BruceSmith

More! Yikes.

...I presume you are talking 'most important' in terms of the US only.... Dictators being toppled and waves of political change sweeping the world are arguably more important than a bunch of well-off-enough kids holding up a few signs, cndemning the multinationals whose very products they are wearing/using Yes, Orange, I stand corrected. It must be that "exeptionalism" of me and my countrymen and women that I keep hearing about for me to be so ethno-centric to the USA.

Quote The bigger question is, will Casey McNerthney be there for the Seattle PI? Casey is covering the Phoenix Jones case and is fingered by the Seattle Times as launching the LD Cooper flap here in the States after Alex Hanaford broke the story in London. Alex's piece came out about 2 pm Seattle time on a Satuday and by dinner Casey had quotes rollin' from Miss Ayn. Casey, as with so many, ain't returning my phone calls or emails. But I'd sure like to know how he got "most promising" confirmed so quickly on a weekend.

Greetings All, I have posted the full line-up for the forthcoming DB Cooper Symposium on the Mountain News: http://themountainnewswa.net/2011/11/22/db-cooper-40th-anniversary-celebrations-include-first-ever-professional-symposium-on-americas-only-unsolved-skyjacking/ The gathering will include: Marla Cooper, Ralph and Jerry, Tom Kaye and Carol Abracadabra (spelling?), Ron and Pat Forman (talking about Barb Dayton) and some locals to sing, dance and tell us stories about the cultural impact. Plus, we will have our very own 377, too. In addition, Brian Ingram will be there to auction a $20. Also in attendence will be Musika Farnsworth, the freelancer who wrote about Sheridan for Parachutist magazine. Rena Ruddell, Barb's daughter will be there to talk about her life with a most unusual father. It's gonna be good.

Just a brief respite to discuss what is arguably the most important social and political movement in past forty years, the occupy movement. I'd be curious to hear y'alls comments on a list of proposals to reform the finanacial system of the country, and the world. http://themountainnewswa.net/2011/11/21/after-the-occupation-what-a-road-map-for-change/#more-4090 Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming....

There's been a bit of Galen bashing going on here these days and I'd like to set the record straight. In the time that Galen left Spokane and headed to Alaska, he first had to care for an ailing father, who passed away a few years back. Now he cares for his aging mom, who needs much of his attention. On top of that he has a law practice to maintain and only Gawd know how he copes with 41 degrees below zero weather. As for his book, I too, wish he would write it, but the questions and investigations still pour out of the guy, so I see a purposefulness in his delay. It takes time to make fine wine. Gawd, my book is still a long ways off and I'm not ttrying to prove who DB Cooper is! Just look at how vast Chapter 26 is - the Cooper Vortex, whew. As for his professional investigatory skills, Galen is top-notch in my estimation. His knowledge of the case is deep and comprehensive. His ability to get substantive interviews and detailed information is unparalleled in my Cooper experience. I know of no one here who can match him for overall knoweldge of the case and access to people, places and LE sources. Yes, Snow is mighty, and incomparable in terms of data mining. As Snow has written, "You have to remember Bruce, I read the whole Internet every night." That is a singular attribute and no one tops the Snowmman for raw information. So, Galen's postion is singular, and this is not a compettiion to rate who is the best Cooper sleuth. It's that I don't care for a good man being trashed, particularly when he is not here to defend or explain himself.

Example Bruce interviewed a woman whose name might connect back to Weber. First name was Lillian....there was a Lillian in Duane's back ground in WA. I was a little out of it the night I spoke to him and wish he would email me his Lillians exact spelling and I will send my Lillians exact spelling, but I don't know exactly where she lives - but some place I think on the OR/WA line. If he would call me when I have that file in my hand - it might help. I am getting very feeble minded lately and have to have the file in my hands. When he and I talked I couldn't even locate the file and was trying to just remember the spelling. The only Lillian I have spoken to in the DB Cooepr case lived in western Pennsylvania. I wrote a full report about her and posted it here, Jo, circa 2009. You're always welcome to email me questeions like this. I'm not a big fan of personal exchanges here.

Ahem, 377. Remember, I'll be seeing you Friday in a bar....... (smile). edit: BTW, the prominent radar installation on Shemya, "Big Alice" reminds me of the antennae at the Montauk AB in New York. Now that, and the Montauk Project are grist for at least a beer or two. But time portals on Shemya????

