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Operation Overflight

A Memoir of the U-2 Incident

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Operation Overflight

By: Francis Gary Powers, Curt Gentry
Narrated by: Jon Lindstrom
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About this listen

 U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers is a central character in the movie “Bridge of Spies” starring Tom Hanks. In his classic 1970 memoir, Powers reveals the full story behind what happened in the most sensational espionage case in Cold War history. After his U-2 reconnaissance plane was shot down, Powers was captured on May 1, 1960 and endured 61 days of rigorous interrogation by the KGB, a public trial, a conviction for espionage, and the start of a 10-year sentence. After nearly two years, the US government obtained his release from prison in a dramatic exchange for convicted Soviet spy Rudolph Abel.

The narrative is a tremendously exciting suspense story about a man who was labeled a traitor by many of his countrymen but who emerged a Cold War hero. 20th Century Armed Force Freedom & Security Military Military & War Military Science Modern Politics & Government Espionage Aviation Air Force War Memoir Soviet Union US Air Force Russia Imperial Japan Cold War

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All stars
Most relevant
a very interesting story of the incident from the man that was there in the thick of it all. I think gary was not treated well by his government or the agency he worked for. really enjoyed this.

Overflight

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This is an extraordinary account of the incident and clarifies many of the key issues. Powers was clearly a highly respected and accomplished pilot and an honourable man, yet political pressures tarnished his name, to my mind, unnecessarily.

This is a moving and beautifully written book by a highly talented man.

Probably one of the most important memoirs of the Cold War

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This is a truly excellent book for anyone interested in the history of the cold war even though it is but a small chapter.
It is another example of how the political wheelers and dealers of the state will shift their blame on to the people it has shackled by regulation, so they cannot fight back, even when those very people are the most patriotic members of that society.

A small but world changing episode of the cold war.

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