5 November 1951

SUBJECT: Operational Report of OPERATION DESERT ROCK

TO: Commanding Officer
354th Engineer Combat Group
Ft Lewis, Washington

By Sunday 7 Oct 51 much of the permanent construction work had been completed. Monday, being a payday, was declared a holiday by Major General W.B. Kean; however, because of the great amount of work to be done, this battalion carried on normal operations.

During this period there was a tremendous backlog of sign painting jobs and construction work. From the start of this operation it was felt that two ten hour shifts must be maintained on construction equipment until we were able to get the situation under control. It is interesting to note that at this time when everyone was busily engaged in normal construction operations, orders were received to put all available personnel to work on the beautification of the Engineer Area. The personnel from all staff sections and line companies were ordered to plant Spanish bayonets and Yucca bordering the main road into Camp Desert Rock. All personnal were engaged in this operation until 2100 hours on 4 Oct 51.

It was on 5 October that I arrived at Camp Desert Rock. I remember every one grousing about the previous day's "beautification" work. They said they went out digging up the plants that was growing out there in the desert and bring them into the camp and replant them in the camp to beautify the place. We had big wig visitors coming so the troops had to work late to get this "beautifcation" done.