ic Library 

ATTN: Librn 

Geauga Cty Publ ic Library 

ATTN : Li brn 

G e o r g e t o w nU n i v e r s i t yL i b r a r y 

ATTN: Gov Docs Room

GeorgiaInstitute of Technology 

ATTN: Librn 

GeorgiaSouthernCollege 

ATTN : Li brn 

GeorgiaSouthwesternCollege 

ATTN: Dir o fL i b r a r i e s 

GeorgiaStateUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

170 
OTHER (Continued) 

UniversityofGeorgia 

ATTN: Dir of Libraries (Reg) 

GlassboroStateCollege 

ATTN: Librn 

GleesonLibrary 

ATTN : Librn 

GracelandCollege 

ATTN: Librn 

GrandForksPublicCity-CountyLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

GrandRapidsPublicLibrary 

ATTN: Dir of Lib 

GreenvilleCountyLibrary 

ATTN : L ibrn 

G r i n n e l lC o l l e g eL i b r a r y 

ATTN : Li brn 

Guam RFK M e m o r i a lU n i v e r s i t yL i b r a r y 

ATTN: Fed D e p o s i t o r yC o l l 

University of Guam 

ATTN: Librn 

GustavusAdolphusCollege 

ATTN : Librn 

SouthDakota University ATTN : Librn 

Hardin-SimonsUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

HartfordPublicLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

HarvardCollegeLibrary 

ATTN: Dir o fL i b 

H a r v a r dC o l l e g eL i b r a r y 

ATTN: Serials Rec Div 

UniversityofHawaiiLibrary 

ATTN: Gov Docs Coll

H a w a i iS t a t eL i b r a r y 

ATTN: FedDocs Unit 

University of Hawaii at Monoa 

ATTN: Dir o fL i b r a r i e s( R e g ) 

UniversityofHawaii 

Hilo Campus Library 

ATTN: Librn 

Haydon BurnsLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

HennepinCountyLibrary 

ATTN: Gov Docs

HenryFord Community CollegeLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

"OTHER (Continued) 

Herbert H. Lehman College 

ATTN: Lib Docs Div 

HofstraUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: Docs Dept 

HollinsCollege 

ATTN: Librn 

Hopkinsvil le Comnuni ty Col lege 

ATTN: Librn 

Wagner College 

ATTN: Librn 

Uni versity of Houston Library 

ATTN: Docs Div 

HoustonPublicLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

TulaneUniversity 

ATTN: Docs Dept 

H o y tP u b l i cL i b r a r y 

ATTN : Li brn 

HumboldtStateCollegeLibrary 

ATTN: Docs Dept 

H u n t i n g t o nP a r kL i b r a r y 

ATTN: Librn 

H u t c h i n s o nP u b l i cL i b r a r y 

ATTN : Li brn 

IdahoPublicLibrary & InformationCenter 

ATTN: Librn 

IdahoStateLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

IdahoStateUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: Docs Dept 

UniversityofIdaho 

ATTN: Dir o fL i b r a r i e s (Reg) 

ATTN: Docs Sec 

UniversityofIllinoisLibrary 

ATTN : Docs Sec 

IllinoisStateLibrary (Reg) 

ATTN:Gov Docs Br 

Illinois Universityat Urbana-Champaign 

ATTN: P. WatsonDocs Lib 

Illinois Valley Community College 

ATTN: Library 

IllinoisStateUniversity 

ATTN : Li brn 

I n d i a n aS t a t eL i b r a r y( R e g ) 

ATTN: Serial Sec 

IndianaStateUniversity 

ATTN: Docs Library 

171 
OTHER (Continued) -OTHER (Continued) 

IndianaUniversityLibrary KentStateUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: Docs Dept ATTN: DOCS Div 

IndianapolisMarionCountyPublicLibrary KentuckyDept of Library & Archives 

ATTN: SocialScienceDiv ATTN: DOCS Sec 

IowaStateUniversityLibrary University of Kentucky 

ATTN: Gov Docs Dept ATTN: Gov Pub Dept

ATTN: Dir o fL i b (Reg) 