Quote@Bruce Smith: The book D.B. Cooper -The Real McCoy had to be pulled from publication after it was established that Richard Floyd McCoy was actually in Utah at the time of the hijacking. Haven't you even checked Wiki for the basics? Quote Here's the Wiki post on McCoy. I don't see where it refutes his presence in Las Vagas as claimed by Calame and Himmelsbach, or supports his alibi of being in Provo on Thanksgiving as claimed by the Seattle office and touted by you in these posts. Can you explain? ******************************** Lawsuits over Cooper allegations1991 saw the publication of D. B. Cooper: The Real McCoy, by FBI agents Bernie Rhodes and Russell P. Calame. Both authors investigated McCoy's skyjacking case, and their book posits that Cooper and McCoy were really the same person. They cited similar methods of hijacking, and a tie and Brigham Young University medallion with McCoy's initials on the back left on the plane by Cooper. After the book's publication, McCoy's widow filed suit against the book's authors, publisher and her former attorney, Thomas S. Taylor. She claimed they misrepresented her involvement in the hijacking for which McCoy was convicted, and also misrepresented later events from interviews done with Taylor in the 1970s. She sought an injunction against publication and distribution of the book.[9] During court proceedings, it was revealed that McCoy's widow was deeply involved in the hijacking. Her request for an injunction to prohibit further sales of the book was denied. However, an injunction to prohibit the sale of movie rights to the book — conditional upon the movie including references to four specific allegations in the book that she protested — was granted.[10] Mrs. McCoy accepted a settlement in 1994. ************************************* Also, what is your source for saying that multiple witnesses established McCoy's presence in Utah on Thanksgiving Day. Thanks.

Except he couldn't even establish the simple fact that his suspect, Richard Floyd McCoy, was actually having Thanksgiving dinner in Utah at the time of the hijacking. This was established later, as you know. Well...McCoy was a no-ID by the witnesses, then there was that court case in Utah... You know what? Do your own research on this one. Unless you are claiming now that McCoy was the hijacker. There is no middle ground here. Either he was or wasn't. Last time I heard, you thought the hijacker was maybe Gossett, or Bobby Dayton, or you were going to figure it out via hypnosis and astral projection...(*smiles*) How did that work out for you? I can direct you to your posts on this if you like. You'll also have to show evidence that Ralph Himmelsbach now believes McCoy was the hijacker. Last time I heard, he hadn't settled on anybody specific. I mean now, in 2011. I'm a hard guy sometimes. Not just on you, but on anyone who testifies on something regarding the Cooper case. At one time, McCoy was considered a viable suspect. Later, that whole scenario collapsed like a house of cards. To tell you the truth, when the FBI first went with the McCoy thing, I thought they could be right. He looked like the sketch. He had experience. Then it all went away. I would have to see the actual credit card receipts to believe that part regarding Vegas. Anybody seen them? *Question Everything* Quote You're dodging the question, Robert. I asked you how you know that McCoy's alibi was corroborated. You answered, "a No-ID by the witnesses." Hunh? What witnesses? Witnesses in Las Vegas? Or are you talking about his alibi being corroborated by his wife? Sister-in-law? Is that what the Seattle office accepted - the word of family members over concrete evidence from a Salt Lake City-based FBI invesitgatory team? What court case are you talking about? McCoy's conviction in his skyjacking case? What does that have to do with November 24, 1971 and the gas receipts? And suspects? I don't have any; I agree with you that Ralph doesn't either. In that way, Himms and I are similar. But what does the subject of suspects have to do with the question at hand, namely McCoy's whereabouts on Thanksgiving 1971? For the record, do I think McCoy was Cooper? Absolutely not. That said, however, I do wonder if the truth is much bigger than that. I do wonder if the Cooper caper was a group effort and McCoy was involved in some fashion. Further, you wonder about the factual basis of Calame's claims? Do you really think Calame is mistaken - or deceitful - about the credit cards and the collect phone call? Why? Look Robert, if you don't know why the Seattle office accepted McCoy's alibi, just say so. There is great honor in not knowing, and even greater in acknowledging it.

