The same article mentions what sounds like a worse job:
> The 701st soldiers were guinea pigs for evaluating the bomb’s flash, burn and shock-wave effects under field conditions.
Several countries used their men as guinea pigs for nuclear tests.
Most notably was a video I watched of British soldiers going through the same thing, the anecdote of seeing bones through your hand when you try to cover your eyes is haunting.
https://www.forcesnews.com/nuclear/britains-nuclear-bomb-gui...
I have to say, including that detail was outstanding writing. It really upped the suspense and sense of horror even though you knew they’d make it out alive.