Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
6:34 | Don Lacy was a radio school instructor when the Navy came looking for technicians to participate in an atomic bomb test. He'd not yet been to sea, so he jumped at the chance. He studied the effects on radio equipment during Operation Crossroads, the detonations at Bikini Atoll.
Keywords : Don Lacy radio atomic test electronics Bikini Atoll Operation Crossroads USS Nevada (BB-36) Geiger counter dosimeter radioactivity radioactive USS Avery Island (AG-76)
When he tried to enlist, he was told one of his legs was too short, but when Don Lacy was drafted, he convinced the same doctor to let him into the Navy. Showing an aptitude for electronics, he was sent to Chicago to be an instructor in a new radio school.
While participating in the atomic tests at Bikini Atoll, Don Lacy had to change to new clothes frequently because they became so radioactive. The second test was underwater, which contaminated the sea for miles around. His job was to inspect radio equipment on the target ships, so he was fortunate to have no lasting effects on his health.
Don Lacy was managing a radio shop in Atlanta when he got the notice. The Navy wanted him back on active duty. He was sent to Tripoli to work at a communications facility and it turned out to be good duty.
Don Lacy participated in Operation Crossroads, the atomic tests at Bikini Atoll.
