Starting with Operation Crossroads in 1946 , the practice had been to form a joint task force to plan and conduct each series of nuclear tests in the Pacific . When they became more frequent , the Joint Chiefs created Joint Task Force 7 as a permanent body . Luedecke assumed command of Joint Task Force 7 on 1 April 1957 . On 10 June he was succeeded as Chief of the Armed Forces Special Weapons Project by Rear Admiral Edward N. Parker , but remained commander of Joint Task Force 7 . As such , he was responsible for the planning , preparation and conduct of Operation Hardtack I and Operation Hardtack II . For his services , he was awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Operation Hardtack II
Operation Hardtack II
Alvin Luedecke