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’ Field Command Files

Notes from Semi-annual Histories of Field Command, DASA, 1958 thru 1962

Generally these notes are of little interest except for the pertinent
sections, particularly the histories of the weapons effects and tests division
and to a lesser extent if at all, the research and development and operations
division.

Note that in 1958, Colonel Hutchinson of the Army was head of the Weapons

Effects and Tests Division.

He took over on the 10th of May 58 from Ted Parsons

(Colonel Hershel E. Parsons) and serving under these men, among others, was

Roger Ray (Special Assistant to the Director of the Test Division). Also in WET
at this time was John Kodis who served then in JTF-8 thru Dominic.

Ray was actually the Special Assistant for ABMA (Army Ballistics Missile
Agency) and was assigned in particular to cover the Orange and Teak events (UHA
and VHA) scheduled for firing on Redstone missiles from Bikini in late April

and early May.

This history says "Three weeks prior to first readiness date, a

decision was made in the office of the Chief, Armed Forces Special Weapons Project,
to move the zero sites for the two events from Bikini to Johnston Island due to
the possibility of chorioretinal burns from the shots to the natives

of the

Marshall Islands." Bikini roll-up for these shots was completed in early May
and Ray reported to J.I.

to watch over preparations for the new sites on 29 May 58.

Note that the VHA shot was actually the balloon test whereas the missile shot
was VHA Prime.
(CVS-21) °

This event, Yucca, was on a balloon launched from the USS Boxer

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