The short answer is "yes and no." Yes, the fact that an active duty IG major told Hank the Ted-was-in-Vietnam-in 1973 AND got-promoted- twice-story is extraordinary. It might be the first crack in the armor-plating surrounding the DB Cooper case. I've encouraged Hank to continue to whittle away through his military contacts - the retired officers directory, etc, and try to find that major. We clearly need more information about why that major said what he said. Along those lines, I have emailed our old friend Billy Waugh, but I received only the most cryptic email in reply that was so filled with military jargon that I couldn't decipher it, but the message I took away from that was - "I ain't talking about Ted, at least not in writing." Hence, I gotta call the ole boy or take a vacation on the Panhandle and check up on my favorite Dixie Belle, Jo Weber, and then visit some of her neighbors.... I also plan to call The Wife and Noreen in Pittsburgh. Lastly, I'm hoping that Tom Smith can shake some branches down in Tampa. He has extensive connections to people and places that we need to delve into. Lastly, lastly, I have gone looking for DB Cooper on several occaisions in the ethers, and also paid Ted a visit in one of my guided remote viewing sessions. For what it's worth, I have been "informed" on two occaisons that DB Cooper was named "Richard," and was in a unit more secretive than MACV SOG, but was based in part at Bragg. That said, I apply the same standards to my research as I do to Mr. Blevins, namely, extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof. What I take from that is Ted is not Cooper, but may be an avenue that gets us to Cooper. Hence, the journey continues.

Except he couldn't even establish the simple fact that his suspect, Richard Floyd McCoy, was actually having Thanksgiving dinner in Utah at the time of the hijacking. This was established later, as you know. Not good, considering he was an FBI agent. You kind of forgot that part, Bruce. Quote So, Robert, please fill me in. How was McCoy's presence at home on Thanksgiving Day corroborated? Yes, I know Seattle eventually accepted his alibi, but how do you account for McCoy's credit card receipts and the collect phone call home - all traced to Las Vegas during the Cooper skyjacking - Thanksgiving time period? Are you saying the SLC SAC screwed up? Lied? Has incomplete data? Also, Himmelsbach backs up Calame 100%. Hence, extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof. So, show us please. Who says Russ and Ralph are wrong, and how do they prove it? Thanks. I really would like to know.

That's really the end. Could it be a setup for a sequel? 377 You were sitting right next to him in San Francisco drinkin' brewskis, Three-Seven-Seven. Did GG seem eager to get back in the saddle and gallop off to continue the Cooper Quest, such as head towards Windsor and talk with Sheridan? He didn't to me. I think Geoffrey's done. Although, Portland and the symposium could dramatically enhance his "brand," and his reputation as an expert in the case. As a result, he might just turn into the Old Man River of the Cooper investigation, and like the Mississippi, just keep rollin' along. Also, if his ties to the FBI continue or strenghten, then Gawd knows what will occur in the future. He might become their de facto spokesperson, as Jerry and Ralph don't seem to be quite up to the job; I get the sense they won't be at Ariel or Portland next week. Nevertheless, Jerry seems quite busy this week giving media tours in the Washougal, so, he might surprise us.

Also, any other Cooper books that you would recommend? Quote Besides Geoffrey's account, I recommend what I call the Big Three: 1. DB Cooper - The Real McCoy, by Bernie Rhodes and Russ Calame. 2. NORJAK: The Investigation of DB Cooper, by Tom Worcester and Ralph Himmelsbach 3. DB Cooper - Dead or Alive, by Richard Tosaw. These are all written by principals active in the case, and in my judgement these works could never be written today. It is hard for me to envision a current FBI agent writing about the Cooper case with as much insight and provocative questioning as does Russ Calame. Yes, Geoffrey's book ends inexplictably with Jo's hysterical phone call to his cabin in the woods. Oddly, I received a very similar - and hysterical - phone call from Ms Weber about the same time. I forget if the topic was cherry cheescake recipes, though; it seems every time that subject was raised my mind wandered as I pondered what I might have in my cabin that I could munch on.....ahhhh..I love New York cheesecake, but it is so hard to find in the boonies south of Tacoma. And bagels and lox, sigh. Such is life in Cooper Country. Must keep writing.

May all the demons that haunt us disappear this night, and may truth burst forth like tomorrow's dawn..

Go bigger than Cooper in your title lead in. Many people in 2011 don't know who he is. Vanishing Act, the ongoing quest to find skyjacker DB Cooper. Crime of the Century, solving the mystery of DB Cooper Jet Jump Hijack, looking for DB Cooper in the 21st Century. Vanished in the Night, the search to identify the most innovative criminal of the 20th century, DB Cooper. 377 I like these! Thanks. See ya next week. I just booked my rez.