Iowa UniversityLibrary 

ATTN: Gov DocsDept Kenyon College Library 

ATTN: Librn 

But1 er University 

ATTN: Librn LakeForestCollege 

ATTN: Librn 

Isaac Del c hdo Col 1 ege 

ATTN: Librn LakeSumterComnunityCollegeLibrary 

ATTN : Librn 

James M a d i s o nU n i v e r s i t y 

ATTN: Librn LakelandPublicLibrary 

ATTN : Librn 

J e f f e r s o nC o u n t yP u b l i cL i b r a r y 

LakewoodRegionalLibrary L a n c a s t e rR e g i o n a lL i b r a r y 

ATTN: Librn ATTN: L ib r n

Jersey City StateCollege LawrenceUniversity 

ATTN: F. A. I r w i nL i b r a r yP e r i o d i c a l s ATTN: Docs Dept 

Doc Sec 

Brigham Young University 

Johns H o p k i n sU n i v e r s i t y ATTN: Docs & Map Sec 

ATTN: Docs Library LewisUniversityLibrary 

LaRoche College ATTN: Librn 

ATTN : Li brn 

LibraryandStatutoryDist & Svc 

J o h n s o nF r e eP u b l i cL i b r a r y 2 cy ATTN: Librn 

ATTN : Librn 

Earl ham COT 1 ege 

Kalarnazoo PublicLibrary ATTN : Li brn 

ATTN: Librn 

Little Rock PublicLibrary 

Kansas City PublicLibrary ATTN : Librn 

ATTN: Docs Div 

LongBeach PublicLibrary 

Kansas StateLibrary ATTN : Librn 

ATTN : Librn 

LosAngelesPublicLibrary 

Kansas StateUniversityLibrary ATTN: S e r i a l sD i v U.S. Docs 

ATTN: Docs Dept 

LouisianaStateUniversity 

University of Kansas ATTN:Doc Gov Dept 

ATTN: Dir of Library (Reg) ATTN: D i ro fL i b r a r i e s (Reg) 

Universityof Texas LouisvilleFreePublicLibrary

ATTN: Lyndon B. JohnsonSchool Of Public ATTN : Li brn 

AffairsLibrary 

LouisvilleUniversityLibrary 

MaineMaritime Academy ATTN: Librn 

ATTN: Librn 

Hoover Institution 

University of Maine ATTN: J. Bingham 

ATTN: Librn 

172 
OTHER (Continuedr 

Manchester City Library 

ATTN: Librn 

MankatoStateCollege 

ATTN: Gov Pubs

UniversityofMaineatFarmington 

ATTN: Dir of Libraries 

MarathonCountyPublicLibrary 

ATTN : Li brn 

PrincipiaCollege 

ATTN: Librn 

UniversityofMaryland 

ATTN: M c K e l d i nL i b r a r y Docs Div 

UniversityofMaryland 

ATTN: Librn 

University of Massachusetts 

A.TTN: Gov Docs Coll

Maui P u b l i cL i b r a r y 

KahuluiBranch 

ATTN: Librn 

McNeese StateUniversity 

ATTN : L ibrn 

Memphis & ShelbyCountyPublicLibrary & 

InformationCenter 

ATTN: Librn 

Memphis StateUniversity 

ATTN: Librn 

MercerUniversity 

ATTN : Librn 

Mesa CountyPubl ic Library 

ATTN : Li brn 

Miami DadeCommunity College 

ATTN: Librn 

University of MiamiLibrary 

ATTN: Gov Pubs

M i a m iP u b l i cL i b r a r y 

ATTN: Docs Div 

M i a m iU n i v e r s i t yL i b r a r y 

ATTN: Docs Dept 

University of SantaClara 

ATTN: Docs Div 

MichiganStateLibrary 

ATTN : Li brn 

MichiganStateUniversityLibrary 

ATTN : Li brn 

MurrayStateUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: Lib 

OTHER (Continued) 

