Clifford R. Cagle

Clifford R. Cagle was working at his desk at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development when the bomb exploded outside the Alfred P. Murrah building. Cagle was severely injured by the blast but was rescued and taken to the hospital where he underwent surgery.

In the following selection, Cagle describes the extent of his injuries and the surgeries he has needed. Over the next year, he had multiple reconstructive surgeries and still required more. The bombing has left psychological scars, as well. Cagle recounts that he is no longer able to work because of the stress and tension he constantly endures.

On April 19, 1995, I was working at my desk at HUD on a solicitation that was to be mailed out the following week. When the bomb went off, I was knocked out of my chair by the force...