Nuclear Tests - Nuclear Weapons

[jimworld]

As part of a massive medal/document lot to an Air Force NCO who served from 1947 to retirement in 1967 there were 4 nuclear test certificates from the 1950's. I am not sure if these are rare or not, but I thought others might enjoy a look at them. In addition to participating in 4 nuclear tests, the NCO also supported the Berlin Airlift and served a tour in Thailand in support of operations in Vietnam.

The first certificate is for Operation Ivy in 1952 and the second is for Operation Teapot in 1955.

[jimworld]

Here are the other 2 operations. Redwing in 1956 and Plumbbob in 1957. There is also an addition document stating that the individual was exposed to a radiation dose of 1570mr during Operation Redwing.

[Dave Winther]

Those are really cool! They remind me of a lot of the Bronze/Silver Star unofficial award certificates that got handed out by units when a regular certificate wasn't available.

Very cool!

-Dave

[jimworld]

Here is a Bronze Star certificate from the 102nd Infantry Division. Awarded for meritorious service.

[jimworld]

Certificate of Merit and medal group for the same individual. I seem to have goofed and posted this in the wrong place. I thought it was in the document section.

[Doc Riley]

As one who served as a medic cleared to work on Combat Crews at an Alert Base, these certificates are most interesting. 1570 mr...

Best,
Doc

[jimworld]

I must admit a lack of knowledge, is 1570 mr a high dosage? The document states that is was his total lifetime exposure.

[Dave Winther]

It was. I moved it. I'm a little in flux over the documents section right now. I think what I want to do with the current one is use it only for supporting documents (award certificates) for medals in the database.

What say we make another forum then for document groups (researched individuals and such like this) to share witheveryone?

Thoughts?

[Doc Riley]

Oh, that was his dose for lifetime. I'm always sceptical about official radiation dose reports from that time period. If it was a movie there would be a lot of film lying on the cutting room floor.

Best,
Doc

[Doc Riley]

The factors determining a dose of radiation exposed are called REM. It is a unit that measures the effects of ionizing radiation on humans. The dose equivalent in rems is equal to the absorbed dose in rads multiplied by the quality factor of the type of radiation. So as you can see there are many factors used to determine dose received.

Best,
Doc