MichiganTechUniversity 

ATTN: Lib Docs Dept 

UniversityofMichigan 

ATTN: Acq Sec Docs Unit 

MiddleburyCollegeLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

MillersvilleStateCollege 

ATTN : L ibrn 

StateUniversity of New York 

ATTN: Docs Librn 

MilwaukeePubl ic Library 

ATTN : Librn 

M i n n e a p o l i sP u b l i cL i b r a r y 

ATTN: Librn 

University of Minnesota 

ATTN: Dir o fL i b r a r i e s (Reg) 

MinotStateCollege 

ATTN: Librn 

M i s s i s s i p p iS t a t eU n i v e r s i t y 

ATTN: Librn 

University of Mississippi 

ATTN: Dir o fL i b r a r i e s 

MissouriUniversityat Kansas City General 

ATTN : Li brn 

University of MissouriLibrary 

ATTN: Gov Docs 

M.I.T.Libraries 

ATTN : L ibrn 

MobilePublicLibrary 

ATTN:Gov I n f oD i v 

MidwesternUniversity 

ATTN: Librn 

Montana StateLibrary 

ATTN : Librn 

Montana StateUniversityLibrary 

ATTN : Li brn 

University of Montana 

ATTN: Dir of L i b r a r i e s( R e g ) 

MontebelloLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

Moorhead State Col 1 ege 

ATTM : Library 

Mt P r o s p e c tP u b l i cL i b r a r y 

ATTN: C o v ' tI n f o Ctr 

173 
~- OTHER (Continued) OTHER (Continued)

Nassau LibrarySystem StateUniversity of New York 

ATTN : Li brn ATTN: Librn 

NatronaCountyPublicLibrary New YorkStateUniversity 

ATTN: Librn ATTN: Docs Ctr 

Nebraska Library Community StateUniversity of New York 

Nebraska PublicClearinghouse ATTN: Docs Dept 

ATTN : Librn 

New YorkUniversityLibrary 

UniversityofNebraskaat Omaha ATTN: Docs Dept 

ATTN: U n i vL i b Docs 

Newark F r e eL i b r a r y 

NebraskaWesternCollegeLibrary ATTN : Li brn 

ATTN: Librn 

NewarkPubl ic Library 

University of Nebraska ATTN: Librn 

ATTN: Dir of L i b r a r i e s( R e g ) 

N i a g a r aF a l l sP u b l i cL i b r a r y 

University of NebraskaLibrary ATTN: Librn 

ATTN: A c q u i s i t i o n sD e p t 

NichollsStateUniversityLibrary 

University of Nevada Library ATTN: Docs Div 

ATTN: Gov Pubs Deot 

Nieves M. FloresMemorialLibrary 

University of Nevada at LasVegas ATTN: L ib r n 

ATTN: Dir of Libraries 

Norfolk Publ ic Library 

New HampshireUniversityLibrary ATTN: R. Parker 

ATTN : Li brn 

N o r t hC a r o l i n aA g r i c u l t u r a l & Tech State 

New HanoverCountyPublicLibrary University 

ATTN : Li brn ATTN: Librn 

New MexicoStateLibrary University of NorthCarolinaatCharlotte 

ATTN: Librn ATTN: A t k i n sL i b Doc Dept 

New FlexicoStateUniversity UniversityLibrary of NorthCarolinaatGreensboro 

ATTN: Lib Docs Div ATTN: Librn 

University of New Mexico University of NorthCarolinaatWilmington 

ATTN: Dir o fL i b r a r i e s (Reg) ATTN : Li brn 

University of New OrleansLibrary N o r t hC a r o l i n aC e n t r a lU n i v e r s i t y 

ATTN: Gov Docs Div ATTN : Li brn 

New O r l e a n sP u b l i cL i b r a r y NorthCarolinaStateUniversity 

ATTN : Librn ATTN: Librn 

New YorkPublicLibrary University of NorthCarolina 

ATTN : Li brn ATTN: BA SS Div Docs 

New Y o r kS t a t eL i b r a r y NorthDakotaStateUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: Docs C o n t r o lC u l t u r a l Ed Ctr ATTN: Docs Librn 