P.S. Bruce - where in the Hell did you get there had been 900 plus confessions? That is NOT true. Be specific and ask the FBI how many confession have been made. A few, but they were usually drunks and individuals who were obviously NOT Cooper. I believe less than a dozen individuals actually confess and where investigated to any extent. Chapter 26. Also, read my previous posts. Himms says "hundreds." So, Jo, where did you hear that dozens of Cooper confessees were "usually drunks." Thanks.

Lt. Col Hank Bertsch, retired, contacted me today asking me to clarify a report I wrote and posted here in the DZ about his interactions with Ted Braden while in the Army. Specifically, Hank asked me to address the conflicting infomation regarding Ted's wherabouts circa 1973. In 1974, Hank received detailed information via a conversation with an Army major, who claimed he had seen Braden in Vietnam in 1973. This major also described Braden's journey to Fort Dix and eventual placement under Hank's authority in the Fort Dix stockcade as a "cover-up" for Braden's activities in the Congo immediately after going AWOL from Vietnam in 1967. The informational conflict arises as fellow officer and DB Cooper enthusiast Allen Tyre reports that he saw Ted at a truck stop in Bowling Green, Kentucky in 1973. So, how can this be when the major says he saw Ted in Vietnam at the same time? Hank has written a comprehensive report on these developments and I have posted it below. It conforms to everything that Hank has told me throughout our numerous converations and emails of the past few months. ********** By Lt. Col Hank Bertsch (retired) Please allow me to clarify some of what Bruce stated about our conversations. When I told Bruce that Braden was seen in Vietnam it was the result of a conversation I had with an Army Major at Fort Jackson, SC in late June or early July, 1974, which I believed at the time to be true and here is why. In the October, 1967 Ramparts article Braden stated he was held in the Fort Dix, NJ stockade for “123 days and 14 hours.” I was his Commanding Officer at that time. I was the Commander of the 1387 Replacement Company. Within that company was the Special Processing Detachment (SPD). My job as Commander of the SPD was to process all US Army Absent Without Leave (AWOL) personnel returned to military control in NY and NJ as well as other “special cases” from time to time. Ted B. Braden became the most unusual of those special cases. If Braden’s assertion as to how long he was in the Fort Dix stockade was correct, and I believe it probably is, he arrived in my command in March, 1967 under Military Police escort and was confined immediately. He “resigned for the good of service,” was released from the stockade, escorted to the Fort Dix Transfer Station by my Executive Officer (XO), and discharged from the US Army, most likely with a General Discharge under Honorable Conditions, in July, 1967. While in solitary confinement in the stockade he was given privileges no other prisoner in solitary had including his own television, Hav-A-Tampa wood tipped cigars, belt with brass buckle which was highly polished, and highly polished boots with laces. NOTE prisoners in solitary confinement were deemed suicide risks and not permitted to have laces or belts. When Braden’s Military Personnel Records Jacket (MPRJ) AKA 201 File arrived at the SPD it included Braden’s DA Form 20 Enlisted Personnel Record. His Form 20 included his usual battery of tests taken at the time of initial enlistment. Braden’s record included his GT test score which was above 150. This score is a good estimate of IQ so it was apparent Braden was very bright. Also included were records of prior enlisted service in the Army, subsequent commissioned service in the Air Force, and his return to the Army as an enlisted person. It also indicated he had three years of college at the University of Toledo. He had several coded assignments and schools which meant highly classified work. He was also a master jumper. Also included with his MPRJ was DA Form 188 Extract Copy of the Morning Report which documented Braden’s AWOL from his Special Forces unit in Vietnam. DA Form 188 is considered prima fascia evidence to support a charge of AWOL. Under the provisions of Article 32 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) a commissioned officer must be appointed to investigate the case before any member of the military can be tried by a General Court Martial (GCM). An officer was duly appointed. He investigated the evidence in the case and recommended that the Braden be given a GCM. The convening authority, the Commanding General of Fort Dix, agreed and the date for the GCM was scheduled. On the date the GCM was to start General Harold K Johnson, Army Chief of Staff, called Fort Dix and ordered the trial not be held “for security reasons.” Since there was a documented charge of AWOL that did not result in a court martial conviction Braden was offered the opportunity to “resign for the good of the service,” which was permitted under an Army Regulation. The provisions of such resignations include a “bar to reenlistment’ so that the soldier could not reenter the military. Braden initially balked at the terms under which he was to be separated from the Army but eventually agreed. On the day my XO, armed with a .45-caliber pistol, escorted him to the Transfer Station. Braden was in a Class A or Army green dress uniform complete with his braid, green beret, his many ribbons, highly polished boots, bloused trousers and his Master Jump Wings. (He had been in Army fatigues in the stockade.) He could have been photographed for a recruiting poster. Although my XO and I thought the entire Braden case very unusual, we had to get back to our regular AWOL case load. In July, 1967 the SPD had 245 Special Court Martial trials for AWOL so we plenty to keep us busy. In August, 1967, I was released from Active Duty and began my Army reserve career. In late June or early July, 1974, while on annual training at Fort Jackson, SC, I met an Active Duty Army Major who was the Assistant Inspector General (IG) on the post. Since Fort Jackson also had an SPD and prisoners in the stockade frequently complain to the IG, I struck up a conversation with him about unusual cases each of us had experienced with SPD personnel. I described the Braden case without ever mentioning Braden by name and the Major said “you are talking about Ted Braden aren’t you?” I was initially stunned but replied, “Yes”. The Major then said “You were had. Braden was a CIA plant in the Congo and he was recognized so he was arrested to save face with the Congolese government. The entire Fort Dix episode was staged as part of the cover up. I saw Braden in Vietnam last year and he is now a Sergeant Major (Grade E-9).” Braden was a Sergeant First Class (Grade E-7) when he was discharged in 1967 with a bar to ever reentering the military. Now, according to the Major at Fort Jackson, Braden by 1973 had not only reentered the Army but had been promoted twice. At this point at least I had closure on what had transpired in the Braden case. With what the Major had told me at Fort Jackson everything about the Braden case seemed to make sense and I sort of filed the whole matter away. In October, 2011 I again thought about the case and wondered whatever had become of Braden so I did a Google search on “Braden” which led me to the DropZone website and via that site I got linked to Bruce Smith, Al Tyre, and Tom Smith. In a phone conversation with Al Tyre he told me he saw Braden in a truck stop in Bowling Green, KY in 1973, and had a lengthy conversation with him. I was stunned because this directly contradicted what the Major at Fort Jackson had told me in 1974. Why the Major lied to me I do not know but it just adds another element to the strangeness of the entire Braden case. November 16, 2011

