This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/18/2025
[UNITED STATES NUCLEAR TESTING]. Group of 19 Ephemera Items About Operation Hardtack. [V.p., ca. 1958-59]. Includes 2 black and white snapshots of operations crew and the missile (both 5 x 7"), 3 certificates honoring the participation of Joseph Frank Lendle (1921-2017), lead foreman of Operation Hardtack, 2 typed letters signed to Lendle, both signed by Kurt H. Debus, Director, Missile Firing Lab, a birthday card from the Launch Operations Directorate, a 2 pp. press release for The Florida Times-Union, 3 printed memos, 5 printed letters with facsimile signatures congratulating Operation Hardtack personnel for their excellent work. Sheets generally toned, occasionally creased, soiled, staple holes at upper left corners. Generally very good. An excellent collection related to the American nuclear missile testing program. Also included is a later plaque (1975) honoring Lendle's contribution to the NASA rocket programs, listing the launches that he participated in. Lendle worked in the space program for nearly 28 years, after his military service in WWII. Operation Hardtack was a series of 35 nuclear tests in the Pacific Ocean by the United States' Department of Defense and Atomic Energy Commission. These tests included 3 high-altitude tests.