StateUniversity of New York at StonyBrook University of NorthDakota 

ATTN: Main Lib Docs Sec ATTN: L ib r n 

NorthCeorniaCollege S t a t eU n i v e r s i t y of New YorkColMemorial Lib ATTN: L ib r n atCortland 

ATTN: L ib r n MinnesotaDiv cf EmergencySvcs 

ATTN: L ib r n StateUniversity of New York 

ATTN: Lib Docs Sec 

NorthTexasStateUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

174 
-~OTHER (Continued) 

N o r t h e a s tM i s s o u r iS t a t eU n i v e r s i t y 

ATTN: Librn 

Northeastern Oklahoma StateUniversity 

ATTN: Librn 

NortheasternUniversity 

ATTN: Dodge Library 

NorthernArizonaUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: Gov Docs Dept

N o r t h e r nI l l i n o i sU n i v e r s i t y 

ATTN: Librn 

NorthernMichiganUniversity 

ATTN: DOCS 

NorthernMontanaCollegeLibrary 

ATTK : Li brn 

NorthwesternMichiganCollege 

ATTN : Librn 

N o r t h w e s t e r nS t a t eU n i v e r s i t y 

ATTN: Librn 

NorthwesternStateUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

Northwestern UniversityLibrary 

ATTN: Gov Pubs Dept 

Norwal k Publ ic Library 

ATTN : L ibrn 

N o r t h e a s t e r nI l l i n o i sU n i v e r s i t y 

ATTN : L ibrary 

University of Notre Dame 

ATTN: Doc Ctr

OaklandCommunityCollege 

ATTN: Librn 

O a k l a n dP u b l i cL i b r a r y 

ATTN : Li brn 

Oberl in College Library 

ATTN : Li brn 

Ocean County Col 1 ege 

ATTN : Li brn 

OhioStateLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

OhioStateUniversity 

ATTN: Lib Docs Div 

OhioUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: DocsDept 

Oklahoma City UniversityLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

Oklahoma City UniversityLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

OTHER (Conti&. 

