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Bradley Ayers' THE ZENITH SECRET is out..


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I think Bradley E. Ayres' book "Zenith Secret" is extremely important because it gives us an unauthorized non-CIA approved look into the JMWAVE station, where at least one of the plots to kill Castro went astray and ended up with the death of JFK.

If anyone else wants to explore this vortex of the JFK assassination conspiracy I'd like to hear from them.

BK

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My apologies, William. I started reading the topic about post 25, where various pointers indicated a vietnam issue. I've read carefully now from the first post and see what you really want to discuss. Please, as they say, 'carry on'.

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Thanks, Guys, for the information.

Interesting.

Bill, I know the images you are talking about now.

BTW, does anyone have any solid information on a character named Karl Roher? This guy worked closely with Artime out of JM/WAVE and was close to Morales and Campbell. He may also have reported directly to Raul Hernandez but I am speculating there.

He used the alias Mike someone. Last name escapes me for now.

Might this be our mystery 'Karl'?

James

I'd also like more on Karl Novak, of Interpen, as Thomas points out. Here's more from BEA on "Karl."

KARL AND ELLIOT KEY TRAINING BASE

Elliot Key - Everglades National Preserve - Junction of Tamiami Trail and Highway 27

30 miles in Walloos Glades Hunting Camp

Case officer: Gordon Campbell.

Karl – Gordon Campbell's "Outside Man" for logistics.

Elliot Key Safe House – Training Base - Southern Tip of Elliot Key.

Tony Sforza – commando team contact man

BEA: "The only way I could maintain the secure contact with Gorden Campbell, Karl and Tony was to go ashore to the pay phone at Black Point. This was annoying because the trip back and forth by boat across lower Biscayne Bay took nearly two hours…."

"I felt an urgency to discuss the leadership aspect of the mission early on with Mr. Campbell. I tried on several occassions, when going ashore for supplies, to contact him by phone at his private number. Each time his secretary said he was traveling and unavailable. So, I decided to talk to Karl about the problem, for whatever it might be worth. By this time I had the impression that Karl was very much involved in the Elliot Key project and all it entailed. Campbell had placed no restrictions on what I might discuss with his right-hand man."

"My trip across the bay was faster than usual, and I arrived at the restaurant near the Coral Castle ahead of our scheduled meeting. I saw Karl, Dave Morales, Rosselli, and Mr. Phillips sitting at a table near the back of the room. When I saw all but Karl leave, three to the same car, I went back to meet him. Over a beer, I told him of my concerns about the of the Elliot Key group and asked him to discuss my observations with Campbell. Karl was pretty savvy and agreed. On my way back to Black Point I pondered Karl's apparent familiarity with the principal staff at JM/WAVE as I had observed it. I was impressed. Karl was obviously more than the typical logistics gofer."

"Karl was not Cuban. By speech and appearance he was European, possibly Belgium or French, but he spoke excellent English with an accent. He appeared in his mid-20s, with slightly balding dark hair, and a trim, muscular build at about 6' tall. I never learned his last name and I suspect Karl was an alias."

"Gordon Campbell gave me several Miami-Homestead area phone contact numbers to use for secure communications with him or Karl. One number I tried was answered by a women with the greeting, 'Mr. Bishop's office.' I concluded I'd either dialed incorrectly or Campbell had given me the number by mistake, or I may have erred in recording it when he gave it to me. However, several times when talking casually with Maggy, she dropped the name Bishop when referring to Campbell. I didn't know what to make of it, but I ceased using that number for the contact with Mr. Campbell."

"When the Dallas Police brought Lee Harvey Oswald forth for transfer to another holding facility,…It was the first time I had seen Oswald close-up. When I saw him, my breath caught in my throat and a chill ran up my spine. Oswald was a 'dead ringer' for Karl, Campbell's right-hand man who was assisting me with the Elliot Key operation. The resemblance was quite incredible and I thought it very strange."

"A man in civilian clothes met me at the chain link gate in front of the operations building….he introduced himself and flashed his bag identifying himself as an Air Force accident investigator. He wanted to talk to me about what I had witnessed that day. We went into a small room near the pilot's lounge and I told him exactly what I observed."

"When I was finished, he went into his briefcase and presented me with a prepared statement, essentially confirming that I had seen Karl, identified only as a contract employee of some petroleum research firm in Texas I had never heard of before. The statement simply said I had observed Karl fall from the helicopter in the course of a classified training reconnaissance mission."

"A second area of significance was Karl's identity and death. I could not put out of my mind his extraordinary resemblance to Lee Harvey Oswald. The more I learned about Oswald, the more he and Karl seemed alike – not only in physical appearance, but also in speech, and from the little I saw of Oswald on TV before Ruby killed hi, his mannerisms. With all that was becoming known about Oswald's alleged activities in the period leading up to the assassination of the president, the possibility of someone posing as Lee Harvey Oswald had to be considered. And why was Karl eliminated? Could it be that he knew too much?"

xxxx

Edited by William Kelly
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sometimes the last posters name is not registered and the post not 'gone to the top' as it should so: BUMP

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KARL AND ELLIOT KEY TRAINING BASE

Elliot Key - Everglades National Preserve - Junction of Tamiami Trail and Highway 27

30 miles in Walloos Glades Hunting Camp

Case officer: Gordon Campbell.