377 beat me to it it about the copyright thing..... As for selling - Not saying it's a good or bad marketing idea now that Geoffrey's title " Skyjack: The Hunt for DB Cooper" is out there. Although you are, as usual, awfully quick to malign and assume nefarious motives, I can still see the point you make. As a reader the title wouldn't necessarily bother me -- but that's a call Bruce will have to make for himself. Now as to the fairness of it, I do know that Bruce has had a work in progress in the "public eye" for over a year (Maybe longer - just know that I have a copy from Sept 2010) with the same title he is using now. Don't know when Geoffrey Gray first came out with his title. Just saying it may well be that Bruce used the phrase first. Regardless, it's not like it's a novel idea (

*** "Oops!"

Greetings Everyone, I thought y'all would be interested in reading my latest correspondence with the FBI, specifically an email I received today from Ayn Dietrich regarding a series of questions I sent to her and Curtis Eng a week or so ago. I am further pleased to report that Ms. Dietrich has been courteous and timely with me in all my dealings. **************** FBI, Report from Ayn Dietrich: Hi, Bruce— Thanks for your patience in my responding to you. As we discussed on the phone, FBI policy restricts the release of details on a pending investigation unless necessary to further the investigation. For the most part, the questions you asked me delve into details that we cannot discuss because of this policy. For the answers I can provide, please see my comments inserted in your text below. I’d also like to make you aware of the resources that we have shared in the past, considering that information is already out there. As you may have seen, the FBI published an updated article in 2009: http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2009/march/dbcooper_031709; We recently added a “Resources” box towards the bottom, on the right-hand side—which contains links to two previous articles, a video, and the FBI Vault with released records; In the Vault’s DB Cooper archive (http://vault.fbi.gov/D-B-Cooper), you may find the answers you are seeking. I apologize that this isn’t exactly the assistance you were seeking, but I hope this is still helpful to some degree. Ayn From: Bruce Smith [mailto:BruceSmith@rainierconnect.com] Sent: Sunday, November 06, 2011 7:27 PM To: Dietrich, Ayn S. Subject: Mountain News calling Greetings Ayn Dietrich, Here are some questions I have for you and Curtis Eng regarding DB Cooper. I am developing a major piece on the DB Cooper case for the Mountain News http://themountainnewswa.net/category/db-cooper/, and eventual publication in my book: "The Hunt for DB Cooper – The Resurgent Investigation into America’s only Unsolved Skyjacking." I have a number of points in my research that need clarification or confirmation; hence, I hope you can address them. Brief responses are fine. I’m not looking for, or expecting, a “white” paper on the Cooper case. I’m just presenting the questions that are at issue for me, and if you can help me sort it out I’d be grateful 1. Confessions: A reported 922 individuals have confessed to be being DB Cooper. Can you confirm? If this number is incorrect, can you offer an estimate of the number of confessees? Himmelsbach says “it is in the hundreds.” Any thoughts on why so many? AD: "I cannot get into details about this matter because it pertains to a pending investigation." 2. Money Find at Tina’s Bar How many shards of twenty dollar bills were found at Tina’s Bar? Former PIO Dorwin Schroeder says they found “thousands” of shards and put them in plastic baggies. Gray writes in his book that there are a handful in a match box. What is the most accurate characterization in your judgment? Also, can you share your perspective on where they were found? There is a lot of controversy on this issue. Schroeder says three-feet down in a concentrated area, but the guy on the backhoe digging up the sand, Al Fazio, says “No way!” and that they all washed-up due to tidal action and waves. AD: "I cannot get into details about this matter because it pertains to a pending investigation." 3. Citizen Research Team What can you tell me about the Bureau’s response to the Citizen Research Team’s finding that titanium sponge was found on DB Cooper’s tie? The CRT claims that such material could only be present in a handful of machine shops and metal research labs in 1971, and folks are clamoring to know if anyone is investigating this lead. AD: "I will not comment specifically on its findings, but I can tell you that the team’s findings contribute meaningfully to our investigation. Although this is not an active investigation — in that the FBI is not actively looking for new evidence or witnesses — we do pursue all credible leads accordingly. Understanding everything that the physical evidence has to offer is important in any investigation, including this one." 4. Back Parachutes The ownership of the back parachutes delivered to Cooper has recently come into question. Can you tell me the true roles of Norman Hayden and Earl Cossey in the Cooper case? AD: "I cannot get into details about a pending investigation." 