OklahonaDepartment ofLibraries 

ATTN: U.S. Gov Docs 

University of Oklahoma 

ATTN: Docs Div 

OldDominionUniversity 

ATTN:Doc DeptUnivLib 

01ivet Col 1 ege Library 

ATTN : L ibrn 

Omaha P u b l i cL i b r a r yC l a r kB r a n c h 

ATTN: Librn 

Onondaga County PublicLibrary 

ATTN: Gov Docs Sec

Oregon StateLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

University of Oregon 

ATTN: Docs Sec 

OuachitaBaptistUniversity 

ATTN: Librn 

Pan American UniversityLibrary 

ATTN : Librn 

P a s s a i cP u b l i cL i b r a r y 

ATTN : L ibrn 

Queens Col lege 

ATTN: DocsDept 

PennsylvaniaStateLibrary 

ATTN: Gov Pubs Sec 

PennsylvaniaStateUniversity 

ATTN: Lib Doc Sec 

UniversityofPennsylvania 

ATTN: Dir o fL i b r a r i e s 

University of Denver 

ATTN: PenroseLibrary 

PeoriaPubl ic Library 

ATTN: Business,Science & TechDept 

FreeLibrary of Philadelphia 

ATTN: Gov Pubs Dept

Phil ipsburg Free Publ ic Library 

ATTN : Library 

P h o e n i xP u b l i cL i b r a r y 

ATTN: Librn 

University of Pittsburgh 

ATTN: Docs Office, G8 

PlainfieldPublicLibrary 

ATTN : L ibrn 

175 
OTHER (Continued) 

PopularCreekPublicLibraryDistrict 

ATTN: Librn 

Association of PortlandLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

Portland Publ ic Library 

ATTN: Librn 

PortlandStateUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: L ib r n 

PrattInstituteLibrary 

ATTN: Cibrn 

Louisiana Tech University 

ATTN: Librn 

PrincetonUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: Docs Div 

Providence Coll ege 

ATTN : Librn 

ProvidencePublicLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

PublicLibraryCincinnati & HamiltonCounty 

ATTN: Librn 

PublicLibrary of Nashville andDavidsonCounty 

ATTN : L ibrn 

University of PuertoRico 

ATTN:Doc & Maps Room 

PurdueUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

QuinebaugValleyCornunityCollege 

ATTN: Librn 

A u b u r nU n i v e r s i t y 

ATTN: Microforms & Docs Dept 

RapidCityPublicLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

ReadingPubl ic Library 

ATTN : Li brn 

Reed CollegeLibrary 

ATTN : Li brn 

AugustaCollege 

ATTN : Li brn 

University of Rhode IslandLibrary 

ATTN: Gov Pubs Ofc 

University of Rhode Island 

ATTN: Dir of Libraries 

RiceUniversity 

ATTN: Dir o fL i b r a r i e s 

LouisianaCollege 

ATTN : Li brn 

OTHER (Continued) 

RichlandCountyPublicLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

R i v e r s i d eP u b l i cL i b r a r y 

ATTN : L ibrn 

UniversityofRochesterLibrary 

ATTN: DocsSec 

University of Rutgers Camden Library 

ATTN : Librn 

StateUniversityofRutgers 

ATTN : Li brn 

R u t g e r sU n i v e r s i t y 

ATTN: Dir of L i b r a r i e s( R e g ) 

RutgersUniversity Law Library 

ATTN: FedDocs Dept 

Salem Call ege Library 

ATTN : Librn 

SamfordUniversity 

ATTN: Librn 

San AntonioPublicLibrary 

ATTN: Bus Science & TechDept 

San DiegoCountyLibrary

ATTN: C. Jones,Acquisitions 

San D i e g oP u b l i cL i b r a r y 

ATTN: Librn 

San DiegoStateUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: Gov Pubs Dept

San F r a n c i s c oP u b l i cL i b r a r y 

ATTN:Gov Docs Dept 

San F r a n c i s c oS t a t eC o l l e g e 

ATTN: Gov Pubs Coll

San JoseStateCollegeLibrary 

ATTN: DocsDept 

San LuisObispoCity-CountyLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

Savannah Public & EffinghamLibertyRegional 

Library 

ATTN: Librn 

Scottsbl uff Publ ic Library 

ATTN : Librn 

ScrantonPubl ic Library 

ATTN : Li brn 

Seattle Publ ic Library 

ATTN: Ref Docs Asst 

176 
OTHER (Continuedl 

S e l b yP u b l i cL i b r a r y 

ATTN : Li brn 

Shawnee Library System 

ATTN: Librn 

ShreveMemorialLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

SilasBronsonPublicLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

Sioux City PublicLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

SkidmoreCollege 

ATTN : Li brn 

Slippery Rock StateCollegeLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

SouthCarolinaStateLibrary 

ATTN : Librn 

University of SouthCarolina 

ATTN : Li brn 

University of SouthCarolina 

ATTN: Gov Docs 

SouthDakotaSchool of Mines & T e c h n i c a lL i b r a r y 

ATTN: Librn 

SouthDakotaStateLibrary 

ATTN: FedDocsDept 

University of SouthDakota 

ATTN: Docs Librn 

S o u t hF l o r i d aU n i v e r s i t yL i b r a r y 

ATTN : L ibrn 

SoutheastMissouriStateUniversity 

ATTN: Librn 

SoutheasternMassachusettsUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: Docs Sec 

University of Southern Alabama 

ATTN: L i brn 

SouthernCaliforniaUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: Docs Dept 

SouthernConnecticutStateCollege 

ATTN: Library 

SouthernIllinoisUniversity 

ATTN : Li brn 

S o u t h e r nI l l i n o i sU n i v e r s i t y 

ATTN: Docs Ctr 

1 SouthernMethodistUniversity 

ATTN: Librn 

University of SouthernMississippi 

ATTN : Library 

OTHER (Continued) 