Karl – Gordon Campbell's "Outside Man" for logistics.

Elliot Key Safe House – Training Base - Southern Tip of Elliot Key.

Tony Sforza – commando team contact man

BEA: "The only way I could maintain the secure contact with Gorden Campbell, Karl and Tony was to go ashore to the pay phone at Black Point. This was annoying because the trip back and forth by boat across lower Biscayne Bay took nearly two hours…."

"I felt an urgency to discuss the leadership aspect of the mission early on with Mr. Campbell. I tried on several occassions, when going ashore for supplies, to contact him by phone at his private number. Each time his secretary said he was traveling and unavailable. So, I decided to talk to Karl about the problem, for whatever it might be worth. By this time I had the impression that Karl was very much involved in the Elliot Key project and all it entailed. Campbell had placed no restrictions on what I might discuss with his right-hand man."

"My trip across the bay was faster than usual, and I arrived at the restaurant near the Coral Castle ahead of our scheduled meeting. I saw Karl, Dave Morales, Rosselli, and Mr. Phillips sitting at a table near the back of the room. When I saw all but Karl leave, three to the same car, I went back to meet him. Over a beer, I told him of my concerns about the of the Elliot Key group and asked him to discuss my observations with Campbell....."

Morales, Rosselli and Phillips?

Am I the only one who finds this meeting interesting?

BK

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Bill,

I think this is most interesting indeed.

As I have stated before, I believe there was a lot of activity in the weeks leading up to the assassination. Assets and the like being moved around and sent on various operations. Individuals then being splintered off at the last minute to participate in the events of Dallas.

The mention of Phillips at that meeting was very curious. Was a date given for this meeting?

James

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"My trip across the bay was faster than usual, and I arrived at the restaurant near the Coral Castle ahead of our scheduled meeting. I saw Karl, Dave Morales, Rosselli, and Mr. Phillips sitting at a table near the back of the room. When I saw all but Karl leave, three to the same car, I went back to meet him. Over a beer, I told him of my concerns about the of the Elliot Key group and asked him to discuss my observations with Campbell....."

Morales, Rosselli and Phillips?

Am I the only one who finds this meeting interesting?

BK

________________________________________

Bill,

I find Ayer's saying that he saw "Karl," Dave Morales, (Johnny) Rosselli, and "Mr. Phillips" sitting at a table near the back of a restaurant very interesting indeed. Also that Ayers mentions asking "Karl" to relay his (Ayer's) "observations"/concerns about the Elliot Key Group to (Gordon) Campbell. (Hmm... Weren't Morales and Campbell also allegedly caught on film at the Ambassador Hotel the night RFK was whacked?)

Thanks,

--Thomas

________________________________________

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"My trip across the bay was faster than usual, and I arrived at the restaurant near the Coral Castle ahead of our scheduled meeting. I saw Karl, Dave Morales, Rosselli, and Mr. Phillips sitting at a table near the back of the room. When I saw all but Karl leave, three to the same car, I went back to meet him. Over a beer, I told him of my concerns about the of the Elliot Key group and asked him to discuss my observations with Campbell....."

Morales, Rosselli and Phillips?

Am I the only one who finds this meeting interesting?

BK

________________________________________

Bill,

I find Ayer's saying that he saw "Karl," Dave Morales, (Johnny) Rosselli, and "Mr. Phillips" sitting at a table near the back of a restaurant very interesting indeed. Also that Ayers mentions asking "Karl" to relay his (Ayer's) "observations"/concerns about the Elliot Key Group to (Gordon) Campbell. (Hmm... Weren't Morales and Campbell also allegedly caught on film at the Ambassador Hotel the night RFK was whacked?)

Thanks,

--Thomas

With "Karl" being Gordon Campbell's deputy and "outside man," we already knew these guys were all at JM/WAVE. Ayers' gives us some inside details you can't read in documents.

I don't have an exact date, yet, but will narrow it down and maybe even get a date. If not from BEA, the meeting, at a restaurant near the Florida Keys, should have been "official business," and therefore written off by someone on their expense account. Like Stockton does in Flawed Patriot, getting Harvey's expense account record helped his chronology, number of people at the meal, placing it in context of other things we know,...we'll get a date, if BEA is on the level. We should also be able to ID "Karl."

The meeting is happening during the time BEA says he was working on a special mission for GC and "Karl," which involved training two six man teams at the Elliot Key safe house, a very remote training area. The mission, to be led by Tony Sforza, involved the attack on a strategic target - an oil refinary near the coast, but never came off.

Because of their remote location, communication with JM/WAVE was via pay phone or visits. BEA says that the CIA kept a single engine Cessna at the Miami HQ, which flew over and dropped a roll of tissue paper that contained a message: "NOVEMBER 22, 1963 PRESIDENT KENNEDY HAS BEEN SHOT BY AN ASSASSIN. SUSPEND ALL ACTIVITY. KEEP MEN ON ISLAND. COME ASHORE WITHOUT DELAY. GORDON."

