Shangri La (CV 38) - Naval Cruise Book

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N.-.-.

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bomb was mounted on a forty-foot steel tower-the explosion planned for 0400, July 16, 1945. Years of work and over EB2,000,000,000 in plants, equip- ment and manpower were represented in the single bomb, As the scientists turned in for a few hours' rest on the eve of the big event, the thoughts of all were on the days and nights of toil now in the past--of the future use that might be made of this formidable force. Throughout the experiments there were many prominent men who secretly hoped for some inherent physical property in mat- ter which would prevent a spontaneous release of energy. A jealous nature conspired to torment them by putting on a rain and lightning performance threatening postponement, but the thick, black layer of clouds parted in time to show a few morning stars and by four o'clock the decision was made to fire at 0530. Prone on the ground 10,000 to 17,000 yards from, the steel tower, the scientists watched as Dr. S. K. Allison called out periodic time signals. At the appointed second the clouds and mountain ranges were lighted in bold relief as a sun was born on earth. Like a gigantic hand the pressure wave moved indis- criminately and uninterruptedly across the face of the New Mexican desert, while overhead the roar of expanding gases blended with the multi-colored cloud of Atlantic bound - Panama Canal, 1946.

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I ' 102 1 . V Canal Capers