5. Other Evidence Can you tell me the status of the eight cigarette butts left by DB Cooper? Also, what is the status of hair strands recovered from the head rest? Are either used as a source of genetic material for DNA comparison? AD: "I cannot get into details about this matter because it pertains to a pending investigation. However, I can confirm that we do have some degree of DNA from the evidence collected on the plane." 6. Role of Richard McCoy The role of Richard McCoy in the DB Cooper case is highly controversial in some circles. Do you think McCoy played a part in the Cooper skyjacking? Former SAC Russ Calame shows convincingly in his book that McCoy was absent from his home in Utah on Thanksgiving, 1971, and was in Las Vegas, Nevada during the hours after the skyjacking, specifically in the environs of McCarran airport. Does any of this play a part in the Cooper case in your judgment? AD: "I cannot get into details about a pending investigation." 7. Role of Ted E Mayfield Former SA Ralph Himmelsbach writes in his book that Mayfield made invaluable contributions to the FBI’s investigation of DB Cooper. Can you tell me what those contributions were? Both Ralph and Ted refuse to discuss the matter with me, for unknown reasons. AD: "I cannot get into details about a pending investigation." 8. Role of Jerry Thomas in the investigation Former SA Ralph Himmelsbach has an extraordinarily close relationship with Jerry Thomas, and Jerry often states publicly that he assists you in the DB Cooper case. Yet, Jerry offers some wacky opinions – and in a very authoritative manner – such as that flight 305 had four flight attendants and that he knew Cooper suspect Richard McCoy in Vietnam. Can you tell me what tangible contributions Mr. Thomas has made to the case or how he has earned such an intimate position in the Bureau’s investigation? AD: "I cannot get into details about a pending investigation." 9. Status of Ted Braden and Sheridan Peterson. Former Vietnam Green Beret SgtM Ted Braden is widely rumored within military circles to be DB Cooper. In addition, former Marine and Vietnam refugee specialist Sheridan Peterson has been investigated by the Bureau twice in connection with the Cooper case. Can you share your perspective on these suspects, or the possibility that a former Vietnam combat commando could have been Cooper? Similarly, what’s your perspective on the potential of former airborne troops and CIA combat contractors from the SE Asia Theater to receive the skills necessary to do the Cooper caper as part of their military experience? AD: "I cannot get into details about a pending investigation." 10. Status of Tina Mucklow in the current investigation Have you visited Tina Mucklow or spoken with her? Do you know why she has undergone such a profound personality change, or why she disappeared for thirty years? Has she made any contributions to the investigation in recent years? AD: "I cannot get into details about a pending investigation." 11. Status of Lee Dormuth What is the current status of former SA Lee Dormuth in the investigation? AD: "I cannot get into details about a pending investigation." 12. Role of Charlie Farrell Can you describe or characterize the Cooper investigation that SA Farrell launched in 1971? He hasn’t left any public record of his perspective on the case or evidence of his leadership style. Can you shed any light in this area? AD: "I cannot get into details about a pending investigation." 14. Your perspective on DB Cooper? How would you characterize your view of DB Cooper and the case? How are you conducting the case? What do you see as the key issues? AD: "As far as a “view,” the FBI follows facts and does not make assumptions or draw conclusions. Our investigators are certain not to let their personal viewpoints get in the way of having evidence speak for itself. "This is an open investigation but not an active one in that we are not still looking for information. That said, when tips come in to us, we assess each one and, if credible, pursue the lead accordingly." Lastly, any chance that I could review the documents and evidence that Geoffrey Gray, Tom Kaye and others have examined? AD: "I appreciate your interest but we are not making those materials available to the media or the public at this time."

