In 1952, a young U.S. Navy lieutenant named Jimmy Carter led a daring mission few remember—but one that risked everything.
After a partial meltdown at Canada’s NRX nuclear reactor, Carter and his team were called in to help dismantle the damaged core. Wearing minimal protection, they were lowered into the radioactive chamber in short shifts—just 90 seconds at a time—to minimize exposure.
Piece by piece, they dismantled the reactor by hand.
Carter would later recall it as one of the most dangerous experiences of his life. Long before he became President, he showed the courage and calm leadership that would define him.
Sometimes heroes wear uniforms.
Sometimes they wear hazmat suits.
And sometimes… both.