SouthernOregonCollege 

ATTN: Library 

SouthernUniversityin New Orleans Library 

ATTN: Librn 

SouthernUtahStateCollegeLibrary 

ATTN: Docs Dept 

SouthwestMissouriStateCollege 

ATTN : Library 

University of SouthwesternLouisianaLibraries 

ATTN : Librn 

S o u t h w e s t e r nU n i v e r s i t y 

ATTN: Librn 

Spokane P u b l i cL i b r a r y 

ATTN: RefDept 

Springfield City Library 

ATTN: Docs Sec 

St E o n a v e n t u r eU n i v e r s i t y 

ATTN : Li brn 

St Joseph P u b l i cL i b r a r y 

ATTN . Librn 

St LawrenceUniversity 

ATTN. Librn 

St LouisPublicLibrary 

ATTN . Librn 

St PaulPublicLibrary 

ATTN : Li brn 

StanfordUniversityLibrary 

ATTN, Gov Docs Dept 

S t a t eH i s t o r i c a l SOC Library 

ATTN: Docs Serials Sec 

StateLibraryofMassachusetts 

ATTN . Li brn 

StateIJniversity of New York 

ATTN: L ib r n 

S t e t s o nU n i v e r s i t y 

ATTN: Librn 

University of Steubenville 

ATTN : Li brn 

Stockton & San JoaquinPublicLibrary 

ATTN : Librn 

StocktonStateColl ege Library 

ATTN . Li brn 

A1 bion Coll ege

ATTN: Gov Docs L ib r n 

177 
OTHER (Continued) 

"OTHER (Continued) 

S u p e r i o rP u b l i cL i b r a r y 

ATTN : L i brn 

TuftsUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: DocsDept 

SwarthmoreCollegeLibrary 

ATTN: RefDept 

UniversityofTulsa 

ATTN: Librn 

S y r a c u s eU n i v e r s i t yL i b r a r y 

ATTN: Docs Div 

UCLA ResearchLibrary 

ATTN: Pub Affairs Svc/U.S.Docs 

Tacoma Publ ic Library 

ATTN : Li brn 

UniformedServicesUniversityoftheHealth 

Sciences 

ATTN: LRC Library 

HillsboroughCountyPublicLibraryat 

ATTN': L ibrn 

Tampa 

University Libraries 

ATTN: Dir o fL i b 

Temple University 

ATTN : Li brn University of Maine at Oreno 

ATTN : 

Librn 

TennesseeTechnologicalUniversity 

ATTN : Li brn Univers1t.y ofNorthern Iowa 

ATTN : Library 

University of Tennessee 

ATTN: Dir o fL i b r a r i e s UpperIowaCollege 

ATTN: Docs Coll 

College of Idaho 

ATTN: Librn UtahStateUniversity 

ATTN : 

Librn 

Texas A & M UniversityLibrary 

ATTN : Li brn UniversityofUtah 

ATTN : S p e c i a lC o l le c t i o n s 

Universityof Texas atArlington 

ATTN: Library Docs University of Utah 

ATTN: Dir of Libraries 

UniversityofTexasat San Antonio ATTN: Dept of Pharmacology 

ATTN: Library 

T e x a sC h r i s t i a nU n i v e r s i t y 

U t i c aP u b l i cL i b r a r y 

ATTN : Librn 

ATTN: Librn 

V a l e n c i aL i b r a r y 

TexasStateLibrary ATTN : Librn 

ATTN: U.S. Docs Sec 

Val paraiso University 

TexasTech UniversityLibrary ATTN: Librn 

ATTN: Gov Docs Dept 

VanderbiltUniversityLibrary 

TexasUniversityatAustin 

ATTN : DocsCol 1 

ATTN: Gov Docs Sec 

University of Vermont 

University of ToledoLibrary ATTN: Dir of Libraries 

ATTN: L ib r n 

Virginia Commonwealth University 

To1 edo Publ ic Library ATTN : 

