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National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

John M. “Jack” Jamison Jr. graduated from Grove City College with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering in June 1944. He was assigned to the Special Engineer Detachment at Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

At Oak Ridge, he worked for Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation at the K-25 plant. He managed a crew of men and women who operated the gaseous diffuser, which included managing the operation of the equipment, taking and recording various measurements, and monitoring for leaks.

After thirteen months at Oak Ridge, Jack chose to delay his army discharge for six months and was assigned to Operation Crossroads. He witnessed the ABLE and BAKER nuclear tests at Bikini Atoll. After the tests, he assessed damage to the target ships and monitored radiation in the area. He later worked in the production and sale of zirconium tubing used in nuclear power plants.

John Jamison’s Timeline
1924 Feb 22nd Born in Grove City, Pennsylvania.

1944 Jun Received B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Grove City College.

1944 Sep1945 Assigned to the Special Engineer Detachment at Oak Ridge. Worked at the K-25 plant.

1946 Jul Witnessed ABLE and BAKER nuclear tests at Bikini Atoll.

Jack Jamison (left) and an unidentified sailor on the U.S.S. Preserver, 1946

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