The Life of Don Shields: from Atmospheric Nuclear Tests to the Lunar Module

INTRODUCTION: In this article, we recount some aspects of the tremendous life of Don Shields. As a young Air Force pilot, Don Shields flew the B57 aircraft through the actual nuclear cloud during nuclear weapons blast explosions in Operation Dominic. The data he collected was of vital importance to our country's nuclear weapons program. Don Shields knew of the tremendous risk of radiation but served our country at the call of duty. After his military service, Don Shields served as the subject matter expert for the Apollo lunar module and worked directly with Commander Neil Armstrong and lunar module pilot Buzz Aldrin in training them on the module. During the Apollo 11 mission, Don Shields was being interviewed by Walter Cronkite on the epic Moon landing coverage. Unfortunately, later in life Don Shields suffered from cataracts and leukemia, both of which are known to be related to high radiation exposures. During his old age, Don Shields volunteered at the NASA Ames Museum and inspired generations of young individuals towards the space mission.Douglas DB, Cagle Y.