FRANK R. OLSON

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 02330049
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 42
• Document Creation Date: March 8, 2023
• Document Release Date: April 30, 2019
• Case Number: F-2016-00760
• Publication Date: December 9, 1953

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EMPLOYEE'S NOTICE OF INJURY OR OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE
Federal Employees' Compensation Act
This notice should be submitted to the immediate superior by an injured civil employee of the Federal Government,
or by someone on his behalf, within 48 hours after the injury. Notice may be given either personally or by mail. It should
be retained by the official superior unless the injury causes disability for work beyond the day or shift when injury occurred,
or results in any charge against the Bureau for medical expense, when it should be forwarded to the U. S. DEPARTMENT
OF LABOR, Bureau of Employees' Compensation, together with the official superior's report of injury, Form C. A. 2. Before
compensation is paid, written claim on Form C. A. 4 must be submitted to the Bureau.
Date of this notice 27 November
1. I hereby certify that I am employed as a $pservi,9or7 Biochem jzt
at the . $0 Ch1C;Bio1ozioa1 labor_a_tor ie
(Place of e plFnenA
,
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and on ) lay---- -2q=iiovemb � , 19 53 , at -_.--A.)----v-c-1 m,
(Day of week) '(Date) (Hour, a. m. or p. m.) 1 ,
I was injured in the performance of my duties at
(Occupation)
, 19 53
2. Cause of injury
(Location where injury occurrehr
ClassiV_d Jries$
(D cribe as best you can how and why injury occurred)
3. Nature of injury
."01aasifie d_
(Name part of body affect d�fractured left leg, bruised right thumb, etc.)
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4. Names of witnesses to injury
5. If this notice was not given within 48 hours after..,,t4e injury, explain reason
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of person to WhOM notice Was first given, ana when -(--A4Sr ("3-\,L _ �
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This injury was not caused by my willful misconduct, intention to bring about the injury or death of
myself or of another, nor by my intoxication, and I hereby make claim for compensation and medical
treatment to which I may be entitled by reason of the injury sustained by me.
C. A. 1
Revised October 23, 1952
U. S. GOVERNMENT PR!NTING OFFICE 1O-4580S-5
Name _ k esP
Fr ank Ols o
Address Frederick, Maryland
(Street and number)
(City or town)
(State)
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9 Decelliber 1953
MEMORANDUn FOR: Record
SUBJECT FrIlnk R. Olson
I have compiled and revieued all the information available to
the Agency relatirc to the death of Dr. Frank R. Olson. It is my
conclusion that the death of Dr. Olson is the result of circumstances
arisiig out of an experiment undertaken in the course of his official
duties for the U. S. Government and that there is, therefore, a direct
causal connection betveen that experiment and his death. I have been
authorized by the DeTuty Director of Central Intelligence to state
that this is the official position of the Central Int.elligeace Agency.
LAWRENCE R. ZOUSTON
General Counsel
OGC/LRII:inamitkl
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OBSERVATIONS ON DR. FRANK OLSON - 1951 - 1953
I have been personally acquainted with Dr. Frank Olson approximately
since September of 1951.. The nature of my personal contacts with him
have been at the level of collaborators in research activities of mutual
interest to his group and Mine. This Period has been characterized,
among other things, by three periodic meetings in secluded areas where
the group involved in the meetings lived together for two or three day
periods. At these meetings the writer had an opportunity to personally
observe Dr. Olson in infolmal surroundings and during periods of time
when he was not engaged in official scientific activities. The other
contacts, which averaged about one every two or three months involved
official visits either by me to his research facility or vice versa. I
would estimate that the total number of contacts which I had with him
during the period September 1, 1951 up to November 19, 1953 totaled
thirteen or fourteen. Although the principal topic of conversation at
these contacts was official scientific business, a fairly close personal
relationship hnll also developed, and a minor part of the various conver-
sations I had with him concerned personal matters, unrelated to our
scientific or official relationship.
During this period Dr. Olson seemed to me to be a very effective
research sdientist, in excellent command of his field of experimentation
and very devoted to the successful execution of his duties. He seemed
to me a stable individual, not particularly given to making snap
judgments and able to get along very well among his colleagues. It
was made known to me on several occasions, through incidental remarks
made either by himself or his colleagues, that he had been suffering
from recurring trouble with a duodenal ulcer. I had no occasion to
observe any instance when this interfered with his work.
Dr. Olson appeared to me to be very impressed by the importance
of the security aspects of his job. Working in an installation where
extreme security measures were in effect for the entire installation,
Dr. Olson conscientiously accepted the added security burdens that
his group's collaboration with my group entailed. He was not at
liberty to discuss these areas of research with any individuals except
perhaps six to eight of his immediate .associates. Occasionally,
areas of effort were developed in which he was at liberty to discuss
certain information With only one other person at his research facility.
He seemed to me to bear these various security burdens well.
During this period (from September 1951 to November 19, 1953)
I had no occasion to observe aberrent or unrational behavior in any
of my contacts with Dr, Olson.
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The November 18 - 20 meeting between Dr. Olson's group and my
awn, at which 7 members of his group were present and three of mine,
was concerned with routine matters of evaluating results of the past
six months research and planning the next six month's work. Up to the
tiMe of the experiment, I observed nothing in Dr. Olson's behavior
or actions which was different from that described above.
On November 20, the day after the experiment, I had occasion to
- observe Dr. Olson for about two hours in the morning, between 7 A.M.
and 9 A.M. Aside from some evidence of fatigue, I observed nothing
unusual in his actions, conversation, or general behavior.
my next contact with Dr. Olson was on Tuesday November 24, just
prior to his departure for New York with Dr. Lashbrook and Col. Ruwet.
The meeting with Dr. Olson took place in my office between approximately
1:30 and 2�00 P.M. and lasted about ten minutes. I talked briefly with
Dr. Olson about various scientific and personal matters. He seemed to
me to be confused in certain areas of his thinking, particularly as
regarded his feelings of incompetence in relation to his job and to
the futility of trying to help him.
My last contact with Dr. Olson took place on Thursday, November 26
-in Dr. Lashbrook's apartment, just prior to their return. to New York
to see Dr. Abramson, I was with Dr. Olson and Dr. Lashbrook approximately
1 hour, spending the last 30 minutes driving Dr. Olson and Dr.
Lashbrook to the airport. During this period Dr. Olson seemed, more
disturbed and agitated than he had been the previous Tuesday. � He
talked in a clear enough manner, but his thoughts were confused. He
again talked about his incompetence in his work, the hopelessness
of anybody helping him, and the fact that the best thing to do was
to abandon him and not bother about him. It seemed to me that he was
very mentally disturbed at this time
7 December 1953
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TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
SUBJECT: Observations on Dr. Frank Olson
I first met Dr. Frank Olson the early part of 1952. Since that
time I have seen him on an average of about once each month to six weeks,
in connection with my official business. These contacts involved
discussions of technical problems in fields of mutual interest, results
of past scientific work, and planning of future activities. In general,
other members of his Division were also present.
In addition, both he and I attended three 2-day conferences which
were held in isolated locations to discuss the progress of his Division
for the past six months, our requirements, and Plans for the next six
months. The conferences were attended by members of his Division and
of my Division and involved living together in close proximity for the
duration of the conference.
During the time I knew Dr. Olson, he has been Acting Chief of his
Division, and Branch Chief. At all times he has held positions of
responsibility and his importance to his Division appeared to remain
at a conSistantly high level. Prior to the experiment, Dr. Olson was
a competent scientist with an excellent command of his field. His
judgement was sound and characteristically backed up by rational and.
carefully-considered reasons. In my observation he Performed his duties
in a superior manner. It was evident that Dr. Olson was highly regarded
by his colleagues, both as a scientist and as a friend. He was friendly
and got along well with his colleagues. From what Dr. Olson has said
(and the manner in which he spoke) and from what. his colleagues have
said, it appeared his home life was happy. In my experience, he drank
only to be sociable, and then definitely in moderation.
His work was extremely exacting and definitely hazardous in a
technical sense. He operated under very severe security restrictions,
under which it was necessary to conceal the true nature .of his
activities even from the other Divisions at his base. He was permitted
to discuss much of his work only with a very limited number of
specifically designated individuals.
The experiment was on Thursday, November 19th. On Tuesday,
November 24th, Dr. Olson's Division Chief telephoned me and said that,
in the opinion of him, Dr. Olson, and Mrs. Olsen, Dr. Olson needed
psychiatric attention. I suggested that he and Dr. Olson come to
Washington immediately. I conferred with the Chief of my Division,
and it was decided that a certain New York physician specializing in
such patters should be consulted. I telephoned Dr. Olson's Division
Chief and suggested they prepare for a trip to New York. The Chief
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placed both himself and Dr. Olson on orders and met Me and the Chief
of my Division in Washington. After a short discussion, Dr. Olson,
the Chief of his Division, and I boarded a plane for New York and
arrived at the New York physician's office about 1645. After a short
conference with the doctor, Dr. Olson was left with him until about
1800.
From the time I saw Dr. Olson in Washington until I left him at
the physicians office in New York, be seemed rather depressed, somewhat
confused, and convinced he would never return to his home and job.
These were quite different from the attitudes I had observed prior to
the experiment.
