Robert Fields | WVOW News
LOGAN A local “atomic veteran” is breaking decades of silence to tell the story of America’s nuclear arms testing and the effects those tests had on him and his fellow servicemen.
Between 1945 and 1962, an estimated 235,000 to 550,000 U.S. military personnel participated in atmospheric nuclear weapons tests, witnessing over 200 detonations. These soldiers were exposed to varying levels of radiation without adequate protection or knowledge of the health risks. For decades, a government-mandated oath of secrecy prevented these veterans from discussing their experiences, even with medical professionals. As of 2025, the number of surviving atomic veterans has dwindled significantly, with an estimated 400 still alive according to the National Association of Atomic Veterans. However, recent studies and policy changes have begun to shed light on the complex health issues faced by these “atomic veterans,” including increased cancer risks and challenges in obtaining compensation for their service-related illnesses.
Pack Watts is one of those veterans who were sent to the Marshall Islands to witness numerous atomic bomb detonations. In a recent edition “Veteran’s Voice,” Watts sat down with WVOW’s Josh Lawson to walk listeners through his harrowing experiences as he was subjected to one of the most potent and dangerous forces ever harnessed by human kind.
“In the entire history of the U.S. Military, there’s only been one group of veterans who were purposely held to an oath of secrecy preventing them from discussing their radiation exposure, activities, experience with their families, or with their friends, or – in the event of developing a health issue – with their private physicians,” he said. “In other words, we had a fifty-year oath we had to sign. My wife and my family had no idea where I was or what I did until 1996.”
This oath of secrecy, unprecedented in military history, forced veterans like Watts to remain silent about their experiences for decades. Watts even maintained that silence after he was diagnosed time and time again with another cancer.
“One of the local doctors, he said ‘well, how long have you worked in the mines’ – you know, he noticed some stuff on my lungs – and I said, ‘I never was in the mines.’ He said, ‘well, how long have you smoked?’ I said, ‘I never smoked a cigarette in my life,’ which is true. If you ever see the x-rays, it’s in my chest.”
To break that oath, according to Watts, would have been tantamount to treason.
"But the thing was, they held us to secrecy, but when I got out, I found out that every bomb shot was broadcast on TV," he said. "I ended up in newspapers and everything, and yet we weren't allowed to say anything."
The experiences of veterans like Pack Watts are part of a larger story involving hundreds of thousands of defense personnel who were exposed to radiation during U.S. nuclear weapons tests. Many of these veterans, like Watts, developed serious health issues due to their exposure. In 1996, the United States Congress repealed the Nuclear Radiation and Secrecy Agreements Act, finally allowing atomic veterans to share their stories and apply for benefits. However, by this time, thousands had already passed away without their families knowing the true extent of their service.
In recent years, efforts have been made to recognize and support atomic veterans. The West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance, a cabinet-level agency, is dedicated to providing services and benefits assistance to veterans. Additionally, organizations like the National Association of Atomic Veterans have been instrumental in advocating for these veterans' rights and recognition.
On a federal level, the Veterans' Advisory Board on Dose Reconstruction was established to represent veterans' interests and ensure their claims are handled correctly and fairly. However, as of January 2025, many atomic veterans and their advocates are still fighting for comprehensive recognition and compensation for their unique service and sacrifices.
Veterans who are struggling or experiencing a mental health crisis can call 9-8-8 and then press 1 to be immediately connected with the Veterans Crisis Line, which provides 24/7 confidential support. Any veteran who needs assistance with resources or benefits can visit or contact the Henlawson Veterans Resource Center. Wayne McDonald from the resource center joins Josh Lawson Wednesdays at 9:05 for “Veteran’s Voice” on WVOW.
PHOTO | Charles Levy
Editor's note: Based on an erroneous citation, a previous version of this article alleged the number of surviving atomic veterans to be an estimated 10,000 to 80,000 service members. However, according to the National Association of Atomic Veterans, that number is actually estimated at around 400.
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