Tom Madison

Dear Sir, My name is Tom Madison and I served aboard the USS Taylor (DD 468) during the 1962 nuclear tests.

I was informed by the Atomic Energy commission that I was exposed to radiation during the test. I have since had surgery for colon cancer. I was very lucky and the cancer was caught in the early stages. I filed for service related benefits thinking that I surely was eligible since the government said I was exposed to radiation from information they obtained by reading the badges we wore around our necks during the test periods. They wrote back and said the badges were damaged and the readings were suspect! Also, that I was not assigned to work above decks during the day so I could not have been exposed during the blasts.

I guess they did not believe me when I said I was standing on the fantail when the tests were done. I can remember very clearly seeing the bones in my arm when I covered my eyes at the moment of detonation. I also remember our ship hanging around the area for several days after the test. We had cook-outs on the fantail and watched movies at night on deck.

Anyway the government has denied any responsibility for my sickness. I will keep trying to get them to admit that the radiation I was exposed had some bearing on my cancer. I served my country with pride and would do so again if called upon, but I do believe I should be given the benefit of the doubt regarding the readings on our badges.

Sincerely,
Tom Madison