AIR AMERICA- HE CIA'S SECRET AIR FORCE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP75-00001R000400010029-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: November 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 26, 2000
• Sequence Number: 29
• Publication Date: March 1, 1966
• Content Type: NSPR

?t ij,
UU1,
, YRGHT
CPYRGHT
by ED HYDE LAK from the ground burst around twin-P
crine B-26. Blonde ^?;';:'a
husky, six feet one inch Alle Lawrence Pope gripped the throttles and gunned the engines, trying ti
from the straining props..Shrapnel slammed into the obsolete
'aircraft. Pope swore. The gunners on the ground were getting
the range.
"' ? An explosion under his right wing rocked the aircraft and
tipped it dangerously to the left. Pope jockeyed the yoke and
gently pressured the rudder pedals. But it was too late. His right
wing tip was a mass of flame and black smoke trailed behind. He . ,~..<
had to bail out and fast. He reached for the hatch overhead. AI- ;4 .
ready, the B-26 was reacting sluggishly. He pulled himself
through the cockpit hatch, locked his hands on his chest and
plunged Into nothingness. Below was Indonesia.
d the ripcord on his chest and moments -later the
4 1 BQ6d"wlJa~vs him. Tracers from the
IOA
L ~
c
I
ground sizzled In his direction. Pope grasped the risers and began
1wipgipg Iikp.. & Vendu um In'n effort :polls aim of tl
bta ,;.,