"Gordon Campbell and Karl had all but disappeared during this period and the Elliot Key operation, for which I had been responsible, was placed under the control of training branch. Cal had departed for a new assignment in Washington at the CIA "farm" in Virginia. Rudy temporarily assumed duties as chief of training....Eventually, an old CIA training officer, Ernie Sparks, arrived andtook over as chief of the branch. Cal, his predecessor, had been the consumate professional...Ernie was well known in CIA circles for his gruff, flaboyant character."

"Ernie dressed in Western style, with cowboy boots, jeans, and an open colared riding shirt. Often he would have a big revolver holstered at his side...nicknamed 'Sitting Bull,' while serving as a training officer in Guatemala, preparing Cuban exile Brigade 2506 for the Bay of Pigs..."

"The order to disband came first to the commando groups that were hidden around southern Florida. Gordon Campbell asked me to meet him for dinner at Black Caesar's Forge. This would be our first face to face meeting since well before the assassination...Campbell was at a table near the rear of the lower level dining room. He greated me cordially, asked about my family and, for a few minutes, made small talk as we ordered our meal. Something about Campbell had changed. I had never seen this smooth, polished man ill at ease. But this night, he seemed edgy, a worried look on his face, and his hands shook a bit as he lit a cigarette. Desite his troubled appearance, speaking to me, he was his usual matter-of-fact, unemotional self, a man who was never out of control."

"Campbell explained major foreign policy changes had been made by President Johnson, and the paramilitary effort developed by the CIA under the previous administration was being phased out. The commando group I was responsible for woujld be given a security debriefing and be terminated with one month's pay in advance. Administrative help would be terminated in the same fashion and sent home. All equipment would be removed, and the safehouse would be thoroughly 'swept' for security items, documents, and so on. I had one week to get the job done. Then I was to return to the training branch to supervise the closedown of other training camps. Were there any questions?"

Black Caesar's Forge.

Must be a nice, four star, sit down resaurant, Campbell had steak and martini. The palce could possibly be the same one where Karl met with Morales, Rosselli and Phillips, if BEA's account is accurate.

The single engine Cessna, red, with white stripe, and tail # 233U, looks very much like Ferrie's plane in the recent news article.

Must add Black Caesar's Forge to the Assassin's Culinary Tour.

BK

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"My trip across the bay was faster than usual, and I arrived at the restaurant near the Coral Castle ahead of our scheduled meeting. I saw Karl, Dave Morales, Rosselli, and Mr. Phillips sitting at a table near the back of the room. When I saw all but Karl leave, three to the same car, I went back to meet him. Over a beer, I told him of my concerns about the of the Elliot Key group and asked him to discuss my observations with Campbell....."

"The order to disband came first to the commando groups that were hidden around southern Florida. Gordon Campbell asked me to meet him for dinner at Black Caesar's Forge. This would be our first face to face meeting since well before the assassination...Campbell was at a table near the rear of the lower level dining room. He greated me cordially, asked about my family and, for a few minutes, made small talk as we ordered our meal. Something about Campbell had changed. I had never seen this smooth, polished man ill at ease. But this night, he seemed edgy, a worried look on his face, and his hands shook a bit as he lit a cigarette. Desite his troubled appearance, speaking to me, he was his usual matter-of-fact, unemotional self, a man who was never out of control."

"Campbell explained major foreign policy changes had been made by President Johnson, and the paramilitary effort developed by the CIA under the previous administration was being phased out. The commando group I was responsible for woujld be given a security debriefing and be terminated with one month's pay in advance. Administrative help would be terminated in the same fashion and sent home. All equipment would be removed, and the safehouse would be thoroughly 'swept' for security items, documents, and so on. I had one week to get the job done. Then I was to return to the training branch to supervise the closedown of other training camps. Were there any questions?"

Black Caesar's Forge.

Must be a nice, four star, sit down resaurant, Campbell had steak and martini. The palce could possibly be the same one where Karl met with Morales, Rosselli and Phillips, if BEA's account is accurate.

The single engine Cessna, red, with white stripe, and tail # 233U, looks very much like Ferrie's plane in the recent news article.

Must add Black Caesar's Forge to the Assassin's Culinary Tour.

BK

All interesting. Do we have an approx. date for this meeting? about mid April, 1963 Roselli was meeting with Harvey in FL. and also in much phone contact with him in the next months.

Since BEAyers didn't start working at JMWAVE until April, 1963, it must have been between then and Nov. 63'.

Will try to narrow down the date.

In the meantime, here's a rundown on the Black Caesar's Forge restaurant.

BK

The Forge Dynasty

by Joseph Brown

The cast of characters at The Forge on this particular Wednesday night is straight out of a 1930's MGM movie—tables full of tourists from New York and Buenos Aires; local politicians smoking cigars and hamming it up; a South Beach nightclub owner and his entourage dropping-in for a visit; a few tables full of individuals who could teach the Sopranos a thing or two about business; and, of course, there are the ladies, young and lovely ladies—from fiery Latinas to statuesque Nordic beauties, all dressed to the nines, with cocktails in hand.

