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Machine-read from the scan, so expect some errors. Lines that couldn’t be read are left out.
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PRIVACY ACT MATERIAL REMOVED YOUR FILE REFERENCE: IN REPLY REFER TO: Office of Secretary of Defense C-12-338-418 Dear Colonel Huycke: This case is in a Appeal status. The veteran is now diagnosed sarcoidosis, pulmonary, advanced. The Navy medical records fail to reveal any information concerning the alleged exposure to In his Appeal he contends he took part in the atomic tests, "Oper ations Crossroads" from June thru September 1946 while serving aboard the USS PALMYRA ARS (T)3 and USS CURRENT (ARS22). He states the PALMYRA was the Flag Ship of the salvage fleet at Bikini; the first bomb was detonated on July 1st, the second blast was about a week later. After this he did diving to determine the damage to the vessels and dove to a depth of 185 feet. He further states they complained about not getting enough air and the air they did get was too hot. The radioactivity was checked to be beyond safe limits in the sane picked up in their diving shoes. They were advised to take off their boots while sitting on the 40 foot level stage. The sea water was hot and they were checked by gieger counters and were told to destroy all clothing because of the radiation. The National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis, Missouri informs us the veteran served aboard the following vessels for the period in question: USS PALMYRA ARS T 3 from 6-10 to 8-15-46 USS CURRENT ARS 22 from 8-16 to 8-25-46 (Temporary duty) USS PALMYRA ARS T 3 from 8-25 to 9-23-46 Copies of certain pages from the service record shows dates, depth and duration of dives including actual salvage operations. One page shows the veteran served on board the USS PALMYRA(ARS T 3), (Salvage Task Unit 1.2.7. Flagship) begining June 10, 1946. These copies are enclosed. Include Zip Code in your return address and give veteran’s social security number. PRIVACY ACT MATERIAL REMOVED
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PRIVACY ACT MATERIAL REMOVED Directorate for Professional Services Office of Secretary of Defense It is requested you furnish any and all information which can be located which would tend to substantiate the statements made by . The amount of fallout recorded and whether either of these vessels were shown to be radioactive. Please also indicate whether you find that dosimetry count was taken and recorded on individuals who were divers. Request also inform us whether or not the records of Salvage Task Unit 1.2.7. Flagship are available for Any expedited action given our request will be greatly appreciated. Please address your reply to Veterans Administration Central Office, Director, Identification and Records PRIVACY ACT MATERIAL REMOVED