At about 1800 Dr. Olson, his Division Chief, and I checked into
the Statler Hotel, had dinner, returned to oux. room and watched tele-
vision. From about 2200 to 2300 the New York physician visited the
three of us in our hotel room. During the peciod covered by this
paragraph, Dr. Olson indicated in my presence that he felt he had
failed in his job, he was a disgrace to his colleagues, friends, and
family, and that his memory and mental abilitvr had failed. However,
in the course of normal conversation, it was eauite apparent that both
his memory and ability to discuss scientific topics were excellent.
Dr. Olson also indicated he was sleeping pooriLy, and said we shouldn't
bother with him, we should let him just "disaappear".
The following day (Wednesday) Dr. Olson- magain had a private
session with the New York doctor (about 1600,tto 1700). At the.
conclusion of this, the physician talked to te three of us, indicating
Dr. Olson could go home for Thanksgiving (Thu2nAay) if he desired, or
he could accept his (the physician's)invitatimin to spend Thanksgiving
and the week-end with the physician's family a& his home at Cold Spring
Harbor, Dr. Olson preferred to go home, and mon appointment was made
for Dr. Olson to see the physician the. follaw:eng Tuesday. Dr. Olson,
his Division Chief, and I returned to the hotell, had dinner, then went
to a- play. At the intermission Dr. Olson became rather agitated, and
said he wanted to leave. He and his DivisionCehief returned to the
hotel.
The following morning (Thursday) when Dr�001son's Division Chief
and I awakened (about 0530), Dr. Olson was gone. We found him in the
hotel lobby. He said he had left the hotel abooUt 0400 for a walk,
and indicated several things that had transpiredd. He felt his Division
Chief had been talking to him. He said he had ttorn up his money, thrown
it and several uncashed checks away (because hee wouldn't need them
anymore), and had thrown his wallet away, down ,c-,a chute someplace.
He said he felt his Division Chief was telling him to do these things.
We then returned to Washington. However, we prTobably would not have
returned had it not been that Dr. Olson never se-lp-emed to really believe
that we would return home, and we had made it aa point of honor that we
would return if he wanted to (this was done afttzer we had obtained the
physicians' approval). We were met at the Washilington Airport by a
member of Dr. Olson's Division, and Dr. Olson antnd his Division Chief
set off for their home town
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Shortly afterwards I received a call from the Division Chief,
now on the outskirts of Washington. He said Dr. Olson had changed his.
mind, was Quite agitated, and that he (the Division Chief) now felt
Dr. Olson should be hospitalized and definitely should not return home.
I told him to come to my apartment at once, meanwhile I contacted my
Division Chief, who also set out for my apartment. When he arrived at
my apartment, Dr. Olson appeared depressed and restless. He repeated
his firm decision that he could not face going home. Dr. Olson's
Division Chief then returned to his home town to explain to Mrs. Olson,
and my Division Chief drove Dr. Olson and me to the airport, where
Dr. Olson and I boarded a plane for New York- We met the New York
physician at his Huntington, Long Island office about 1600, and Dr.
Olson was alone with him about one hour, followed by about 20 minutes
with Dr. Olson and me. The physician obtained local lodgings for us,
and Dr. Olson- and I then went to a restaurant for a Thanksgiving dinner,
after which we went to bed. During the period covered by this
paragraph, Dr. Olson told me he felt he had cheated the Government in
connection with his retirement from the Army, and that he should be
punished for this. (I am not familiar with the details of what he
was referring to, but both Dr. Olson's Division Chief and the New York
physician had indicated to me that they could see nothing dishonest or
morally questionable in connection with his retirement.) Dr. Olson said
everyone, including me, was in a plot to "get" him; he said I and the
others knew the master plan for the plot, and he wanted to know what it
was. He said he had failed in his job, that he was so disgraced he
could not face returning to his family. He said he felt he was
guilty of security violations because he felt he on occasions had
exceeded his interpretation of the need-to-know principle. Except
in certain Well defined areas he spoke intelligently and rationally,
and he acted in a. socially acceptable-manner.
The following morning (Friday) we drove With the physician to his
New York office. There we had a conference during which the physician
told Dr. Olson that hospitalization would be in his best interests.
After a while Dr. Olson agreed. Dr. Olson preferred some place near
his home and friends, so after discussion and a telephone conferende
with my Division Chief, a private hospital near Washington was selected.
The physician made arrangements with the hospital, but they had to �
prepare his room and could not take Dr. Olson until the following day
(Saturday). Dr. Olson agreed he would be a voluntary patient (it was
agreed he would not be formally committed).
We could obtain. no reservations for a return to Washington that
day, so we made reservations for Saturday morning and checked into the
.Statler Hotel. At. this time and for the remainder of the evening,
Dr. Olson appeared no longer particularly depressed, and almost the
Dr. Olson I knew prior to the experiment, although he still maintained
the various misconceptions I have mentioned before.. He washed out
his dirty clothing, and when I called his Division Chief to clear our
� proposed course of action with him, Dr. Olson talked to him in a
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cheerful manner and happily anticipated meeting him at the Washington
Airport upon our arrival there. On his awn volition he telephoned
his wife (this was the first time he felt he dared speak to her).
At about 1830 we went to the hotel's main cocktail lounge and each had
two martinis. At 2000 we entered the main dining room and had dinner,
leaving for our room at 2200. At both the cocktail lounge and the
dining room he was cheerful and appeared to enjoy the entertainment.
He spoke freely of the hospitalization the following day, and indicated
he wanted books from home to study, and other things he wanted to do
while hospitalized., (The physician had assured him he could do this and
had said he would help outline some activities of mutual scientific
interest Dr. Olson could work on.)
After returning to our room, we watched television for a while,
. then Dr. Olson suggested bed, saying he felt more _relaxed and contented
than he had since we came to New York. He asked the hotel telephone
operator to call-us at.a specified time in the morning (so we could
make our plane).. I would guess it was a little after 2300 when we
retired.
Somewhere around 0230 Saturday morning I was awakened by a loud
noise. Dr. Olson had crashed through the closed window blind and the
closed window and he fell to his death from the window of our room
on the tenth floor of the Statler Hotel. Later in the day I officially
identified the body for the New York authorities.
ROPERT V- LASHBROOK
7 December 1953
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Security Inforrnat;ot:';
4 December 1953
Memorandum for: General Counsel
Subject: Observations on Mr. Frank Olson from 24 November
through 27 November 1953
1. I understand that in connection with the submission of
a claim to the Bureau of Employees Compensation, you wish a report on
the events prior to the death of Mr. Olson from me. The following is
submitted for your records.
2. I saw Mr. Olson in the company of Dr. Lashbrook and
Colonel Ruwet in my office in New York City, 133 East 58th Street? I
understood that he had been agitated for some tine and that he had been
making statements which appeared to be confused. I was asked to make
further observations so that proper treatment for Mr. Olson could be
:instituted for Mr. Olson if any treatment was cconsidered necessary.
3. On Tuesday, 24 November 1953, conversations were begun
which centered mainly on our earlier meetings during the war in 1944
and 1945. Many older interests were recalled. 'We discussed construc-
tion of gas masks, filtration problems, our attitudes towards mutual
friends, and many things which were most pertinent at that time. Our
conversation at this point was on a social level In which the patient
had, contrary to his later attitudes, an excellent feeling and memory
for people, events and realistic aspects of these people and events.
He did show that he was under strain by his manrterisms but at no time
during his primary conversation did he appear tarbe definitely out of
touch with reality. Dr. Lashbrook and Colonel Tftwet left the office
and I spent about one hour alone with Mr. Olson. As soon as these
gentlemen left, he showed greater anxiety about, is sense of inadequacy
with particular reference to the scientific pertlormance of his duties.
He was obsessed with the idea that his memory waits poor, that his work
was inadequate, and that he was failing to live: lelp to expectations of
his family and friends. He mentioned that he was dishonest because he
had been retired from the Army for an ulcer and howed a certain amount
of unrealistic but nevertheless anticipated guildt feelings about taking
retirement nay. I attempted to confirm what I Bme:d heard that an experi-
menta had been performed especially to trap him he preceding week but
Secur;fy ltrfOrMairaif
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Security I aforrr,orY
he emphasized that his present problem did not lay in that area and that
his problem was his own ability to live up to his own concept of what his
performance of his duties should be and his inability to attain the per-
fections necessitated by the needs of his work. He, himself, pointed out
that when he was asked to take over more responsibility and head up a di-
vision he refused and went into a state of panic feeling that he could
hardly, with his own growing feelings of inadequacy in his work, take over
more responsibility.
That evening, in order to keep in contact with him and to
accumulate more data, I went to the hotel and spent from 10:30 to 11:30
with Mr. Olson, Dr. Lashbrook and Colonel Ruwet. Again, Mr. Olson ap-
peared to maintain an excellent relationship with all of us. Although
apprehensive he apparently was much calmer and after a strictly social
discussion said as I left, "You know, I feel a lot better. This is what
I have been needing."