In The Forge Bar area which separates three adjoining dining salons, Pamela Canellas and the Hot Jam dancers are up on stage dressed in flowing white outfits and gyrating wildly to the frantic salsa/disco mix that permeates all of Miami nightlife. With waiters rushing from table to table throughout the five dining rooms and with large numbers of people simply dancing in the aisles, The Forge is indeed hitting on all cylinders tonight. Its English oak paneling, impossibly high ceilings, large Tiffany stained-glass panels and bare-brick walls radiate a stately ambiance of old Europe, but the parade of Jaguars and Roll Royces lined-up out front are a testament to its hedonistic popularity.

To understand The Forge's appel d'hédonisme requires an understanding of the strong personalities behind it: the man who originally created it—Alvin Malnik, and the man who now controls it—Shareef Malnik.

The predecessor of the modern-day Forge was a blacksmith's forge built in the early 1920s by Dino Phillips, who designed decorative iron gates and sculptures for wealthy Miami Beach families such as the Firestones and Vanderbilts. In the early 1930s Phillips transformed his shop into an elegant dining/dancing supper club and gambling casino where wealthy Miami socialites dined and danced under the stars in the outdoor garden area.

In 1968, after years of neglect the original restaurant/casino fell into disrepair and was purchased by Shareef's father, Alvin Malnik, a young Florida attorney whose name—thanks to the New Jersey Casino Control Commission—will forever be linked to legendary mob financier and former Miami Beach resident, Meyer Lansky. Alvin Malnik immediately embarked on a million-dollar makeover of the restaurant that reflected his love of European art and architecture. Original Dalis, Rousseaus framing a sconce from Napoleon's bed chamber and antique tapestries were set throughout.

Al Malnik's re-designed Forge opened its doors in March of 1969 and was immediately heralded as Miami's most glamorous destination filled with visiting celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Richard Burton and Judy Garland. Politicos such as Richard Nixon and financier Bebe Reboso were also frequent guests, and, yes, Meyer Lansky and the boys were often seen dining at The Forge. As a matter of fact, it was upstairs in the original casino area in 1977 where Meyer Lansky's stepson, Richard Schwartz, shot Craig Teriaca, son of an alleged underworld figure, after a quarrel over $10. (Three months later Schwartz was found murdered in his Cadillac behind The Inside Restaurant on the Bay Harbor Islands.)

The crowning achievement of The Forge was always its wine cellar, an eight-room, underground facility containing more than 300,000 bottles of the world's finest vintages. Among the rarest, which are secured behind floor-to-ceiling iron gates, are a 1792 Madeira and an 1822 Chateau Lafite Rothschild—the later worth an estimated $150,000. So impressive is The Forge's wine cellar, that French financier and noted oenophile, Baron Elie de Rothchild once donated bottles from his private collection after visiting restaurant.

Al Malnik's colorful history in Miami Beach is a matinee-quality storyline that earned him huge financial returns. But, big returns don't come without big risks. In 1982 his canary yellow Rolls Royce was blown-up in the underground parking garage of his residence at a high rise Miami condominium called the Cricket club, which Malnik had previously developed. Speculation as to the reasons behind the attack ranged from some sort of warning to Malnik and his business associates, to an elaborate scheme to fool federal investigators who were looking into his affairs at the time.

In 1987 Malnik's friend, pioneer speed boat builder and Formula Marine owner Don Aronow was shot to death while sitting in his car on Miami's NE 188th Street, an area known as ThunderBoat Row. The reasons why are still unclear.

Over the years questions were often asked—sometimes by government investigators, sometimes by the IRS—about Malnik's financial dealings. One case brought against Malnik by the IRS concerning his 1962 and 1963 tax returns lasted over twenty years, with Al finally winning in 1985.

Shareef Malnik, Al Malnik, Serena Williams, Michael Jackson, Chris Tucker and Brett Ratner at The Forge.

But, perhaps the most interesting questions of all came with recent tabloid speculation that Al Malnik has some sort of association with pop-star Michael Jackson. A dinner at The Forge between Michael Jackson, Al and Shareef Malnik and their wives made front page news. And when news broke that Michael Jackson often stays overnight at Malnik's multi-million dollar Ocean Ridge, Florida estate when he's in town, headlines such as "Is Jacko Married to the Mob?" and "The King of Pop and the Mob?" popped-up in numerous publications. Reliable sources will only say that Jackson and Malnik are "personal friends," and "they've been friends for years." The official word from Malnik is "I have no present or past business relationship of any kind with Michael Jackson, nor is one contemplated."

However out of character an association with a modern pop star such as Michael Jackson might seem, it would actually be somewhat in line with previous associations earlier in Al Malnik's career. He reportedly served as attorney for Sammy Davis Jr. and several other members of the Rat Pack during the 1960s, and celebrities such as Russell Simmons, Benjamin Bratt, Harvey Keitel and Salma Hayek have all attended parties at his South Florida home, making Al Malnik's association with the entertainment industry a well-documented fact.