Libr n 

ATTN: SocialScienceDept VirginiaMilitaryInstitute 

TorranceCivicCenterLibrary ATTN : Librn 

ATTN : Li brn 

V i r g i n i aP o l y t e c h n i cI n s t i t u t eL i b r a r y 

TraverseCityPublicLibrary ATTN: DocsOept 

ATTN: Librn 

VirginiaStateLibrary 

T r e n t o nF r e eP u b l i cL i b r a r y ATTN: Serials Sec 

ATTN: Librn 

University of Virginia 

TrinityCollegeLibrary ATTN : Pub DOCS 

ATTN : Librn 

VolusiaCountyPublicLibrary 

TrinityUniversityLibrary ATTN : Li brn 

ATTN: Docs Coll 
OTHER (Continued) 

WashingtonStateLibrary 

ATTN: Docs Sec 

WashingtonStateUniversity 

ATTN: Lib DocsSec 

WashingtonUniversityLibraries 

ATTN: Dir of Lib 

University of Washington 

ATTN: Docs Div 

Wayne StateUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

Wayne StateUniversity Law Library 

ATTN: DOCS Dept 

Weber StateCollegeLibrary 

ATTN : Librn 

Wesleyan University 

ATTN: Docs Librn 

West ChesterStateCollege 

ATTN: Docs Dept 

West CovinaLibrary 

ATTN : L ibrn 

University of West Florida 

ATT:I : Li brn 

West Hills Community College 

ATTN: Library 

WestTexas StateUniversity 

ATTN: Library 

West VirginiaCollege of GradStudiesLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

University of West Virginia 

ATTN: Dir of Libraries (Reg) 

WesterlyPublicLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

W e s t e r nC a r o l i n aU n i v e r s i t y 

ATTN: Librn 

Western IllinoisUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

WesternWashingtonUniversity 

ATTN: Librn 

Western Wyoming CommunityCollegeLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

Westmorel and City Community Col 1 ege 

ATTN: LearningResource Ctr 

OTHER (Continuedl 

Whi tman Coll ege 

ATTN: Librn 

WichitaStateUniversityLibrary 

ATTN : Li brn 

William & MaryCollege 

ATTN: Docs Dept 

EmporiaKansasStateCollege 

ATTN:Gov Docs D i v 

WilliamCollegeLibrary 

ATTN : Li brn 

W i l l i m a n t i cP u b l i cL i b r a r y 

ATTbl: Librn 

WinthropCollege 

ATTN: Docs Dept 

University of WisconsinatWhitewater 

ATTN:Gov Docs Lib 

University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee 

ATTN: Lib Docs 

University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh 

ATTN: Librn 

University of WisconsinatPlatteville 

ATTN: Doc U n i tL i b 

University of WisconsinatStevensPoint 

ATTN: DocsSec 

University of Wisconsin 

ATTN: Gov Pubs Dept 

University of Wisconsin 

ATTN: Acquisitions Dept 

Worcester Pub1 ic Library 

ATTN: Librn 

WrightStateUniversityLibrary 

ATTN: Gov Docs Librn 

Wyoming StateLibrary 

ATTN: Librn 

University of Wyoming 

ATTN: Docs Div 

YaleUniversity 

ATTN: Dir of Libraries 

YeshivaUniversity 

ATTN: Librn 

Yuma City County Library 

ATTN: Librn 

SimonSchwob Mem Lib, ColumbusCol 

ATTN: Librn 

179 
DEPARTMENTOFDEFENSECONTRACTORS DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CONTRACTORS (Continued) 

Advanced Research & Applications Corp KamanTempo 

ATTN: H. Lee ATTN: C. Jones 

JAYCOR National Academy of Sciences 

ATTN: A. Nelson ATTN: C. Robinette 

10 cy ATTN: Health & Environment Diy ATTN:Med Follow-up Agency 

ATTN: NatMatAdvisory Bd 

Karnan Tempo 

ATTN : DAS IAC Pacific-Sierra ResearchCorp 

ATTN: E. Martin ATTN: H. Brode, Chairman SAGE 

Kaman Tempo ScienceApplications,Inc 

ATTN: R. MiYler ATTN: Tech Lib 

ScienceApplications,Inc R & D Associates 

JRB AssociatesDiv ATTN: P. Haas 

10 cy ATTN: L. Novotney 

180 

.*'