page 156 



CLOSE IS NEAR ENOUGH. The light carrier "In- 

 dependence" is a shambles. Visible to the inspect- 

 ing newspapermen are the combined results of the 

 tremendous pressure wave and intense heat pro- 

 duced by the bomb: the bulged and torn flight 

 deck, charred remains on flight and hangar decks. 

 Invisible are the lingering effects of the bomb's 

 radiation, which even as these pictures were made 

 make the grotesque wreck still too "hot" for more 

 than brief visits. This gutted ship incontestably 



evidences the great range of effectiveness of the 

 single atomic bomb which had exploded high 

 above the surface of the water, about one-half 

 mile from the doomed ship. Under these circum- 

 stances "Independence's" position was virtually a 

 front row seat. OPPOSITE. Heavy damage to the 

 carrier's stern. Despite her gaping wounds "Inde- 

 pendence" remained afloat, available for careful 

 study and for exposure to the second explosion to 

 be held twenty-four days later. 