5. The next day Mr. Olson spent an hour with me in which he
again appeared agitated. There was repeated discussion of his concern
with the quality of his work, his guilt on being retired from the Army
for an ulcer, and his release of classified information. He said that
he had had these feelings for a very long time and that they had not
started the week before when he participated in an experiment and that,
indeed, in March of 1953 his wife thought that he was so depressed and
agitated that she thought that he should see a doctor. He said that
he had been sleeping poorly since March of 1953 and amplified his diffi-
culties with regard to poor memory and poor work. However, I could not
harmonize what he said about his job performance with the attitude of his
superiors since he had been offered a division. nor did this check with
repeated questioning of past events. I again attempted to get further
information in regard to his feelings of persecution but at no time did
he speak of anyone but with the highest regard for both friends and
family. He stated explicitly that he wished to go back home and that
arrangements had been made. I saw no way in which this could be pre-
vented but plans were made for his return and further discussion.
6. I understand that on his way home he became agitated, very
confused, and insisted on coming back to see me. He arrived in my Hunt-
ington office about four o'clock and this time the pent-up feelings which
he had successfully hidden burst out in the greatest detail. The patient
explicitly stated that he had long felt that his inability to sleep was
connected with his belief that the CIA group had been putting something
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hforniatloi
like benzedrine in his coffee at night to keep him awake; that he had
heard voices the night before telling him to throw away his wallet. His
history now crystallized into a definite form if we accept what he said
that he had been delusional at least for weeks, probably months) but that
he had been able to operate fairly well except in certain crises such as
being offered more responsibility in taking over the division.
7. The diagnosis was quite clear of a psychotic state
which seemed to have been crystallized by an experiment in which Mr.
Olson participated the Preceding week, apparently on a Thursday. He
felt that his feelings during the experiment were like those of being over--
whelmed by a mountain very much the same as he felt when he had to take
over .a new responsibility. Since the experiment he felt that he was not
able to deal with his work as well as he had before and although he per-
sonally considered the experiment to be unrelated to his basic problem
he has nevertheless felt worse since, and that the experiment might have
intensified many of his problems.
8. With this information I recommended hospitalization at
once and on Friday morning, November 27, Mr. Olson) Dr. Lashbrook, and
I discussed in some detail the choice of hospital. Mt. Olson thought
that he would like to be near home and for this reason a mental institu-
tion near Washington was chosen and a room was reserved. The hospital
could not take Mr. Olson that day and arrangements were made for hospitali-
zation the next morning.
CONCLUSION
Mr. Olson was in a psychotic state when hospitalization was
decided upon with delusions of persecution. There are two aspects in
regard to the relationship to the work in which he was engaged. It is
well known that it is an occupational hazard to mental stability to be
doing the type of work connected with his duties. Guilt feelings are
well known to occur to a greater or less extent. Superimposed on these
guilt feelings which are certainly an occupational hazard is his parti-
cipation in an experiment wherein he felt that many of his feelings be-
came overwhelming. It is well known that many drugs Produce this effect.
For example, I have had a patient of mine recently attempt suicide after
taking one capsule of Nembutal. A capsule of Nembutal contains one and
one-half grains. This is a therapeutic dose which is taken by thousands
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of people daily yet this patient's personality structure was so oriented
that one dose of this material taken by thousands of people daily was
sufficient to have her reach for the box which she did. Fortunately,
her husband was present and caused her to vomit up the capsules. It is
certainly conceivable and certainly cannot be excluded that Mr. Olson's
participation in an experiment in which a drug was administered could
in just the same way precipitate a crisis which would upset the mental
processes so that disorientation and the lack of mental functioning might
be produced with the results readily observed. In this connection it has
been my experience that certain individuals who, in an experimental situa-
tion may be given no drug whatsoever, yet show great symptoms of anxiety
and confusion.
Harold A. Abramson, M. D.
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Manhattan Field Office
4 December 1953
MEMORANDUM TO: Chief, Investigative Division
SUBJECT : OLSON, Frank
No. 73317 - S.I. �
1. Reference is made to our telephoRic conversations on
2 and 3 December 1953 concerning Dr. HAROLD A. ABRAMSON.
2. Reference is also made to FIFO/RUC Report dated 1 June
1953, Case No. 7/4150. It will be noted that 'Viiss report indicates
that Dr. ABRAMSON was interviewed by Agent of this office on
22 May 1953. A certificate in Dr. ABRAMSON's office indicated that
he was an allergist. The report further indkuiltis3d. that Dr. ABRAMSON
was engaged in psychiatric research testing UR; efficacy of a new
drug under a grant by some foundation in Was hirgton D. C. This re-
port further indicates that Dr. MARGARET W. FEMUSON, a psychiatrist,
had been hired by Dr. ABRAi-�;SON for work on thm research product.
Dr. FERGUSON advised Agent ILIFY that Dr. ABRA1SON is an allergist
who is in charge of a series of psychiatric e:geriments.
3. Reference is made to our 00C report in Subject Case
dated 3 December 1953. On pages 7 and 8 of thfis report there appears
extensive information concerning Dr. ABRAMSON"ts professional qualifi-
cations. This information indicates that Dr. AaRAMSON limits his
practice to allergy and immunology. It is to tla)noted that Dr. ABRAMSON
is a member of the American Psychosomatic SoC.i)#r and a member of the
Editorial Board of "Psychosomatic Medicine." The above information
was taken from "Who's Important in Medicine," '!'..ond Edition, 1952.
Two reputable physicians consulted by the undenigned advised that
this is an unofficial publication and that in:fool-nation contained there-
in is supplied by the doctor listed in much thT.,:, same manner as "Who's
Who." To this extent, it may therefore be comfdered as in the nature
of a self-serving declaration. In this connedtibn� it was pointed out
by the two physicians consulted by the undersigred that if the doctor
in question had formal or substantial psychiatrifc . training, he would
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Case No. 73317
hive listed it. There is no indication that Dr. ABRAMSON has ever
held himself out as a psychiatrist.
4. on 3 December 1953, ALBERT A. BUCHHOLZ, New York State
Education Department, Division of Professional Laws Enforcement,
advised that any licensed physician may practice psychiatry without
additional licensing. He stated, however, that it is usual for
physicians who practice psychiatry to have some extra formal training
in the field and to be certified by some organization such as the
American Psychiatric Association or the American Board of Medical
Specialists. �
5. On 3 December 1953, two reputable physicians consulted
by the undersigned advised that psychosomatic medicine relates to
that medical theory which holds that some illnesses may be of psycho-
genic origin. They indicated that psychosomatic medicine is not a
medical specialty in itself such as cardiology, immunology and
allergy, etc. They indicated that to some extent the psychosomatic
approach is used by all physicians in the treatment of their patients.
6. On 3.December 1953, a telephone can under suitable
pretext was made to the American Psychosomatic Society, ELdorado 5-2799,
551 Madison Avenue, New York, N. Y. A woman who did not identify
herself advised that formal psychiatric training was not a pre-
requisite for membership in the American Psychosomatic Society. She
indicated that the membership represented all branches of medicine
with a good proportion of psychiatrists and internists.
(b)(6)
i
FRANCIS R. FAVORINI
Special Agent in Charge
F 11
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REPORT OF INVESTIGATION
(CATEGORY OF REPORT)
MANHATTAN
(FIELD OFFICE)
CASE NO.
73317 F. 0.
DATE
3 December 1953
PERIOD OF INVESTIGATION
28 November, 2 December 1953
OFFICE OF ORIGIN
MANHATTAN FIELD OFFICE
REPORT MADE BY
FAVORINI, Francis R.
*a ^,,,I ,,,s.� }1-7
CHARACTER OF CASE
SPECIAL INQUIRY
..
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APPROVED:
,-
(b)(6)
F NCIS R. FAVORINI
(SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE)
FORM NO. 38-109
MAR 1951
"rot
CLASS Ec rs,1r74'4,.9. M
� ... E I 8011-0 547-1
U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
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5 EC 12.17_ IT Y INFOR NI AT I N
Case No. 73317
GEHERAL :
3 December 1953
At New York, New York
On 28 November 1953, at 7:50 a.m., ROBERT V. LASHBROOK was
interviewed in Room 488, Statler Hotel, 33rd Street and Seventh Avenue.
Mr. LASHBROOK advised that the SUBJECT was a biochemist and
Agency employee assigned to a project at Camp Dietrick, Frederick,
Maryland. He stated that a Colonel VINCENT RUWET is Commanding Officer
of the SUBJECT's group. LASHBROOK indicated that he has known the
SUBJECT for about one year. He stated that the SUBJECT had been suffer-
ing from "persecution delusions and guilt feelings." He indicated that
these delusions and guilt feelings were not in areas related ,to the
SUBJECT's work. LASHBROOK stated that the SUBJECT had received a
medical discharge from the military service because of ulcers and was
drawing disability pay. It was the SUBJECT'S feeling that he actually
had no ulcers and that he therefore believed that he was cheating the
government. In this connection, LASHBROOK stated that the SUBJECT
would listen to no reasonable solution to his problem. He stated that
Colonel RMET had become aware of SUBJECT's condition and suggested
that something be done about it. As a result, on 24 November 1953,
Colonel RUWET, LASHBROOK and the SUBJECT came to New York to consult
with Dr. HAROLD A.�ABRAMSON who has offices at 133 East 58th Street,
New York City, and who resides at 47 New Street., Cold Spring Harbor,
Long Island, New York. The three consulted with Dr. ABRAMSON on 24
and 25 November 1953 and on the night of 25 November all three went
to the Hotel Statler with the intention of departing for Washington,
D.C.,. at about 7:30 a.m., 26 November. At about 5:30 a.m., Colonel
RUNET and LASHBROOK arose and were unable to find the SUBJECT.' They
proceeded to the lobby of the hotel and found SUBJECT there. The
SUBJECT told them that he had been "wandering around for a while."
