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There were lots of security personnel on and off the reservation. We were told not to talk about “uranium” or any other aspect of our work. If you did and were overheard, retribution was quick.

I had one experience that was mildly harrowing. In December 1944, my wife to be and I were traveling by train from Cincinnati to Knoxville. She was taking a course in geology at Ohio State and began talking about uranium as a marker for determining the age of rocks.

I, of course, turned green when she began using that word where she might be overheard. Quietly I whispered, “Dear, shut up. I’ll explain someday. Just shut up!” Thankfully, after giving me that “What’s the matter with you?” look, she did.

Security personnel were everywhere, listening for loose conversations. We were innocent and nothing came of it.  Eight months later the first bomb was dropped. No further explanation was necessary. — Richard E. Heckert, Oak Ridge