Unraveling the Mystery: Fletcher Prouty's Possible Role in the JFK Assassination

[Keyvan Shahrdar]

Introduction:

The assassination of President John F. Kennedy has been shrouded in mystery and conspiracy theories for decades. Among the numerous individuals whose actions and motives have been scrutinized is Fletcher Prouty, who held a high-ranking position under the Secretary of Defense during JFK's administration. In this article, we will explore the possibility that Prouty may have played a role in the assassination plot by providing information to CIA operative Edward Lansdale.

Section 1: Prouty's Access to Classified Information

As a key figure in the Defense Department, Fletcher Prouty had access to highly sensitive military information. The type of information he had access to could have been useful for orchestrating an assassination plot. His privileged position raises questions about the extent of his involvement in the events surrounding JFK's death.

Section 2: The South Pole Assignment

During the time of JFK's assassination, Prouty was mysteriously assigned to the South Pole. This assignment has led some to speculate that it was a calculated move to distance himself from the event. In this section, we will delve into the potential reasons behind his absence from Washington, D.C.

Section 3: The Oswald Connection and Cover Story

In exploring the possibility that Prouty may have assisted Lansdale in identifying Lee Harvey Oswald as the perfect patsy for the assassination plot, we will look at Oswald's background and consider whether Prouty could have passed this information to Lansdale. In an intriguing twist, Prouty seems to express a sense of pride or accomplishment in how Oswald has become the main cover story for the assassination. We will explore this unusual perspective and consider whether it may be interpreted as an indication of Prouty's own involvement in the plot, and if so, how that might fit into the broader picture of the assassination conspiracy.

Section 4: Finding Retired Military Snipers

Another angle to consider is that Prouty may have helped Lansdale find retired military snipers for the assassination. If true, this would further implicate Prouty in the planning and execution of the assassination plot.

Section 5: Motivations for the Assassination

It is essential to consider why anyone would participate in the assassination of a president. One possible motivation is JFK's efforts to integrate schools that were previously reserved for white students. This move angered many individuals, potentially providing a motive for involvement in the assassination plot.

Section 6: Lansdale's Involvement

Edward Lansdale, a prominent figure in the CIA, has long been a subject of speculation in JFK assassination conspiracy theories. We will explore the connection between Lansdale and Prouty and consider how they might have collaborated in the plot.

Section 7: Prouty's Revelations in His Book

In his book, "JFK: The CIA, Vietnam, and the Plot to Assassinate John F. Kennedy," Fletcher Prouty delves into the complex web of intrigue surrounding the assassination. He makes specific mention of Col. Lou Conein and General Edward Lansdale, both of whom have been implicated in various conspiracy theories related to the assassination.

Section 8: The Tramps and Dealey Plaza

Prouty discusses the mysterious figures known as "the tramps," who were photographed in Dealey Plaza shortly after JFK's assassination. He goes on to identify Lansdale and Conein in photographs taken at the scene, suggesting their presence as part of the plot. We will analyze these photographic claims and consider the implications of their alleged presence in Dealey Plaza.

Conclusion:

The JFK assassination continues to be an enigmatic and debated event in American history, with many unanswered questions and complex conspiracy theories. While concrete proof of Fletcher Prouty's involvement in the assassination remains elusive, the circumstantial evidence and intriguing connections between him, Oswald, and other key figures like Edward Lansdale warrant further investigation. By examining these relationships and considering the motivations behind the assassination, we can attempt to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate web of events surrounding JFK's tragic death. As the search for truth continues, it is crucial to remain open to new perspectives and evidence in the ongoing quest to unveil the full story behind one of America's darkest chapters.

[Jonathan Cohen]

2 minutes ago, Keyvan Shahrdar said:

Prouty discusses the mysterious figures known as "the tramps," who were photographed in Dealey Plaza shortly after JFK's assassination. He goes on to identify Lansdale and Conein in photographs taken at the scene, suggesting their presence as part of the plot. We will analyze these photographic claims and consider the implications of their alleged presence in Dealey Plaza.

Kevyan, I'll be interested to read your full article, but I am preemptively hoping we're in agreement that the Tramps were most definitely not CIA operatives and were in fact actual hobos...

[Joe Bauer]

Except for the E. Howard Hunt look-alike the other two fellows were too well dressed and shaven to be real hobo's imo.

There is currently a Netflix TV movie show about Hunt and Liddy regards the Watergate event.

In one episode we see Hunt donning a wig to hide his true identity during one of his escapades before the Watergate break-in.

We all know fake disguises were definitely part of the intel covert actions protocol from time to time.

Elaborate ones included.

It's not illogical to keep this reality in mind when considering the possibility of disguises being used in important covert events.

