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Motion Picture MP2022-12

Evacuation of Ujelang Atoll - Ivy Mike Hydrogen Bomb Test

Administrative Information

Original Format(s)
Motion Picture
Footage
200 feet
Running Time
12 minutes 15 seconds
Film Gauge
8mm
Sound
silent
Color
Color
Produced by
Rufus Kruse
Restrictions
Unrestricted
Received
From Dr. Rufus Kruse
Keywords
Atomic bomb
Nuclear weapons testing
Radioactive fallout
Description

Home movie film taken by Dr. Rufus Kruse, a medical doctor serving in the US Navy at the Naval Supply Center in Hawaii during 1952-1953. After brief training in Geiger counters and other radiation measuring equipment, he was sent to Ujelang Atoll to help evacuate and monitor the health of the islanders during the Ivy Mike hydrogen bomb test. The island residents were boarded onto LST 827, which had just returned from service in North Korea. He brought his own 8mm camera with him and took this film. The health of the islanders remained good, and after the test Dr. Kruse checked the island for radiation before they debarked from the ship. This film shows activities of the island residents and military personnel during the time Dr. Kruse was in Ujelang, October 27 - November 2, 1952, including distant views of the explosion.

Please note: Portions of this film are closed due to privacy restrictions.

Date(s)
October 27, 1952 - November 2, 1952
Available Format(s)
Motion Picture

SD-quality copies of already digitized motion pictures are available for $20, and HD-quality copies of already digitized motion pictures are $50. Copies of motion pictures not already digitized will incur additional costs.

SD-quality copies of already digitized motion pictures are available for $20, and HD-quality copies of already digitized motion pictures are $50. Copies of motion pictures not already digitized will incur additional costs.

This item does not circulate but reproductions may be purchased.

To request a copy of this item, please contact truman.reference@nara.gov​​​​​​​

Please note that this video belongs to a different video collection than the items available to be borrowed by teachers, from our Education Department.

Moving Image Type
Motion Picture

Shot List

These descriptions are from Dr. Kruse's memory:

4:00 - There was a working party that went to the island to harvest coconut and breadfruit to supplement the islanders' food.

5:41 - The LCVPs (Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel) that were aboard the LST 827, used to land directly on the beach.

5:52 - The working party comes alongside the LST 827 and unloads people and breadfruit.

6:23 - Ropes are lowered to raise the boats onto the deck of the LST 827.

9:03 - The two leaders of the two island communities (names unknown); originally from North Enewetak and South Enewetak, but had been relocated here.

9:49 - Dr. Kruse with children.

10:28 - Believed to be the islanders' health care provider, whom Dr. Kruse refers to as the Corpsman.

10:46 - View of the Ivy Mike hydrogen bomb test on the horizon, with clouds, bright sky.