This dritct l propert7 of tho nati
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SEC71TY INFORMATION
Case No. 73317 3 December 1953
He also, told them that he.had torn up what paper money he had and
various papers in his wallet. He also indicated that he then threw
the wallet away. He was unable to indicate where he had discarded
the above articles.. Colonel RUTAET, Mr. LASHBROOK and the SUBJECT
returned to Washington, D.C., on the morning of the 26th. The SUB-
JECT's condition was such that it was considered advisable that they
return to New York immediately for further consultation with Dr.
ABRAMSON. Colonel RUWET remained in Washington and LASHBROOK and the
SUBJECT returned to New York, arriving at La Guardia Airport at about
2:00 p.m. They proceeded by taxi to Dr. ABRAMSON's residence,
17 New Street, Huntington, Long Island, arriving there at about
4:00 p.m. After about a one-hour consultation, LASHBROOK and the
SUBJECT went to the Anchorage Guest House at Cold Spring Harbor where
they remained overnight. At about 8:15 a.m. on 27 November 1953,
Dr. ABRAMSON met LASHBROOK and the SUBJECT at the Anchorage Guest
House and drove them to Dr. ADRAMSON's New York office at 133 East
58th Street. There was a further conference in which all three
participated and it was Dr. ABRAMSONts suggestion that the SUBJECT
go to a hospital for treatment. LASHBROOK stated that SUBJECT
indicated that this was agreeable to him. Dr. ABRAMSON then contact-
ed the Chestnut Lodge at Rockville, Maryland, and made arrangements
for the SUBJECT, accompanied by LASHBROOK, to be there at noon on
28 November 1953. The Chestnut Lodge was decided upon after tele-
phonic discussion between Dr. ABRAMSON and Dr. GOTTLIEB. LASHBROOK
identified Dr. GOTTLIEB as Dr. SID GOTTLIEB, his (LASHBROOK's). super-
visor. After the conference and on the afternoon of 27 November 1953,
LASHBROOK and the. SUBJECT returned to the Hotel Statler and checked
in. They watched television for a while and then went to the hotel
cocktail lounge where each had two martinis. They later had dinner in
the hotel's main dining room. LASHBROOK stated that no other alcoholic
beverages were consumed by either of them. LASHBROOK stated that at
this time, the SUBJECT appeared cheerful and in a considerably better
mood. Shortly before 10:00 p.m., the SUBJECT telephoned his wife.
He stated that the SUBJECT appeared reluctant to discuss his condition
with his wife. LASHBROOK added that the SUBJECT's wife had had
psychiatric care early this year. At about 10:00 p.m., the SUBJECT
and LASHBROOK returned to their room. They had Room #1018 which con-
tained twin beds. LASHBROOK stated that shortly after 10:00 p.m.
he called Colonel RUWET who agreed to meet them at the plane arrival
at Washington at about 9:30. a.m., 28 November 1953. LASHBROOK and
the SUBJECT watched television in their room until about 11:00 p.m.
Veas4 om.4.Tro
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Case No. 73317
3 December 1953
LASHBROOK stated that the SUBJECT remarked that he felt more relaxed
than he had for a long time. Both then went to bed and LASHBROOK
fell asleep. LASHBROOK stated that recalling ltat the SUBJECT had
"disappeared" the day before, he, LASHBROOKI teek the bed nearest
the door. LASHBROOK stated that he was unable to fix the time
definitely but that about 2:30 a.m, he heard.aloud crash of glass.
He said that the SUBJECT had jumped through thewindow shade and the
glass and-landed on the sidewalk of Seventh Avsvael across the street
from Pennsylvania Station. He repeated that'his;estimate of the time
was not accurate and that "that time may be wayoff." He stated that
he immediately, and before reporting to anyone else, telephonically
contacted his superior, Dr. GOTTLIEB, at his he, telephone VIENNA
(Virginia) 154, and teld him what had happenedL He then reported the
incident to the hotel telephone operator. LASAROOK said that immediate-
ly afterward he called Jr. ABRAMSON who "wantelkto be kept out of the
thing completely." Shortly afterward, some ungOrmed police officers
and hotel employees came to his room. LASHBROWstated that he did
not obtain their names. He told the police attiat time that he did
not know why the SUBJECT had jumped and indicated to them that he
knew the SUBJECT suffered from ulcers. The iirObrmed police made a
search of the room and found no papers belongitg to the SUBJECT, with
one exception. LASHBROOK said that this was a3ktter to the SUBJECT
from the Veterans Administration concerning almtpsed insurance policy.
This was in LASHBROOK's suitcase. He explainetthat on Thursday night,
the 26th, the SUBJECT had thrown the letter idtoa waste paper basket
and LASHBROOK had retrieved it. Wane the poithe were in the room,
Dr. ABRAMSON called back and indicated that hehad changed his mind
about wanting to be "left out completely," andlieuld assist. LASHBROOK
stated that no one .exhibited any curiosity abodtthis call. He stated -
that he observed that during the first call tort. ABRAMSON the
doctor's voice was loud and clear. During thesecond call, he could
not hear the doctor very well and speculated onthe possibility Of a
tapped wire. Following a search of the room bythe police, LASHBROOK
was requested to go to the police station hou5eat 138 West 30th Street
to identify the body. At the station house, hewas interviewed by
Detectives WARD and MULLEE of the lhth DetectiveSquad. The detective
asked him to turn out his pockets. LASHBROOKdated that among his
papers there were airline tickets for the tripsthat-he and the SUB-
JECT had taken within the past few days and amceipt on plain white
paper for $115.00 dated 25 November 1953 and SAped by JOHN MULHOLLAND.
The receipt indicated "Advance for Travel to r6tago." There was also
a post card with Colonel RUWET's address appeaing as follows: "Vince
jiuwet, 1004 Rosemont Avenue, phone Monument 3469." LASHBROOK said
that his papers included some hotel bills andalSo a paper with the
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57-7CU--711TY INFORMAT1011
Case No. 73317 3 December 1953 .
address of the Chestnut Lodge in Rockville, Maryland. This latter
paper was retained by Detectives WARD and MULLW,. Among LASHBROOK1s
papers examined by the detectives, there was one which contained
Dr. ABRANSONts office and home addresses and telephone numbers.
This paper also contained the following:
59 West 12th St.
Apt. 6E
Chelsea 3-7176
81 Bedford St.
Oregon 5-0257
J.M.
600 West 115th St.
lia2-8763
LASHBROOK stated that this informationivas copied by Detectives
WARD and MULLEE and they asked him who G.W., mr.A. and J.M. were. He
indicated that he preferred not to identify thencause of security
reasons and the matter was pressed no further ItrIthe detectives.
LASHBROOK identified G.W. to the reporting agent;zas GEORGE WHITE,
Chief of the Boston Office of the U.S. Bureau ofr Narcotics. He
said that M.H. stood for -MORGAN HALL, an undercover name for GEORGE WHITE.
LASHBROOK identified J.M. as JOHN MULHOLLAND, am agency employee.
Daring the interview by the detectives, LASHBROW stated that he
told them he was employed by the Department of Ebdfense and exhibited
his AGO Card for identification. He said that tine police requested no
details concerning his superior or office locaticon and that he
volunteered none. He gave the detectives his Callifornia home address,
1115 Montrose, South Pasadena, which is where hiss parents reside, and
his Washington, D.C., address, Apt. 109, 1833 New; Hampshire N.W.
LASHBROOK stated that he told the detectives that the SUBJECT was
employed at Camp Dietrick, Frederick, Maryland, tthat Colonel VMICENT
RUWET was the person there to be notified and thadt the SUBJECT came
to New York with the knowledge of Colonel RUWET aand SUBJECT's wife.
LASHBROOK stated that he gave no details of SUBJEXCTIs employment at
Camp Dietrick. He indicated to the police that he, LASHBROOK, was
stationed in Washington, D.C. LASHBROOK stated tthat the detectives
indicated that he had been somewhat uncooperativee when questioned by
the police in his room at the hotel. LASHBROOK ssaid,that he exDlained
to the detectives that because of the nature of SSUBJECTIs illness he
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Case No. 73317
3 December 1953
was reluctant to discuss it before so many people. He indicated to the
detectives that he came to New York with the SUBJECT to see Dr.
ABRAMSON and that the SUBJECT was seeing Dr. ABRAMSON because of mental
illness. LASHBROOK told the detectives that he was to Accompany the
SUBJECT to Chestnut Lodge at Rockville, Maryland. LASHBROOK stated
that the detectives then examined his wallet. ,The :wallet contained
his AGO pass, #495652, and an Army Chemical Center pass, #C750. The
wallet also contained a small slip of paper with about thirty unrelated
letters of the alphabet. LASHBROOK explained to the reporting agent
that this was a coded safe combination. He stated that the police
passed right over these papers and did not cony them. The Wallet also
contained. Agency pass This pass
indicated "If found return to Box 1925, Washington, D.C." This
pass was not questioned by the detectives and not identified or
explained by. LASHBROOK. He indicated also that he advised the
Police Department that he, LASHBROOK, shared his apartment in Washing-
ton, D. C., with EDWIN SPOEHEL. At the conclusion of the interview
by the detectives, all papers were returned to LASHBROOK and they -
.assured him that there would be no publicity emanating from the Police
Department regarding the incident. They requested that between the
hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on 28 November 1953, LASHBROOK
identify SUBJECT'S body at the Morgue, Bellevue Hospital, 29th Street
and First Avenue, New York City. They further Indicated that there
would not be any further need to question him.:
The interview was concluded at about 9130 a.m. and reporting
agent advised LASHDROOK that he would contact hiim at the Statler Hotel
when LASHBROOK returned from the Bellevue Morgue.