 

 

[W. Niederhut]

Keyvan,

      If Prouty had been involved with Allen Dulles's "Secret Team" member, USAF General Ed Lansdale, in the JFK assassination plot, why would he have outed Lansdale in the Dealey Plaza photos?  Why would he have outed an alleged accomplice?

     On the contrary, based on his observations in The Secret Team, Prouty was never a CIA insider-- a member of the Secret Team.  He was always a USAF special ops liaison to the CIA, and had never signed a CIA Non-Disclosure Agreement.

[Jonathan Cohen]

1 hour ago, Joe Bauer said:

It's not illogical to keep this reality in mind when considering the possibility of disguises being used in important covert events.

What's illogical is rejecting the arrest reports of the actual three tramps, which show them to be nothing more than... tramps. This was thoroughly confirmed in 1992 reporting by Mary and Ray La Fontaine.

[Keyvan Shahrdar]

54 minutes ago, W. Niederhut said:

Keyvan,

      If Prouty had been involved with Allen Dulles's "Secret Team" member, USAF General Ed Lansdale, in the JFK assassination plot, why would he have outed Lansdale in the Dealey Plaza photos?  Why would he have outed an alleged accomplice?

     On the contrary, based on his observations in The Secret Team, Prouty was never a CIA insider-- a member of the Secret Team.  He was always a USAF special ops liaison to the CIA, and had never signed a CIA Non-Disclosure Agreement.

In the early 1960s, L. Fletcher Prouty was assigned to the Office of the Secretary of Defense to work on military support for the clandestine operations of the CIA. He was later promoted to Colonel and continued his work in the Office of Special Operations.

When the Defense Intelligence Agency was created by Secretary McNamara and the Office of Special Operations was abolished, Prouty was transferred to the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. There, he established a similar worldwide office and served as the Chief of Special Operations with the Joint Staff during 1962-1963.

In 1963, Prouty was ordered to travel as the Military Escort officer for a group of VIPs to the South Pole, where he was during the JFK assassination. 

In an interview, Fletcher Prouty did indeed claim that Ed Lansdale told him to go to the South Pole during the time of the JFK assassination. "In an chance encounter with Edward Lansdale in the hallways of the Pentagon, a "month or two before" the assassination (as Prouty tells it), Lansdale informed Prouty he had arranged for him [Prouty] to accompany a group of VIPs to the South Pole from November 10 to 23, in the capacity of Military Escort officer."

IMO - Fletcher is trying to rewrite his own history.  He had the access to classified information and he knew the suspected people.  When I read from his own admission that Lansdale arranged for him to go to the South Pole my understanding is: Lansdale , I want to be as far away as possible when JFK is killed.  I gave you the information you needed, I am out.

[Keyvan Shahrdar]

19 minutes ago, Jonathan Cohen said:

What's illogical is rejecting the arrest reports of the actual three tramps, which show them to be nothing more than... tramps. This was thoroughly confirmed in 1992 reporting by Mary and Ray La Fontaine.

Three vagrants were observed fleeing the Grassy Knoll by Lee Bowers, who was stationed in the control tower of the rail yard. Bowers contacted the police to inform them about the individuals. This information was documented in an FBI report, which can be found at the following link: https://web.archive.org/web/20190923223857/http://jfkassassinationfiles.com/fbi_124-10179-10310

Furthermore, Gus W. Abrams, Harold Doyle, and John F. Gedney all have military backgrounds, having served as veterans.

Edited May 13, 2023 by Keyvan Shahrdar

[Tom Gram]

13 minutes ago, Jonathan Cohen said:

What's illogical is rejecting the arrest reports of the actual three tramps, which show them to be nothing more than... tramps. This was thoroughly confirmed in 1992 reporting by Mary and Ray La Fontaine.

I agree that the tramp lead is dead, but to be fair, the 1992 reporting and FBI interviews didn’t really prove anything. If our alternatives here are legitimate hobos and full-blown covert operatives, what happened is exactly what we’d expect to see in either scenario - unless you think that an intel agency or other expert in creating long-term backstopped cover identities wouldn’t be able to fool the general public and a couple street cops. 

[Jonathan Cohen]

1 minute ago, Tom Gram said:

I agree that the tramp lead is dead, but to be fair, the 1992 reporting and FBI interviews didn’t really prove anything. If our alternatives here are legitimate hobos and full-blown covert operatives, what happened is exactly what we’d expect to see in either scenario - unless you think that an intel agency or other expert in creating long-term backstopped cover identities wouldn’t be able to fool the general public and a couple street cops. 

Tom, what do you mean, they didn't really prove anything? Were the arrest records faked, in that case?

[Jonathan Cohen]

7 minutes ago, Keyvan Shahrdar said:

Furthermore, Gus W. Abrams, Harold Doyle, and John F. Gedney all have military backgrounds, having served as veterans.