Malnik has also apparently been a positive influence on Miami Beach's Brett Ratner, director of "Red Dragon" and Jackie Chan's "Rush Hour." The relationship is sometimes described as that of "a father figure and mentor."

Alvin Malnik often donates to his alma mater, the University of Miami, and most recently, Al and his wife Nancy were honored as lifetime benefactors by the Make A Wish foundation during a lavish ceremony at the 8th Annual Hotel Inter-Continental Ball in Miami.

Even though questions still remain unanswered, two things are absolutely indisputable: first, through a series of real estate developments from Florida to California, and associations with powerful individuals, Al Malnik has amassed a serious sum of money throughout his lifetime, and is now enjoying the fruits of his labor in a 35,000 square foot beach-front villa, Beaux Arts Mansion, in Ocean Ridge, Florida, and secondly—he created one hell of a restaurant.

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Brief History of Linderman Key

By Jerry Wilkinson

Comments as well as additional documentation, photos, etc. can be sent to:

jerry@keyshistory.org or 305.852.1620

LiK-LindermanKeyMap1966.jpg

The history of North Key Largo would not be complete without at least a mention of "Linderman Key." While presenting the little I know about Linderman Key, at the end I will mention the even lessor known "Grayvik."

Together, both locations will show how little we have documented the history of the Upper Keys. I am kind of embarrassed to show so little, but there will never be more unless I start.

If not familiar with the North Key Largo area please refer to the chart at the right. You will probably have to 'click' to enlarge the chart to read.

Most of this information on Linderman Key I obtained from Pete Perdue, survivor of the 1935 hurricane, former owner of Perdue-Dean Marina former resident of Ocean Reef and now deceased.

Other than possibly of the Tequesta Indians, the island's original owners were Dr's. Linderman. At the time I did not ask Pete for their first names. In the real world, both were PhD's of medicines of plants. The Linderman's had traveled the world and used the Florida Year-Round Club (later the Angler's Club) as their land base when in this area. I will insert here info from my later research on early Florida Year-Round Club's operations that there were two Canadians, Bert and Jean Linderman, who donated two gasoline Delco electric generators for its operationLindermanHouse1952.jpgs; therefore, I feel certain that they were the same Linderman family.

Back to Pete, some time around the 1930s they started work on a magnificent two-story Spanish style main house with very elaborate wrought iron work. In addition, a guest house, staff house and a utility building for generator with banks of batteries and two huge water cisterns. Per Pete Perdue, the photo to the right was the mansion looking it from the water's edge. It was far enough up a small creek off of Broad Creek to have protection from the strong squall winds that occur without much warning. It is rumored to have been called xxxx's Lair.

With close examination the location of the house can be seen at the tip of the black arrow point in the chart above. Few will disagree that even with today's standardsLiK-EngelRockCastle.jpg, this house with all its amenities was an opulent house.

There were other early 1900s grand private residences in the Upper Keys. There is no surviving photo, but a Fargo, North Dakota resident and avid fisherman, W.A Scott, built a fine two-story coral-rock house several miles to the south which was expanded into the Key Largo Angler's Club main dining room.

Another is the Key Largo Sound Dr. George Engel's house built in about the same time period - but without additional buildings. This castle home was styled after an European castle and survives today on Oceana Drive, just north of the Marvin Adams Waterway.

Below the Largo Sound Castle photo is a photo of another coral rock castle-like home was built for L. E. Goetz on Jewfish Key, Fiesta Key today (2005), allegedly around the same time period. Note a sizable boat tied to the dock and an automobile to the center left; therefore, this photo is post 1938. The Greyhound Corporation purchased the Key in the late 1940s and later a propane tank explosion damaged the house to the extent that it was torn down.

Continuing with Pete Perdue's recollection, the Linderman's used the Grayvik Basin and the Key Largo Year-Round Club as land bases to oversee construction of xxxx's Lair. He believed Dr. Linderman died just before World War II and his wife, Jean Linderman took over the site. When WW-II, began, she became very involved in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and actually patrolled the waters herself. There were recollections of Jean's ventures with her 36 foot Chris Craft but few are recorded.

Pete's recollection was the Mrs. Linderman moved away and donated the island to the University of Miami, which in turn leased to the CIA for its training operations for the Bay of Pigs. For us in the Keys this period is a period of hear-say; however, from the National Park Service book "Cold War in South Florida" we have some information on the Linderman Key site:

1) It was used by the CIA as a safe house known as 'Pirates Lair' and for maritime training operations. The safe house consisted of four houses dispersed on three-acre island. and that only one building could be seen from the deep-water canal.

2) The complex was used to teach Cuban exiles the V-20 boat, Boston-Whaler type vessels and rubber rafts with silenced motors assault techniques and operations.

3) The crafts were specially rebuilt to CIA specifications by South Florida boat yards so of which included reinforced hulls, armor plating, modified engines, electronic gear and hardened points to mount automatic weapons.

