Glimmer of Lights: Atomic Veteran Johnny Deardorff
Glimmer of Lights: Atomic Veteran Johnny Deardorff’s Journey through the Enewetak Atoll Cleanup Mission
Johnny Deardorff's personal narrative offers a vivid glimpse into the harrowing experiences of those who participated in the Enewetak Atoll Atomic Debris Cleanup Mission. His story reveals the lack of protection, insufficient information, and the long-term health consequences faced by veterans who served on the front lines of this hazardous mission.
Deardorff’s journey began shortly after graduating from Advanced Individual Training (AIT), when he was unexpectedly deployed to the Marshall Islands with little understanding of the mission ahead. His lack of knowledge about the region and the dangerous nature of the cleanup mission is emblematic of the uncertainty many veterans faced when they were sent to Enewetak and Lojwa. This unpreparedness would come to define much of their experience.
One of the most alarming aspects of Deardorff's story is the inadequate protective gear provided to the cleanup crews. He recalls how their anti-contamination suits quickly became impractical in the extreme heat, forcing them to rely on little more than paper masks and rubber galoshes. This minimal protection left them exposed to high levels of radiation and other environmental hazards, a situation that became increasingly dangerous as their work progressed.
Deardorff's reflections on their in-processing further highlight the lack of preparation and information given to the crew. The dangers of radiation exposure were barely acknowledged, leaving the men ill-equipped to understand the risks they were facing. Civilian contractors eventually stopped visiting the site once radiation levels spiked, signaling the gravity of the situation—yet the cleanup continued, leaving the soldiers to bear the brunt of the exposure.
Perhaps the most devastating aspect of Deardorff’s narrative is the impact of his radiation exposure on his family. He speaks of his deep concern over his daughter’s cervical cancer diagnosis, a possible result of his service-related exposure. This underscores not only the toll the mission took on the veterans themselves but also the ripple effect it had on their loved ones, extending the physical and emotional consequences beyond the battlefield.
Deardorff himself faced numerous health issues following his time on Enewetak. Aortic spasms, TIAs, seizures, and eventually paralysis due to Guillain-Barre syndrome became a part of his post-service life. These ailments began shortly after his return and further illustrate the grave health risks endured by veterans of the cleanup mission.
In his closing reflections, Deardorff voices his frustration with the lack of recognition and support for the veterans who participated in this dangerous endeavor. He argues that these men were used as guinea pigs to test the feasibility of the cleanup process, paying a high personal cost for their service. His call for transparency and support is a powerful reminder of the need for justice and accountability for those who served in hazardous environments.
Johnny Deardorff’s story is a sobering testament to the physical and emotional toll faced by the veterans of the Enewetak Atoll Atomic Debris Cleanup Mission. It underscores the urgent need for recognition, medical support, and transparency as these veterans continue to suffer the long-term consequences of their service.
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