So? Millions upon millions of people born between 1900 and the mid 1940s served in the military. Does that make them suspects in the assassination?

[Keyvan Shahrdar]

1 minute ago, Jonathan Cohen said:

So? Millions upon millions of people born between 1900 and the mid 1940s served in the military. Does that make them suspects in the assassination?

In response to your question, while it is true that millions of people served in the military during that time period, the fact that Gus W. Abrams, Harold Doyle, and John F. Gedney had military backgrounds could potentially make them persons of interest in the investigation.

More significantly, their presence in the vicinity of the assassination and the fact that they were observed fleeing the Grassy Knoll by Lee Bowers, who was stationed in the control tower of the rail yard and subsequently reported this to the police, adds to the possibility of them being considered suspects. Their actions were suspicious enough to warrant an FBI report, as mentioned in the provided link: https://web.archive.org/web/20190923223857/http://jfkassassinationfiles.com/fbi_124-10179-10310

[W. Niederhut]

44 minutes ago, Keyvan Shahrdar said:

In the early 1960s, L. Fletcher Prouty was assigned to the Office of the Secretary of Defense to work on military support for the clandestine operations of the CIA. He was later promoted to Colonel and continued his work in the Office of Special Operations.

When the Defense Intelligence Agency was created by Secretary McNamara and the Office of Special Operations was abolished, Prouty was transferred to the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. There, he established a similar worldwide office and served as the Chief of Special Operations with the Joint Staff during 1962-1963.

In 1963, Prouty was ordered to travel as the Military Escort officer for a group of VIPs to the South Pole, where he was during the JFK assassination. 

In an interview, Fletcher Prouty did indeed claim that Ed Lansdale told him to go to the South Pole during the time of the JFK assassination. "In an chance encounter with Edward Lansdale in the hallways of the Pentagon, a "month or two before" the assassination (as Prouty tells it), Lansdale informed Prouty he had arranged for him [Prouty] to accompany a group of VIPs to the South Pole from November 10 to 23, in the capacity of Military Escort officer."

IMO - Fletcher is trying to rewrite his own history.  He had the access to classified information and he knew the suspected people.  When I read from his own admission that Lansdale arranged for him to go to the South Pole my understanding is: Lansdale , I want to be as far away as possible when JFK is killed.  I gave you the information you needed, I am out.

Keyvan,

     I'm aware of Prouty's history as a USAF and Joint Chiefs liaison to the CIA for Special Ops, but, again, if he had been involved in the plot (with Lansdale, et.al.) to assassinate JFK, why would he have outed Lansdale in the Dealey Plaza photos?

     And why would Prouty have consulted with Jim Garrison (and Oliver Stone) about his suspicion that JFK was murdered by Deep State actors who opposed his Vietnam and Cuba policies?

[Tom Gram]

28 minutes ago, Jonathan Cohen said:

Tom, what do you mean, they didn't really prove anything? Were the arrest records faked, in that case?

No, I’m saying that if they were covert operatives posing as hobos they would have a backstopped cover story that would hold up to scrutiny by the DPD, the FBI, and anyone else. 

There’s no evidence that actually happened, and it’s a waste of time to really dwell on without additional information, but technically we can’t completely rule it out. 

[Jeff Carter]

Prouty on Lansdale and Dealy Plaza - in his own words:

 

[Keyvan Shahrdar]

3 minutes ago, W. Niederhut said:

Keyvan,

     I'm aware of Prouty's history as a USAF and Joint Chiefs liaison to the CIA for Special Ops, but, again, if he had been involved in the plot (with Lansdale, et.al.) to assassinate JFK, why would he have outed Lansdale in the Dealey Plaza photos?

     And why would Prouty have consulted with Jim Garrison (and Oliver Stone) about his suspicion that JFK was murdered by Deep State actors who opposed his Vietnam and Cuba policies?

I understand your point about Prouty's history and his potential involvement in the assassination plot. It is indeed puzzling why he would expose Lansdale in the Dealey Plaza photos if he was part of the same plot. One possible explanation, as you mentioned, could be financial gain from the release of his book, 'The CIA, Vietnam, and the Plot to Assassinate John F. Kennedy.'

As for why Prouty consulted with Jim Garrison and Oliver Stone about his suspicions regarding JFK's assassination by Deep State actors opposing his Vietnam and Cuba policies, it's possible that Prouty had a change of heart or a falling out with the conspirators, leading him to share his insider knowledge. Alternatively, it could be an attempt to further promote his book and theories by aligning himself with prominent figures investigating the JFK assassination.

In any case, it's important to keep an open mind and consider multiple perspectives and possibilities when examining complex historical events like the JFK assassination. Without concrete evidence, we can only speculate on the motives behind certain actions.