Back to Pete's recollections, he said that shortly after the CIA pulled out, there was a terrific explosion in the main house. The explosion hurled bricks and steel beams clear across the island. Folks assumed it was plastic explosives left from the training camp set off as a grand finale to the failed invasion of the Bay of Pigs. "Miami Vice" and the Manos films shot scenes there.

- Grayvik -

My thanks to Pete Perdue and now to the place that Pete referred to as "Grayvik" and misspelled by me in the above chart. People at Ocean Reef know the name "Grayvik," but that is about all. This chart is the sole primary documentation that I have of General Ivor Thorn-Gray building of "Grayvik." This is not to say that I cannot find plenty of documentation of Ivor Thorn-Gray as the Internet and other sources have plenty.

The following data is from a multitude of researchers all trying to pin down his final days in the U.S. 'Ivor Thord-Gray was born in Stockholm 17th April 1878 as Thord Ivar Hallström. His parents were August Reinhold Hallström (1840-1913) and Hilda Svensson (1845-1925). August Hallström was a teacher in Maria Elementary School in Stockholm, which young Thord attended for four years.'

After many international escapades, 'in 1933, Thord divorced and on 11th June 1933 married Winifred Ingersoll (1884-1960) and settled down in Miami. When his house Grayvik on North Key Largo was destroyed in a hurricane, the family moved to Coral Gables, Florida.' A Swedish researcher feels that 'Grayvik' would be an appropriate Swedish name that he would have given.

This places Thord-Gray in Miami and he could have easily built a place on Key Largo where the Ocean Reef Club will originate in 1944. Ocean Reef does have a street named Grayvik and it is on the narrow peninsular shown on the chart above.

What is more there is documentation that on 8 April 1935, he became 'Major General of the Florida Militia and Chief of the Personal Staff to the Governor of Florida, David Sholtz,' yet I cannot find anyone in Tallahassee who even remembers the name. The great Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 could have been the hurricane that destroyed his house at Grayvik, if so I think that he would have made an appearance.

Very interesting as well as very elusive.

I solicit comments, additional documentation, photos, etc. They can be sent to:

jerry@keyshistory.org or phone 305.852.1620, or mail to Jerry Wilkinson, 38 East Beach Road, Tavernier, FL 33070.

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Al Malnik's re-designed Forge opened its doors in March of 1969 and was immediately heralded as Miami's most glamorous destination filled with visiting celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Richard Burton and Judy Garland. Politicos such as Richard Nixon and financier Bebe Reboso were also frequent guests, and, yes, Meyer Lansky and the boys were often seen dining at The Forge. As a matter of fact, it was upstairs in the original casino area in 1977 where Meyer Lansky's stepson, Richard Schwartz, shot Craig Teriaca, son of an alleged underworld figure, after a quarrel over $10. (Three months later Schwartz was found murdered in his Cadillac behind The Inside Restaurant on the Bay Harbor Islands.)

The crowning achievement of The Forge was always its wine cellar, an eight-room, underground facility containing more than 300,000 bottles of the world's finest vintages. Among the rarest, which are secured behind floor-to-ceiling iron gates, are a 1792 Madeira and an 1822 Chateau Lafite Rothschild—the later worth an estimated $150,000. So impressive is The Forge's wine cellar, that French financier and noted oenophile, Baron Elie de Rothchild once donated bottles from his private collection after visiting the restaurant....

....Al Malnik has amassed a serious sum of money throughout his lifetime, and is now enjoying the fruits of his labor in a 35,000 square foot beach-front villa, Beaux Arts Mansion, in Ocean Ridge, Florida, and secondly—he created one hell of a restaurant.

He certainly did.

http://www.theforge.com/

Edited by Michael Hogan
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an[/u] Army Ranger Training Camp at any Air Force Base (when such camps would be expected to be located at Army bases), I raised the questions. Fortunately, this seems like something that could be verified (independently of Ayers' account).

Re-reading the brief passage quoted, it's actually unclear whether Ayers is referring to such a camp as training "volunteer officers and non-commissioned officers" in general as opposed to such training being done specifically for (for instance) anti-Castro operations. The "volunteer" may be a clue for the latter. If it was specfic to anti-Castro efforts, I wouldn't find it all that odd to have the camp at an Air Force base; the overall authority would presumably have been CIA/SGA and they would have organized things as they saw fit. (For instance, by setting up an Army Ranger training camp at an Air Force base.)

In thinking about it this week I recalled an interesting subject that came up some months ago in the Forum that seems pertinent. John Simkin started a thread on a man named Ricardo Morales and posted a link to Morales' deposition in which he gave a long account of his career. (Going off of memory for what follows; maybe someone could repost the relevant information, particularly as it's most interesting all by itself.)

