Tribute to Atomic Veteran Steven Harrison

Branch: United States Army

Rank: Combat Engineer

Role: Debris Removal and Safety Operations

Unit: B Company, 84th Engineer Battalion, First Combat Platoon

Service Period: September 1, 1978 - February 15, 1979

Location of Service: Lojwa Island and Enjubi (Janet), Enewetak Atoll, Marshall Islands

Tribute to Harry Steven Harrison: A Dedicated Army Combat Engineer

For our brave Atomic Veterans, Harry Steven Harrison stands as a testament to resilience and dedication. As a member of the First Combat Platoon within B Company, 84th Engineer Battalion, Harry embarked on a challenging mission during his deployment to Lojwa Island, Enewetak Atoll. Serving from September 1st, 1978, to February 15th, 1979, Harry played a crucial role in the cleanup and restoration efforts that followed decades of nuclear testing in the region.

During his time on Enjubi (Janet), Harry’s responsibilities were both physically demanding and hazardous. Tasked with manually removing debris and scrap from the island, Harry and his fellow soldiers faced the daunting challenge of clearing man-made substances left behind by previous military operations. The work often involved hand-lifting materials and transporting them via bucket loader on a 5-ton truck, a process that required immense effort and perseverance.

One of the most dangerous aspects of Harry’s service was the discovery and removal of unexploded ordnance remnants from the World War II Battle of Enewetak. These hidden hazards posed significant risks, yet Harry and his team approached the task with the utmost caution and professionalism, ensuring the safety of future occupants of the island.

In addition to his work on Enjubi, Harry's duties extended to Runit, often referred to as the "dead island" due to its residual contamination. Here, he assisted in delivering soil and debris, contributing to the larger goal of mitigating the environmental damage caused by nuclear testing. Despite the hazardous conditions, Harry remained steadfast in his commitment to the mission, demonstrating remarkable resilience throughout his deployment.

Today, we honor Harry Steven Harrison for his invaluable contributions during the Enewetak cleanup operations. His service reflects the bravery and commitment of our nation’s veterans, who take on hazardous and essential tasks in the name of duty and environmental stewardship. Harry’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve, ensuring the safety and well-being of future generations.