Donald Arthur Summers
Bio
Donald Arthur Summers was born and raised in Oklahoma. At the age of fifteen, he quit school and found employment to help support the household after his father had a major heart attack. He served in the United States Navy and participated in Operation Castle, a series of nuclear weapon tests in 1954. His desire to pursue further education while serving in the U.S. Navy led him to attend an aviation structure and hydraulic school in Millington, Tennessee. He was hospitalized in 1955 due to the exposure to radiation during the nuclear weapon tests. His hard work and advanced training in the military gave him the skills to have a successful career with American Airlines for thirty-seven and a half years, first as an aircraft mechanic and later as a crew chief. After he began his career with American Airlines, he also joined the Air National Guard with the 138th Wing as part of the air crew for a short time.
Video Clips
Hunger
Donald Arthur Summers remembers a time when he had to use the last of his money to buy a bus fare to return home to Oklahoma after finishing his basic training. He shares how he could not afford food at one of the bus stops and how the bus driver offered him a meal at the diner. He recalls how, while he was stationed in Japan, he witnessed hunger and poverty which left a deep impression on him.
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Nuclear Weapon Tests
Donald Arthur Summers shares how, on March 1, 1954, he was involved in Operation Castle, a series of nuclear weapon tests. He notes that although they were twenty-seven miles away from the blast site, the explosion brilliantly lit the sky just before daybreak. He recalls the crew thoroughly washing the ship from the bow to the stern to rid it of any radiation contamination.
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Desire to Learn
Donald Arthur Summers expresses his desire to pursue further education while serving in the United States Navy. He recalls an instance where an instructor at a training school in Norman, Oklahoma, gave him a second chance to study and pass the qualifying examination which he eventually did. He shares that, as a result of his hard work, he was able to attend an aviation structure and hydraulic school in Millington, Tennessee. He notes how after completing his enlistment, he was forced to spend some time in the hospital due to radiation exposure from Operation Castle.
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Pride in Serving
Donald Arthur Summers expresses his gratitude for having served in the United States Armed Forces. He encourages young people to consider enlisting as he believes it can lead to a fulfilling career and personal growth. He explains how, during his time in the U.S. Navy, he completed aviation structure and hydraulic school which gave him the skills to have a successful career with American Airlines. He shares how being a veteran improved his self-esteem, furthered his education, and fulfilled his patriotic duty.
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