Greetings, As many of you know, my note taking and memory of interviews is less than 100% perfect. Some have surmised that on a "good day" I get maybe 50% correct. So, God-Bless you all for your continuing editorial commentaries. Where would I be without them? Certainly, the story would suffer with much less truth in it. So, it has continued apace this weekend regarding my post on my interview with Alan MacArthur, generously hosted by Dwight Sailshaw. I have received a TON of corrections, most notably about Sheridan Peterson. Now, after a revision of a revision, I think I may have got it right. Snowmman calls this collaborative process "crowd-sourcing," and it has been described as such by another journalist whose name I can't remember at the moment, of course. (a New York Times guy?). But it's true, open-sourced investigations and the resulting write-ups are a two-way street and participants need both humility and cajones. Again, thanks to all for all your help in helping me deliver a worthier product. I am also happy to report that no one directed nasty words to me. Whew. I'll be happy to write a nice note to your mother if you'd like, or Santa - your choice. http://themountainnewswa.net/2011/11/11/db-cooper-interview-with-boeing-engineer-sheds-more-light-on-case/

Greetings All, Norman Hayden announced today that he is withdrawing from all participation in the DB Cooper investigation due to having his good name smeared by Earl Cossey, and the fact that I printed it in the Mountain News. Norman is exceptionally sensitive to these circumstances, and he is anathema to the harsh and vulgar sentiments expressed by Mr Cossey regarding parachute ownership. A more complete report can be read at the Mountain News. http://themountainnewswa.net/2011/11/13/db-cooper-build-up-to-the-40th-anniversary/#more-3982 On a completely different subject, has anyone ever walked El Camino de Santaigo de Compostela? I just saw the movie called The Way, and I'm interested in learning more about El Camino from those who have exprienced it directly. Thanks.

That's wrong but I think it's just a misunderstanding. I think he is talking about canopy release hardware (eg Capewells), not the ripcord system. Early Capewell fittings (called two-shots) worked just like he described, but they had nothing to do with opening the parachute. They were used to release the canopy from the harness for various reasons e.g. so a jumper wouldn't be dragged by wind after landing or could detach the canopy after a water landing so that he could swim. 377 Thanks, Three-Seven-Seven, I think you have cleared up the situation. Things can get muddled when you don't know what you don't know.

Greetings All, I have a report on my latest luncheon interview with Bob Sailshaw. This time it is with Alan MacArthur, a Boeing physicist and founder of the Boeing Skydiving Club. Alan also knows Earl Cossey; and in fact was in Vietnam in 1971 as an 0-2 on a SF Alpha team. Quite a few angles to cover: http://themountainnewswa.net/2011/11/11/db-cooper-interview-with-boeing-engineer-sheds-more-light-on-case/#more-3969