Francis Gary Powers, Jr. article in Moscow Times

[Peter Fokes]

Preserving Cold War History

17 May 2010

By Francis Gary Powers, Jr.

May 1 marked the 50th anniversary of the U-2 incident in which my father, CIA pilot Francis Gary Powers, was shot down by a Soviet SA-2 missile while flying a photographic reconnaissance mission over the Soviet Union. I am honored that over the past 50 years my father’s role in the U-2 incident has been transformed from a possible defector and CIA scapegoat to a nationally recognized U.S. hero. Unfortunately, there are some who still believe in the conspiracy theories and misinformation that were originally circulated in the 1960s. Others, even within the U.S. government, continue to disrespect my father and ignore the truth that has been revealed through declassified documents, declassification conferences and first-hand accounts over the past 50 years either because of ignorance or political correctness.

....

During my latest visit last week to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the U-2 incident, I had the privilege of interviewing retired Soviet Rear Admiral Boris Novy, as well as retired KGB agent Oleg Nechiporenko, who questioned Lee Harvey Oswald in Mexico City in September 1964. In addition, I visited the missile factory that designed the SA-2 missile and met with some retirees that were responsible for designing the missile that shot down my father 50 years ago.

.... This trip was the start of what will be a vibrant conversation and international commitment to building The Cold War Museum, a former U.S. Army communications base near Washington. I founded The Cold War Museum in 1996 to honor Cold War veterans, preserve Cold War history and educate future generations about this important period.

Growing up in the shadow of a famous Cold War figure gave me an interesting insight into the Cold War, my father’s role and the current importance of preserving Cold War history. Later this year, we will release the first of many educational programs in which the audience will be able to listen to never-before-heard audio recordings of my father talking about the U-2 incident.

Full article here:

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/opinion/arti...ory/406070.html

Peter Fokes,

Toronto

[Greg Burnham]

During my latest visit last week to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the U-2 incident, I had the privilege of interviewing retired Soviet Rear Admiral Boris Novy, as well as retired KGB agent Oleg Nechiporenko, who questioned Lee Harvey Oswald in Mexico City in September 1964.

Well, first of all, by September 1964 Lee Harvey Oswald had been dead for about 10 months.

Secondly, the U2 was NOT shot down by a missile. Sorry, Gary JR., no disrespect intended. It would have exploded if it had been hit at that altitude! That is undeniable. Your father had no reason to (and there is no evidence that he did) descend to an altitude of vulnerability to SAMs initially. He was forced down to a lower altitude upon engine failure due to a defect in the fuel mixture. Only then did MIGs "escort" him to a crash landing after he had re-started the engine.

[Bernice Moore]

here's another thread on powers';

http://educationforum.ipbhost.com/index.ph...;hl=gary+powers

[Karl Kinaski]

The whole Powers Story, flight, crash trial imprisonment, was a Shakespeare-play written by guys like Dulles and Bissell. For what reason? To destroy Eisenhowers "crusade for freedom/peace"---and it completely worked out.

KK

Edited May 25, 2010 by Karl Kinaski

[Greg Parker]

The whole Powers Story, flight, crash trial imprisonment, was a Shakespeare-play written by guys like Dulles and Bissell. For what reason? To destroy Eisenhowers "crusade for freedom"---and it completely worked out.

KK

Well said, Karl!