At about 12:30 p.m., reporting agent and LASHBROOK. met at .
the Hotel Statler. LASHBROOK advised that he had made the official
identification of SUBJECTIs body and that funeral arrangeMents would
be made by Colonel RUWET or the SUBJECTIs wife..., Reporting agent re-
mained with LASHEROOK until 5:00 p.m. LASHBROOK: made a number of
phone calls during the afternoon and other than exhibiting fatigue,
appeared completely composed. He advised that purSliPnt to instructions
received from Dr. GOTTLIEB he was to meet with Mr. ABRAMSON at
9115 p.m. on the 28th to obtain a report from -Dr4 ABRAMSON which he:
Was to take to Washington. :
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Case No, 73317 3 December 1953
At 5:00 p.m., Agent WALTER P.T., Jr., met reporting agent
and ROBERT LASHBROOK at Pennsylvania Station at New York City. Pursuant
to instructions, Agent WALTER P.T. accompanied LASHBROOK throughout
the evening and reporting agent departed. LASHIROOK indicated that
he would like to take a walk and go to a movie until his 9:15 p.m.
appointment. After seeing "Cease Fire" at the Criterion (44th Street
and Broadway) and dinner at Mc Ginnis's Restaurant (48th Street and
Broadway), LASHBROOK and Agent WALTER P.T. walked to 133 East 158th
Street, New York, N. Y., arriving there at about 9:15 p.m. Upon
arriving there, they proceeded to Room 310. LASHBROOK indicated that
he preferred to have the agent wait in the reception room while :he
spoke to Dr. ABRAMSON. LASHBROOK introduced the agent to Dr. ABRAMSON
without the use of the agent' s� name and indicated that he was 'a friend
accompanying him in an advisory capacity. While remaining in the
outer office) Agent WALTER P.T. overheard a portion of the conversa-
tion between LASHBROOK and Dr. ABPIJISON. This conversation is summarized
as follows:
Upon closing the door, Dr. AbHAYSON and LASHBROOK started a
discussion relating to security. Dr. ABRAMSON was heard to comment
to LASHBROOK that he was worried about him. LASHBROOK then stated
that he thought it would be best if he dictated to Br. ABRAMSON.
Prior to his dictation, they listened to portions of a conversation
which had been recorded. Although names were not mentioned, it is
believed that the recording represented an interview between a
physician or psychiatrist and the SUBJECT. Following this, LASHBROOK
started to dictate to Dr. ABRAI.ISOli concerning the SUBJECT. This
related to LASHBROOK's observations of SUBJECT's behaviour prior to
SUBJECT's demise. LASHBROOK told Dr. .ABRAMSON that SUBJECT had told
him that as far back as March 1953 SUBJECT's wife had suggested that
SUBJECT see a doctor because of his depressed condition. LASHBROOK
further stated that it was his impression that SUBJECT had delusions
and was suffering from guilt and persecution complexes. LASHBROOK
mentioned that SUBJECT thought he was stealing money from the govern-
ment. LASHBROOK also indicated to Dr. ABRAMSON that SUBJECT had told
him that he thought the agency group was putting benzedrine in his
coffee to keep him awake. Toward the close of his dictation, LASHBROOK'
indicated that he had had dinner at the hotel with the SUBJECT at
which time the SUBJECT had said to him, "I haven't felt better for a
long time." Several times during LASHBROOK's dictation, the dictation
was interrupted and he and Dr. ABRAMSON listened to portions of
the tape recording.
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SECL..TY NFORMATiON
Case No. 73317 3 December 1953
Agent WALTER P.T. heard LASHBROOK and Dr. ABRAMSON leave the
room closest to the outside office and enter another room. At this
point, LASHEROOK and Dr. ABRATiLSON were apparently having a drink. Dr.
ABRAMSON was heard to remark to LASHBROOK that he was "worried as to
whether or not the deal was in jeopardy" and that he thought "that
the operation was dangerous and that the whole deal should be re-
analyzed." LASHBROOK and Dr. ABRAMSON rejoined Agent WALTER P.T. in
the outer office at about 10:30 p.m. Dr. ABRAMSON accompanied LASH-
BROOK and the agent to the street. On the way down, Dr. ABRAMSON
spoke to LASHBROCK using medical terms which LASHBROOK apparently
understood quite well. Agent WALTER P.T. got the impression that
LASHBROOK is a doctor or scientist.
Agent WALMH P.T. and LASHBROOK took a taxi from 58th Street
and Park Avenue to Pennsylvania Station where LASHBROOK boarded the
12:10 a.m. train for dashington, D.C., at 11:00 p.m.
On 2 December 1953, Agent JOHN D.P. obtained Certificate of
Death relating to the SUBJECT from the New York City Department of
Health, BureaU of Records and Statistics. This certificate is attached .
and marked Exhibit A.
On 2 December 1953, Agent JEREMIAH J.M. examined "WHO'S
IMPORTANT IN MEDICINE," Second Edition, 1952, at the New York Public
Library, 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue. This book contained the
following information about Dr. HAROLD ABRAMSON:
"ABRAMSON, Harold Alexander, Physician; born November 27,
1899, New York, N.Y.; son of F. Samuel and M. Rose (Richard) Abramson;
educated at Columbia Univ., AB 1920, MD 1923; married Barbara Howland
Smith, June 26, 1933; Children - Alexandra Howland, Harold Alexander,
Barbara Howland, Howland Wilson. Engaged in the practice of Medicine
since 1925. National Research Council Fellow, Kaiser Wilhelm Institute
for Phys. Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Berlin, 1926-27. Instructor
in Medicine, John Hopkins University, 1929-31. Associate in Bacteriology
and Immunology, Cornell University, 193)2.-35. Assistant Professor of
Physiology, Columbia University, since 1935. Associate Physician and
Chief of Allergy Clinic, Mt. Sinai Hospital. Discovered and developed
electrophoretic and ultracontrifugal isolation of molecules causing hay
fever; elec. charge of blood cells; electrolhoretic (sic) skin tests
and therapy with pollen extracts; mechanism of allergic skin reactions,
nature of ionizing groups of protein surfaces. Initiated (1942) and
eft, rmiNotelf
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Case No. 73317
3 December 1953
directed penicillin aerosol therapy for lungs for Tech. Div.., Chem.
War Service, World War II. Assistant Chief and Chief, Defense Materiel.
Fellow: N.Y. Academy of Medicine; � American College of. Allergists
(Pres. 1951-52). Member: American Assn. for Advancement of Science;
American Academy of Allergy; American Psychosomatic Society; N.Y.
Academy of Science; N.Y. Allergy Society .(Pres. 1951-52); American
Society of Certified Allergists; American Society of Biological
Chemists; N.Y. County Medical Society; SoCiety for Experimental
Biol. and Med.; Society for Investigative Dermatology; Alpha Omega
Alpha; Epsilon Chi; Member, Board of Trustees, Biology Lab., Cold
Spring Harbor, L.I. Awarded Meyerhof Prize, Columbia Medical College,
1921; Stevens Triennial Prize, Col. Univ.,,1935; Legion of Merit,
Werld War II. Member of Editorial Board: Annals of Allergy; Psycho-
somatic Medicine; Archives of Allergy and Immunology. Lt.-.Col., Med.-
Corps Res. (inactive). Res: Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. Off: 133 East
58 St., N.Y. 22, N.Y."
The MEDICAL DIRECTORY OF NEW YORK STATE, Volume XLIV, 1951,
published by the Medical Society of the State of New York, 292 Madison
Avenue, New York, N. Y., indicates that Dr. ABRAMSON's practice is
limited to Immunology and Alergy.
On 2 December 1953, Agent JAMES J.McC. contacted Detectives
JAMES WARD and DAVID MULLEE at the 14th Police Precinct, 138 West 30th
Street, New York City. Detective WARD made available the complaint
.report in SUBJECTis case which indicated the date and time as 28 November
1953 at 3:50 a.m. The case number was 125124 and the crime DOA (Death
on Arrival). The place of occurence was noted to be the Hotel Statler,
Room 1018A, 33rd Street and Seventh Avenue�and the case was handled by �
Detective JAMES WARD, 14th Squad.
The details as reported by complainant Patrolman GUASTEFESTE,
Shield #11626, described the SUBJECT as "unknown, M-W-42-5110"-170 lbs.-
blue eyes-blonde hair-partly bald-wearing white underwear. Registered
in hotel under name of FRANK of Route #5, Frederick, Md.
Jumped or fell through window in roop� at place of occurence and pro-
nounced DOA by Dr. D1HOSIMO of St. Vincent's Hospital. Deceased found
by Assistant Manager FITZGERALD of Statler Hotel. Body to station house."
) L100 it"Z
SECLTY INFORiVIATION
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SECII-7!ITY INFORMATION
Case No. 73317 3 December 1953
Report of Investigating Officer dated 11/28/53 stated that
the investigation was being conducted and that imlview of the facts
set forth it was requested that the case remain. active.
A supplementary complaint report conc....Ling the case indicated
that the crime or offense reported was now listed' as Dak (Suicide). The
status of the case was indicated as Closed WR (-With written report).
The report of the investigation dated 30 November 1953 reflected
the following:
"SUBJECT-RE: INVESTIGATION CONDUCTED IDENTITY OF DECEASED,
CAUSE OF DEATH AND DISPOSITION OF BODY.
1. Upon being notified of this occurence, immediately visited
place of occurence, Statler Hotel, where a thorough investigation was
conducted. At this time, it was disclosed that the deceased had registered
in Rm. a018A on November 26, 1953, under the name of FRANK R.
Frederick, Md., with another person named ROBERT LASHBROOK, Washington,
D.C., Apt. 109, who identified himself as a consultant chemist employed
by the War Department, Defense Bureau, Adjutant's General's Office,
Washington, D.C., under Serial #O1168321829 also had picture on card
with number E244. LASHBROOK at this time .disclosed that the deceased
was one FRANK R. ,'Camp-Detrick, Frederick, Maryland, a Bacteriol-
ogist, employed by the same branch of the government as he (LASHBROOK).
He further stated that the deceased with himself and a Colonel VINCENT
RUWET, attached to Camp Detrick, Frederick, Md., came to New York City
on November 24, 1953, for the purpose of having the deceased examined
by a Dr. HAROLD ABRAMSON, 133 E. 58th St.,-N.Y.G. (FL 3-8338), as he.
was suffering from a mental ailment. They remained in N.Y. C. until the
morning of November 26, 1953, registered at the Statler Hotel, during .
which time the deceased was examined by the doctor on two occassions
and on the morning of November 26, 1953, LASHBROCK, with the deceased,
returned to New York City and registered in the Statler Hotel. They
again,visited the aforementioned doctor and as a result of this visit
the deceased was advised to enter a sanitarium as he was suffering from
severe psychosis and illusions. At this time, arraignments wore made
for the deceased to enter the Chestnut Lodge, Rockville, Md., under
the supervision of a Dr. FORT. On the evening of November 27, 1953,
the deceased in the company of LASHBROOK had dimmer in the Cafe Rouge
of the. Statler Hotel and returned to their room u:tt approximately 9:30 p.m.
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Case No. 73317 3 December 1953
looked at television for approximately 1 hour and then proceeded to go
to sleep. At approximately 3:20 a.m. on November 28, 1953, LASHBROOK
stated that he heard a crash of glass which awakened him and upon
turning on the light he observed that the deceased was not in his bed
and that the window of the room leading out to 7th Avenue was broken.
He then called the operator of the hotel and at this time he learned
that had jumped out of the window.
"2. The assigned immediately checked. on the above facts re-
lated by LASHBROOK and they were verified by De. HAROLD ABRANSCN and
Colonel VINCENT RUITET.
n3. Due to the importance of the positions held by the
deceased and LASHDROOK with the U.S. Government, the facts in this case
were related to F.B.I. Agent GEORGE DALEN (by telephone).
"4. On November 28, 1953, autopsy performed on body of deceased
by Assistant Medlcal Examiner DI MAIO and as a. result of same it was
disclosed that death resulted from multiple fractures.
"5. On November 28, 1953, body of the deceased claimed by
his wife ALICE and delivered by Frank E. Campbell, undertakers,. 1076
Madison Ave., under removal #87) for burial. CASE CLOSED."
This report was submitted and signed by Detective JAMES W.
WARD, Shield #338, 14th Squad.
Before reviewing the report, Detective DAVID MULLEE, who
had reported to duty on the evening shift a little earlier than
Detective WARD, engaged in conversation with Agent JAMES J. McC.
When MULLEE was contacted and advised that the agent was interested
in obtaining the report concerning SUBJECT's case, MULLEE advised
that he was Detective WARD's partner on the case. He stated that
WARD was responsible for the report and he personally discussed the
case and said that ROBERT LASHBROOK, who was With the SUBJECT, had
been quite uncooperative and he and Detective WARD had to bring LASH-
BROOK to the station house before he would answer other questions.
Detective MULLEE said that they were first very suspicious that LASH-
BROOK and the SUBJECT might have been engaged in some homosexual affair
and also were mulling over in their minds the possibility that the case
was actually a homocide. He further stated that they considering
ay.", Rs41(7,111
� ,
k or-treS
INFORMATION
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SECU-7ITY INFORMATIO
Case No. 73317 3 December 1953
the possibility that SUBJECT and LASHBROOK were involved in some committee
hearing for they were aware that Sen. Mc Carthy,s Committee was in town
around this time. He stated that the case of DUMAN of the State De-
partment came to mind and as a result they called the.FBI to see whether
or not they knew anything about either LASHBROOK or the SUBJECT. About
this time, Detective�JAMES WARD appeared and he more or less confirmed
.what Detective MULLEE had said. He advised that LASHBROOK was un-
cooperative and it was "like pulling teeth to get anything out of him."
He said that they secured Dr.. ABRANSON's name from the hotel operator
who apparently had intercepted LASHBROOK's call to Dr. ABRAMSON and
he continued by stating that he could not believe anything could be so
secretive that LASHEROOK would have been justified in being so un-
cooperative. He advised that he had been in touch with an F.B.I. agent
(whom Detective MULLEE thought was named Mc SHANE) whom he, Detective
WARD, did not identify, and who was evally unbelieving and had expressed
the opinion that he did not know of any governmemt work so confidential.
as to justify a lack Of cooperation with police officials.
After this discussion, Detective WARD made available report
set forth above and when the report was returned to him, in answer to
a query as to whether the FBI was still interested in the case he
stated that he believed they were doing further checking into the
background of LASHBROOK.
Detectives WARD and MULLEE advised that the SUBJECT'S case
had been given little publicity but this was not because the reporters
were not interested in the case at the time that it happened, but
rather that none of. the more important New York newspapers have been
published since the incident occurred. They said that reporters had
been around the station house trying to get details on the story on
the day it happened but advised that after twenty-four hours news stories
lose their value.'
Detectives WARD and MULLEE were fully cooperative and advised
that they would be willing to give further help, if it were desired.
rthit fl:o1;el't7 tf Ihr.� Ci`,:ico and
thouki bo totuzziocl when it "nas svIved
: o )tnis must not be
disclosod cucopt to CIA Stall Oilic,-;!.5
coneszied,
ajr�P'N.1
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SUBJECT: Chronological Relationship with Dr. Frank R. Olson
I first met Dr. Frank R. Olson at Camp Detrick during the month
of May 1943 at which time he was a commissioned officer in the Army, assigned
to the classified research project at this station. During the period of
May 1943 to May 1944 Ilms also assigned to this project as a conmissioned
officer. Dr. Olson's work during this time was mainly in the field of
aerobiology and was assigned � to another division. I was. not in close contact,
in the above period of time, with Dr. Olson either professionally or socially.
From May 1944 to September 1945 I was assigned tethe'Vigo-Plant�
Indiana Chemical Corps installation, during which time I had no contact with
Dr. Olson.
My next contact was made after my reassignment- to Canp Detrick in
October 1945. From October 1945 to September 1950, Dr. Olson was assigned
to the Aerobiology Branch in the Physical Defense Division of the. Cm1C
Biological laboratories. In that capacity he was not closely associated with
me professionally; however, we had numerous social contacts.
In September 1950 Dr. Olson joined the newly formed SO Division of
which Iwas Chief* His first assignment to this Division was to take charge
of the planning, training and intelligence activities* On October 1952 I was
transferred from the SO Division to the Director's Office. From October 1952
to April 1953 Dr. Olson assumed my duties in the SO Division. In April 1953
Dr. Wedum, Safety Director of the Cm1C Biological Laboratories, recommended
that Dr. Olson be relieved of his duties as Chief of SO Division due to his
health (ulcers)0 Lt Col DeCarlo was then appointed Chief of SO Division and
Dr. Olson assumed the duties as Chief of Plans and Assesament Branch. He
continued this assignment up to the date of his death.
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SUBJECT: Chronological Relationship with Dr. Frank R. Olson (Contd) 2
Dr. Olson was considered as an authority in the field of aerobiology�
a science which Was developed considerably during the years 1943 to 1953 at
Camp Detrick; Both his superiors and subordinates regarded him as a highly
qualified scientist in this field.
During the years I have known Dr. Olson I have had numerous social
contacts with him and his family, visiting often at his home. He was always
extremely cheerful, more than willing to help anyone in distress, often tines
making it a point to cheer not only his friends but others who were in a
depressed mood. Dr. Olson enjoyed an occasional alcbhOlic drink but did not
indulge excessively. His general state of mind and outlook on life was always
that of extreme optimism. Never was there any indication of pessimism.
Dr. Olson could be classified as a family man, taking great interest
in his home and the activities of his family. He imbedded in the minds of -
his children the need of religion in life, making sure that they attended
their Sunday School regularly and would also encourage his friends, children
to attend with them.
My last personal contact with Dr. Olson was on November 11, 1953,
at which time he brought his children to visit and play with my children.
At this time he appeared normal in all respects and as cheerful as ever.
I had no personal contacts with Dr. Olson after the experiment.
I had first learned on Monday, November 23rd, 1953, from It. Col. Vincent
Ruwet that Dr. Olson had been exposed and was showing symptoms of reactions
On Tuesday, November 24th� I was notified that Dr. Olson was be-
ing t aken to New York City for treatment.
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SUBJECT: Chronological Relationship with Dr. Prank R. Olson (Contd) 3
On Wednesday, November 25th, I was notified that condition
was not serious and that recovery was expected.
On Thursday evening, November 26th, I was notified that Dr.
Olson had returned to New York for further treatment.
On Friday, November 27th, I was notified that Dr. Olson was
under treatment and that arrangements were being made for treatment at
a private institution in this area. (Washington, D.C.�Frederick, Md.)
At approximately 3 a.m. on Saturday, November 28th, 1953,
I was notified that Er. Olson had leaped from the Stabler Hotel�
At approximately 6 a.m. same date I received confirmation
that the leap was fatal.
I HEREBY CERTIFY TO 'flIE REST OF MY MO:a:EDGE THAT THE ABOVE
STATET:ENTS ARE TRIE AND CORRECT.
.
ctor, Biological Laboratories
amp Eetrick
ederick, Maryland
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1
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
My name is Vincent L. Ruwet, a Lt. Colonel in the Chemical Corps.
At the time of the death of Dr. Frank R. Olson I was assigned as Chief
of Special Operations Division in which division Dr. Olson was a Branch
Chief.
I first met Dr. Olson on the let of July, 1951, on which date I re-
ported to the Division . From July, 1951, to January, 1952, we were in
intimate contact professionally and on comparable levels professionally,
that is, I was Assistant to the Division Chief and he was a Branch Chief.
Also during that time we became very friendly socially and I saw a great
deal of him and his family both at his home and they at my home.
In January, 1952, I left the Division to undertake the duties of Exe-
cutive Officer of the Post at which time my daily professional contact
was more limited but I did work with him on a liaison basis, particularly,
with reference to matters pertaining to the mission of SO Division. Sub-
sequent to that time in August, 1952, I became the Assistant Deputy Director
of the Biological Laboratories and my relations with the deceased continued
on about the same level. During this period we continued our social friend-
ship on a very close and intimate basis.
. In June, 1952, I was assigned as Acting Division Chief of SO Division
in addition to my other duties. In October, 1953, I was appointed Division
Chief, which fact seemed to please Dr. Olson, very much.
During the period just covered Dr. Olson was Branch Chief Until October,
1952,. at which time he was prevailed upon by Dr. Schwab and myself to be-
come Acting Chief of SO Division by reason of the fact that Dr. Schwab had
left the Division. Dr. Olson did this reluctantly since he said that he was
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2
adverse to taking on administrative type of work and preferred closer
touch with the laboratory bench. Dr. Olson carried on as Acting Division
Chief until 1 March, 1953 at which time he was removed at his own request
to revert to Branch Chief, his old job, and in addition to his other duties
Special Assistant to the Division Chief.
During the period described above and before the experiment my estimate
of Dr. Frank R. Olson is as follows --
His personality was that almost of an extrovert. He liked a practical
joke, did not carry it to excess.
Socially, he was very popular, "life of the party" type. He was the
first one on hand to assist anyone who might have troubles either professio�
naltv or personal. He and his wife were extremely popular Persons on the
Camp.
As a professional man my estimate of his ability is that he was outstand�
ing. The extant of my contact with him has already been stated from Octo�
ber (professionally and at work) from JUly, 1951, to January, 1952, the con�
tact was daily.
From January, 1952 to June, 1953, it was probably on the order of 2 or 3
times a week. From June, 1953, until his death the contact was daily. At
all times from June, 1951, and until his death my social contact with him and
his family was intimate.
For the period in which I have knowledge my estimate of the performance
of his dUties officially was satisfactory to outstanding. I would say that
from the cumulative standpoint and in comparison with other scientists doing
similar type of work he was outstanding.
During the period prior to the experiment my opinion of his state of mind
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was that I noticed nothing which would lead me to beleive that he was
of unsound mind. He had the normal family worries, (worries that I con-
eider to be normal).
was always reluctant
Professionally he
Occassionally he had trouble with his ulcers but
to discuss personal troubles with anyone.
was making very fine progress particularly in the
last year and was most successful in the work he was doing.
I would further like to insert as regards to hie personality or per-
sonal habits that he did smoke and did take social drinks but did not use
either to excess.
The experiment took- place Thursday, November 19th, 1953 in the evening.
I saw Dr. Olson on Friday morning. We had breakfast and he appeared to
be agitated and at the time I did not consider this to be abnormal under
the circumstances.
Immediately after breakfast on Friday morning, November 20th, Dr. Olson
came to Me and had asked if I would object if he rode back to "home-station"
with Mr. Champlin,. I stated, "Of course, not; that it was perfectly al-
right with me."
The next time I saw Dr. Olson was on Monday morning, 23rd of November,
1953, I came to work about 7:30 and Dr. Olson was waiting for me in his
office. He appeared to be agitated and asked me if I Waould fire him or
should he quit. I was taken "a-back" by this and asked him what was wrong.
He stated that in his opinion he had messed up the experiment and did not
do well at the meetings. I talked with Dr. Olson for about a half hour
and further discussed it with him stating that in my opinion he had the
wrong impression - that I thought he did very well at the meetings and in
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his participaticn in the experiment was above reproach. He appeared to
be satisfied and relieved.
We attended two professional appointments together and I noticed no-
thing unusual except that he appeared to have some difficulty in concen-
trating. We also had lunch together on that date. He did not eat very
well; I did notice that. We attended an official movie and meeting at 1530
that afternoonle was riding home in a car-pool that night and immediately
after the movie he said, "so-long," and ran to catch his car.
The next time I saw him was the following morning, Tuesday, 24 November,
1953, when he again was waiting for me in my office when I came to work,
about 7:30 a.m. He appeared to be greatly agitated and in his own words,
"all mixed up." He said he felt that he was not competent, that he had
done something wrong. When questioned closely he could not say exactly what
he thought he had done wrong. He made reference to the fact that he thought
he should not have been retired for physical reasons but when this was pushed
he shifted to the fact that he felt incompetent to the type of work he was
doing - when tais was pursued he seemed to look for something else which he
had done wrong.
After about an hour of discussion it became apparent to me that Dr. Olson
but
needed psychiatric attention. I continued the discussion in such a way as
to attempt to get him to suggest that he needed some help. This he did, fina-
lly. Dr. Stubbs, who was present, and I immediately agreed that this was our
opinion also and I suggested to him that I call Mrig Robert Lashbrook and
arrange for such assistance. This he agreed to and said that he would go home
at once and discuss the situation with% his wife, which he did.
I immediately called Mr. Lashbrook and explained to him what the situation
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5
was and expressed the opinion that Dr. Olson waysin serious trouble and
needed immediate professional attention. Dr. Latsitrook said that he un-
derstood and would take immediate action. MeanwilaSa Dr. Olson had been
discussing this with his wife. I received a callifrom his wife asking if
she could come along and I told her that she conI111 We were to go to Wash-
ington, D.C. for further assistance.
Shortly after this Dr. Lashbrook called back am& wanted to know what
time we would be in Washington since he had arrauged for an appointment
in New York with a Psychiatrist and that he woul& obtain air reservations
for us to go to New York. About 5 minutes after that Dr. and Mrs. Olson
arrived at the office. We went from there to my home where I changed from
wit't4"
uniform to civilian clothes and we driven from my home to Washington by Mr.
John C. Malinowski.
En route Dr. Olson appeared to be greatly agitated, highly suspicious,
and in his own words, "all mixed up." We:topped at the Hot Shoppe restaur-
ant in Bethesda, Md., to have lunch. Dr. Olson ordered lunch but ate or
drank very little. He appeared to be highly suspicious of food or drknk.
We then proceeded to Dr. Lashbrookls office. I vent in and saw Dr. Lashbrook
and explained the situation to him again. Dr. Oleen stayed out in the car
with his wife and Mr. Malinowski. I found out later that he had asked Mr.
Malinowski to leave the car so that he could talk to his wife, which was
done.
After about 15 minutes I came out and suggested to Mr. Malinowski and
Mrs. Olson that they leave us there and that we wccuild get to the air-port
with Dr. Lashbrook who was going with us. We proceeded for the air-port and
left for New York as I can estimate the time now, ail)out 2:30 p.m. Nov. 24.
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During the trip Dr. Olson's condition appeared to be about the same.
He was verj anxious and he had the feeling that sorieone was out to get
him. He didn't appear to be quite sure why, etc.,
We arrived in New York without incident, proceeded from LaGuardia
5P?
Airport to Dr. Abramson's office; arrived there approximately 5 p.m.
We left Dr. Olson with Dr. Abramson who requested -as to come back in
about 1 hour.
After an hour we came back and Dr. Abramson suggested that we go to
a hotel and we told him we had reservations at the Statler Hotel. He
stated that he would come up to our room about 10:30 with some sedatives
and also suggested that we have a "high-ball." Dr. Olson, Dr. Lashbrook
and I went directly to the hotel, sat and talked for a while, then went
to the cocktail-lounge, had a Martini and then went to dinner. Dr. Olson
drank a Martin( but refused to drink a second one. He ate very little;
still appeared to Very suspicious; of Dr. Lashbrook and myself. '
After dinner we went back to our rooms, disccuseed various things and
Dr. Olson asked to talk with me alone. Again he appeared to very anxious,
upset and kept asking, "What's behind all this? Give me the low-down;
What are they trying to do with me; are they checking me for security, etc.,?
I did my best to re-assure him and tried to show him wherein factually
he was imagining these difficulties and thought I had convinced him, at
least, he said that he thought things were clearing up and also he said
that he thought Dr. Abramson could help him.
About 10:30 p.m. Dr. Abramson came and brought a bottle of bourbon and
some "Nembutal." for Dr. Olson. We sat around and had just a good, social
discussion and a couple of "high-balls." About mid-night Dr. Abramson
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1111
said,'Well, it's time to go to bed." He suggested to Dr. Olson that he
take a "Nembutal" which he did at that time and that Dr. Olson take ano-
ther should he have difficulty sleeping. By the way Dr. Olson had com-
plained to me from the start that he had not been able to sleep after Thurs-
day. He said that he got no sleep. Dr. Olson fell asleep. The undersigned
remained awake.
Dr. Olson fell asleep immediately after going to bed and I heard him get
up about 3 to go to the bath-room. He came to bed but obviously could not
fall asleep as he was tossing and turning and talking to himself. I don't
remember what he was saying. I asked him about that time if he would take
another Nembutal and he said no. Finally about 5:30 a.m. he appeared to get
upset again and I suggested that he take a Nembutal; he agreed and took it.
We started discussing the situation over again - the content of the conver-
sation was almost identical to what it had been before. Then he went back
to sleep, or I belblve, at least rested until about 9:30 a.m. on the morning
of the 25th of November, 1953.
At this time he got up, watched television and the three of us, Dr. Lash-
brook, Dr. Olson and myself went to breakfast. He ate some breakfast and
LooS
appeared to be a little better although he lied still be in a rather anxious
state in my opinion. We then accompanied Dr. Lashbrook, at Dr. Lashbrook's
suggestion, on an official visit which he had to make. During this visit
Dr. Olson again became highly suspicious and mixed up. When this became appa-
rent we tactfully cut the visit short and left. We went from there to the
doctor's office for the 4 o'clock appointment. We left Dr. Olson there and
picked him shortly after 5 o'clock. Dr. Olson :-.1ad requested that he return
home for Thanksgiving dinner so that he could have dinner with his family
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and this was agreed lo by Dr. Abramson who suggested that we make an appoint-
ment to come back upp on Tuesday, 1 December 1953. I asked at that time if
he would like to have me come with Dr. Olson or if Dr. Olson should come alone.
He said this was entirely up to Dr. Olson - if he wished he could come alone;
if he wished to have company it would be perfectly alright for me to come. So
then we left Dr. Abramson's office; came back to the hotel and at my suggestion
got tickets for a musical show, "Me and Juliet." We went out to dinner and
from there to the show which started at 8:30 p.m.
Dr. Olson appeared to get upset during the first act and at intermission
he was highly agitated and stated that be knew that people were outside
waiting to arrest him on his departure from the show. I tried to reassure
t
that I personally w44.* guarantee him that he will be in Frederick or at home
the following morning and that he would be there with his family for Thanks-
giving. He
so and that
out that we
to see res
he quickly
state. We
and by the
stated that he didn't beleive me and I tola him, "Well, he must do
I would give him my word of honor that this would be so." I pointed
had the plane reservations. I suggested that maybe he didn't want
t of the show and that he and I talk and walk. To this suggestion
agreed. We left the thGatre wiaeil-Lim.and he was in a very anxious
walked back to the hotel from the theatre, talking all the while,
time we arrived at the hotel he appeared to be more relaxed. We
went back to the hotel-room, talked and watched television, discussed going
614
home the following day.aed Dr. Lashbrook stayed for the remainder of the show,
and came in about 11 or 11:30 p.m. We talked for a little while, called the
desk to arrange for being called in time get out to the airport the following
morning. The call was arranged for 5:30 a.m. I went toled and unfortunately
I fell asleep, did not hear anything until 5:30 when the phonezang. It was
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the hotel operator waking us up. I flicked on the light; Dr. Olson was
not in his bed and his clothes were gone.
I immediately informed Dr. Lashbrnok who was in the adjoining room
and.we dressed, went down to the hotel lobby as speedily as possible
and there we found Dr. Olson fully dressed with his over-coat and hat on
sitting in a chair. He stated he was walking around in the streets and
that in the Process he had disposed of his identification button, his wallet,
and his money. He stated that he had done this because I had instructed
him to do so since I was with him. I told him that I wasn't with him; he
said, "Yes, that's right, I must have been dreaming." Since there was no
ease0.04-
time to warie.t we decided against looking for his wallet and identification .
badge , immediately went up to the room, shaved and dressed; Dr. Olson also
shaved. We checked out of the hotel; got a taxi and went to LaGuardia Air-
port in time to make a 7:30 plane. Plane was delayed approximately one
hour because of mechanical difficulties. We arrived in Washington; Dr.
Olson appeared to be more relaxed at this time.
Dr. Olson ate on the plane and slept the entire trip,(1 hourY We
arrived in Washington were met by Mr. Malinowski, Thursday, Nov. 26th,
(Thanksgiving Day.) We got in Mr. Malinowskils car and headed for Fre-
derick.
In north-west Washington on Wisconsin avenue Dr. Olson asked if we
couldn't stop the car and talk this thing over and I asked him if there
was anything wrong and he said, "Well, I would like to talk things over."
We stopyed in the parking lot at Howard Johnson's on Wiscensin avenue
near Bethesda-Chevy Chase Woodward Lothrop store. He asked Mr. Malinowski
to leave the car as he wanted to discuss something with me - Mr. Malinowski
complied. He told me he could not go back to Frederick since he Was so
mixed up. He was ashamed to meet his wife and family, and requested to
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10
just leave him go and would go off by himself. This I told him I could
not do. He then asked me to turn him over to the police since they wan-
ted him anyway. We discussed thisat considera ble length and he appeared
satisfild - that the police did not want him. I then suggested that maybe
he would like to go back to see Dr. Abramson. He agreed to this sugges�
tion.
I then called Dr. Lashbrook and told him what the situation was and
he told me to take Dr. Olson to his apartment immediately. This was
done. We decided to take Dr. Olson back to New York to see Dr. Abramson
and it was decided that since Mrs Olson was entitled to know what the
situation was and because she was expecting him for Thanksgiving dinner
I should proceed to Frederick to brief Mrs. Olson. Dr. Olson appeared to
be very much upset and agitated. Again, all mixed up. TMs was the worst
waS
that I had seen him, since the experiment took place. This ,i-e� the last
time I saw Dr. Olson,
On Friday evening, approximately 10:30, November 27th, I received
a call from Mew York from Dr. Lashbrook who stated that reservations
had been made for Dr. Olson at Chestnut Lodge in Rockville, Maryland and
that they had plane reservations for the following morning and were sche-
duled to arrive in Washington at 9:34 on the 28th of November. Thie-hat-
suggested that I meet the plane which I. agreed to do. I then asked if
Dr. Olson was still speaking to me in a rather joking manner. I heard
Dr. Lashbrook ask him this question and his answertwas, "why, yes, let me
have the phone." Dr. Olson appeared on the phone q171:te relaxed. He told
me about the trip in the morning, about the fact that he had reservations
at Chestnut Lodge. I told him that IOnew the latter as Dr. Lashbrook had
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told me so. I also told him I would meet the plane. He suggested that
I not do so since that day was Saturday and he knew that I probably had
work to do around the house. 1 told him to think nothing of that and that
I would meet him. He said, "fine. see you in the morning." This
is the last time I spoke to Dr. Olson.
At approximately 2:45 a.m. Sat. Nov. 28th, 1953, I received a call
from Dr. Gottlieb with a message that Dr. Olson had died.
I HEREBY CERTIFY TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE THAT THE ABOVE STATEMENTS
ARE TRUE AND CORRECT.
VINCENT L. HUWET
Lt. Col. Cm1C
Chief, SO Division
Camp Detrick
Frederick, Maryland
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� SECRET �
ROUTING AND RECORD SHEET
INSTRUCTIONS: Officer designations should be used in the "TO" column. Under each comment a line should be drawn across sheet
and each comment numbered to correspond with the number in the "TO" column. Each officer should initial (check mark insufficient)
before further routing, This Routing and Record Sheet should be returned to Registry.
FROM:
Chief, I&R
1 December 1953
No.
DATE
TO
ROOM
NO.
DATE
OFFICER'S
INITIALS
COMMENTS
RECO
FWD'D
1.
Inspector
General
ra
I0
__A
(b)(6)

.
' tit
4
b' a :, 1
'4,..`0 '4Ii,.. 1
.1:44tj7 l. /1/.)111s /
-7
/a�49
-'6., ,.
, za- z ) 'Iv
(
,..
27-e.. .1-1-",--� 1,,t,-02-C e--tr�-e-C-0.4.4,4,a;
...._
)
"1,/, )
--
2.
c
----
3.
4.
5.
.
6.
7.
,
8.
10.
11.
12.
.
13.
14.
15.
FORM NO. 51-10
FEB 1950
U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
SECRET
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