Morales stated that in his initial training by CIA as an anti-Castro operative (1960/61?) he was in a group of Cuban exiles who were flown out of Miami in a jumbo jet with the windows blacked out; the plane stayed in the air briefly (45 minutes?) and took a left turn out of Miami, eventually landing at a military installation where the exiles were then transported (by bus?) to a training camp where they were trained in the same kind of training Ayers is referring to. Morales also mentioned airborne or jump-training and at the time I speculated that the exiles had been flown to Ft. Benning ("The Home of the Infantry"), since Benning is home to a jump school as well as "The School of the Americas" (where cadets from the military/security forces of "friendly" Latin American countries are sent for training in the States).

But there was a problem with this conclusion: when I reported for duty to what would be my permanent party I flew to Atlanta in a commercial jet airliner, then boarded a little twin-engine propeller-driven plane (like the commercial USAir planes that have been known to crash on occasion) for a short trip to the Columbus, Georgia airport. Then I was picked up by a bus that took me to Benning. So it's not like a jet airliner could just land at or even near Benning itself. It seems to me that (Ricardo) Morales' account and Ayers' account are most likely mutually corroborative for the existence of such a training camp, located at Elgin Air Force base (where large planes should have been able to land) and probably run overall by CIA in anti-Castro ops.

--------------------------------

The further quote about Ayers' dissatisfaction is interesting but nothing unusual, since XO's (executive officer's) typically get stuck with all the administrative housekeeping, paperwork, etc. (Sort of glorified secretaries/administrative assistants.) It's not at all odd that Ayers would've been dissatisfied with it, but somewhat revealing in that he must have had higher (and unrealistic) expectations about becoming an XO. Evidently he wanted to be where "the action" was.

Now I better understand your reference to the Summer of '63 in terms of the chronological sequence of events. And I won't contribute to any potential diversion of the thread by responding to the question about "accusing myself," except to say that I beg to differ on "No one else has." Not everyone is as straightforward as others might be, and I suspect you travel in different circles than those who would make or, one way or another, have made such accusations.

DWD

DWD, It turns out that the whole Elgin AFB situation is significant, not only because it was BEA's assignment before being lent out to CIA/JM/WAVE, but Elgin is where "Karl" is killed. It was an Elgin AFB investigator who interviewed BEA about the incident, and if we are to identify "Karl," the Elgin AFB investigation of his death would certainly be a good place to start. Though for some reason I don't think there will be any investigative report whatsoever.

Something fishy was going on at Elgin.

BK

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Something fishy was going on at Elgin. (Bill Kelly)

Bill,

I might be worth mentioning here that Collins Radio secured a $2 million contract to provide microwave radio systems for Elgin.

Also, to your knowledge, has Ayers ever mentioned a Major General by the name of James Roberts? If not and if you are in contact with Ayers, it might be a worthwhile pursuit to see if he will talk about him.

James

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DWD,

Thanks for the response. I will ask BEA about Elgin AFB assignment when I get the opportunit, among other questions of my own. He does mention the commanding officer there - Lt. Colonel Hakala, whose name doesn't appear in the index, and says this: "Vietnam was just beginning to receive serious attention fro mthe military extablishment and the demand for highly-skilled Ranger-trained officers to serve as advisors in Southeast Asia was increasing day by day. This fact eventually had an unfortuante impact on my status at the camp. As the executive officer I was responsible for the overall administration of the installation. soon found myself spending more time tha I liked supervising mess halls and barracks, making routine inspections, completing reports, directing building programs, and managing paperswork. I found less time to participate in the tactical traingin and, more often than not, was tied to my office and desk back at camp. I would have much rather been in the field. To complicate matters, Lieutenant Colonel Hakala, who commanded the camp, insisted the executive officer keep his nose out of training and stick almost entirely to managing administration of the installation....I failed to understand the reasons for the camp commander's attitude, and it continued to be a sore point between us.....On a sunny April day I made my move and requested a transfer....."

As a veteran with military experience, your review and comments are welcome, it's just the real action and evidence in the assassination comes after BEA left Elgin, in April, 1963. Indeed, that is when a potshot is taken at Walker, LHO leaves for NO, and Col./Dr. Jose Rivera (USA Reserves) in DC expresses foreknowledge of LHO activities. And are you accusing yourself of being a "disinformation/CIA/Mockingbird asset"? No one else has.

BK

For Bradley E. Ayers, "The chain of events that lead me to [uSArmy Deputy Chief of Staff for Special Operations]Colonel Bond's office....began in the spring of 1963. I had held the rank of captain, and as a senior officer in this grade, nearing promotion to major, I was serving as the executive officer of the Army Ranger Training Camp at Eglin Air Force Base in northwest Florida…. The mission of the Ranger Camp was to train volunteer officers and non-commissioned officers in the techniques of clandestine jungle and swamp operations for small units….Lt. Col. Hakala,…commanded the camp…on a sunny April day I made my move and requested a transfer."

BK,

My original questions may have sounded too critical. I only raised the questions because Ayers' reference to "the Army Ranger Training Camp at Eglin Air Force Base" is without elaboration or "background," as if it were some commonly-known given that there was such a thing. Since this was the case and since I found it odd that there would be an Army Ranger Training Camp at any Air Force Base (when such camps would be expected to be located at Army bases), I raised the questions. Fortunately, this seems like something that could be verified (independently of Ayers' account).

Re-reading the brief passage quoted, it's actually unclear whether Ayers is referring to such a camp as training "volunteer officers and non-commissioned officers" in general as opposed to such training being done specifically for (for instance) anti-Castro operations. The "volunteer" may be a clue for the latter. If it was specfic to anti-Castro efforts, I wouldn't find it all that odd to have the camp at an Air Force base; the overall authority would presumably have been CIA/SGA and they would have organized things as they saw fit. (For instance, by setting up an Army Ranger training camp at an Air Force base.)

In thinking about it this week I recalled an interesting subject that came up some months ago in the Forum that seems pertinent. John Simkin started a thread on a man named Ricardo Morales and posted a link to Morales' deposition in which he gave a long account of his career. (Going off of memory for what follows; maybe someone could repost the relevant information, particularly as it's most interesting all by itself.)

Morales stated that in his initial training by CIA as an anti-Castro operative (1960/61?) he was in a group of Cuban exiles who were flown out of Miami in a jumbo jet with the windows blacked out; the plane stayed in the air briefly (45 minutes?) and took a left turn out of Miami, eventually landing at a military installation where the exiles were then transported (by bus?) to a training camp where they were trained in the same kind of training Ayers is referring to. Morales also mentioned airborne or jump-training and at the time I speculated that the exiles had been flown to Ft. Benning ("The Home of the Infantry"), since Benning is home to a jump school as well as "The School of the Americas" (where cadets from the military/security forces of "friendly" Latin American countries are sent for training in the States).

But there was a problem with this conclusion: when I reported for duty to what would be my permanent party I flew to Atlanta in a commercial jet airliner, then boarded a little twin-engine propeller-driven plane (like the commercial USAir planes that have been known to crash on occasion) for a short trip to the Columbus, Georgia airport. Then I was picked up by a bus that took me to Benning. So it's not like a jet airliner could just land at or even near Benning itself. It seems to me that (Ricardo) Morales' account and Ayers' account are most likely mutually corroborative for the existence of such a training camp, located at Elgin Air Force base (where large planes should have been able to land) and probably run overall by CIA in anti-Castro ops.

--------------------------------

The further quote about Ayers' dissatisfaction is interesting but nothing unusual, since XO's (executive officer's) typically get stuck with all the administrative housekeeping, paperwork, etc. (Sort of glorified secretaries/administrative assistants.) It's not at all odd that Ayers would've been dissatisfied with it, but somewhat revealing in that he must have had higher (and unrealistic) expectations about becoming an XO. Evidently he wanted to be where "the action" was.

Now I better understand your reference to the Summer of '63 in terms of the chronological sequence of events. And I won't contribute to any potential diversion of the thread by responding to the question about "accusing myself," except to say that I beg to differ on "No one else has." Not everyone is as straightforward as others might be, and I suspect you travel in different circles than those who would make or, one way or another, have made such accusations.

DWD

----------------------

The correct spelling is: E-G-L-I-N Air Force Base, and amongst many commands there is the US Navy Explosive Ordnance School (EOD). The Ranger School is at one of the 4 "Hurlburt" airfields, and at one of those (#4 I think) -- was where the Doolittle Tokyo bombers trained during 1942 [WWII].

Chairs,

GPH

----------------------

U.S. Air Force Fact Sheet

6TH RANGER TRAINING BATTALION

Auxiliary Field Six is the site of Camp James E. Rudder and the home of the Army's 6th Ranger Training Battalion. The 6th RTB conducts the final phase of the U.S. Army Ranger Course. The entire course is 61 days in length and is divided into three phases. Each phase is conducted at different geographical and environmental locations.

Its mission at Eglin is to expose Ranger students to a fast-paced, 18 day field training exercise. Leadership skills are taxed when conducting small unit operations in a simulated combat environment by the daily challenges students encounter including severe weather, swampy terrain, periods of hunger, mental and physical fatigue, as well as emotional stress.

Included in the field training exercise are airborne and helicopter assaults, small boat operations, river crossings and swamp crossings.

Camp James E. Rudder is one of the oldest subinstallations on Eglin (since 1951) with operating and quality of life facilities to provide family housing units, a community center, a gymnasium, a swimming pool, a tennis court, a chapel, a reptile facility, a billeting complex, an ammunition storage area, a troop dining facility, a troop medical clinic, civil engineering shop transportation sub-motor pool, a boathouse, a repelling tower and an airborne staging area plus an air strip capable of accommodating C-130 and C-17 aircraft.

The 6th Ranger Training Battalion's parent organization is the Ranger Training Brigade located at Fort Benning, GA.

Fact Sheet Point of Contact

96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office

(850) 882-3931

DSN 872-3931

-------------------------------

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The Ranger School is at one of the 4 "Hurlburt" airfields, and at one of those (#4 I think) -- was where the Doolittle Tokyo bombers trained during 1942 [WWII].

Scroll down at this link about Hurlburt Field, and there's a photo of Bobby Kennedy visiting Air Commandos there:

http://www.hurlburt.af.mil/heritage/guide/#HFAC

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