Edward B. Giller was born on July 8, 1918 in Jacksonville, Florida. Edward married Mildred F. on July 2, 1943 and they had four children: Susan Ann, Carol Elaire, Bruce Carletor, Penny Marie, and Paul Benjamin.

Giller was enlisted in the United States Air Force.

Giller obtained a bachelor of science degree, a master of science degree, and a doctor of philosophy degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illionis.

John Chapman Hopkins was born on June 30, 1933 in Palo Alto, California. John married V. Adele on June 14, 1954 and had two children: Anna Adele an Barbara Ellen.

Hopkin was a scientist and test director as the J-division leader for the Nevada Test Site. In 1955 and 1956, Hopkins was a Los Alamos summer student.

Hopkins obtained a doctor of philosophy degree in physics from the University of Washington in 1960.

From 1960 to 1993 Hopkins was employed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL).