.*
Chapter 3
EVENTS DURING FALLOUT
3.1
SUMMARY OF INTERVIEWS AND EVENTS DURING FALLOUT
3.1.1 Activities of Personnel.
1 March
1400~1430
Observed onsetof fallout.
1530
Men instructed to wear long-sleeve shirts, long trousers,
hats, andG. I. shoes. At same time CWO Kapral in-
1500
1800
2100
2330
2 March
Dispatch sent to Eniwetok.
structed men to continue regular routine (to avoid hysteria).
Sent regularly scheduled message on weather.
Sent emergency message.
Ordered to move al] men to permanent buildings.
Majority of men had canned fruit juice and/or coffee for breakfast.
Personnel remained indoors as much as possible.
Eight men evacuated via plane to Kwajalein at 1245 (Andrews,
Azbill, Baker, Bertolino, Black, Bushkin, and Cagle).
Ashby,
Remaining 20 men evacuated to Kwajalein via plane at 1800.
3.1.2
Description of Fallout.
Began 1400-1430, 1 March.
as ‘‘like ashes, white or gray in color.
Early fallout described
Floated down, like snow.’’
Later in afternoon
described as ‘‘gritty, like sand. ’’
Men at the radio station collected fallout material. This material, when placed on
the surface of a cathode-—ray tube (part of ionosphere equipment), caused that portion of
the tube surface to glow.
A few of the men described a minimal fallout on 2 March.
These statements are
questionable and not consistent with the majority of observations.
3.2
ENDIVIDUAL INTERVIEWS WITH PERSONNEL STATIONED ON ENIWETAK
ISLAND (RONGERIK ATOLL)
The men were requested to supply information regarding their activities during the
fallout, a description of the fallout, clothing worn, food and drink, location of film badges,
time of evacuation, present enlistment status, etc.
following paragraphs.
This information is presented in the
ANDREWS, B. F., S/Sgt, 401
Duty. Weather Equipment Technician and Assistant Non-Commissioned Officer in
Charge of the Rawin Sounde Section.
31