Regarding #6, I was in the Air Force then and in a group commander's staff meeting when someone rushed into the room, interrupted the proceedings, and spoke hurriedly to the group commander. The GC immediately told everyone of the "launch" and told everyone to return to their posts.
I have known the fear of death three times in my life and that is one of them. I did my job, but I found a moment to call my wife at home and tell her to get under the basement steps and not to come out. I could not tell her what I knew, so she didn't get the reason for my call, but I'm sure she sensed the urgency in my voice, and probably my fear.
Being on a Strategic Air Command base with B-52 bombers, that base being located in the middle of the largest nuclear missle field in the free world, we were a prime target for multiple incoming missiles. Getting under the steps was about as useful as getting under the student desks as we were instructed back in second grade in the 50's. But when it comes to loved ones, you do what you can.
The incident may have taken only 6 minutes at headquarters, but I can assure you it took a lot longer than that out at field level. I kept wondering if I would hear our missles leaving their silos or if I would hear the incoming detonation, or if I would hear nothing at all.
As I type this the hairs on the back of my neck are standing on end.
THAT one of the three hit home the hardest. It involved my family, and it is as vivid in my mind today as when it occurred. I can smell the air of that day right now.
I have known the fear of death three times in my life and that is one of them. I did my job, but I found a moment to call my wife at home and tell her to get under the basement steps and not to come out. I could not tell her what I knew, so she didn't get the reason for my call, but I'm sure she sensed the urgency in my voice, and probably my fear.
Being on a Strategic Air Command base with B-52 bombers, that base being located in the middle of the largest nuclear missle field in the free world, we were a prime target for multiple incoming missiles. Getting under the steps was about as useful as getting under the student desks as we were instructed back in second grade in the 50's. But when it comes to loved ones, you do what you can.
The incident may have taken only 6 minutes at headquarters, but I can assure you it took a lot longer than that out at field level. I kept wondering if I would hear our missles leaving their silos or if I would hear the incoming detonation, or if I would hear nothing at all.
As I type this the hairs on the back of my neck are standing on end.
THAT one of the three hit home the hardest. It involved my family, and it is as vivid in my mind today as when it occurred. I can smell the air of that day right now.