The Central Intelligence Agency and Overhead Reconnaissance; The U-2 and OXCART Programs, 1954-1974

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Sec, et NO,-OPU~
Chapter 4
snubbed by President Kennedy, who one year earlier had warmly wel­
comed two Air Force RB-47 fliers released by the Soviet Union.
McCone remained hostile to Powers. and in April 1963 he awarded
the Intelligence Star to all of the U-2 pilots except Powers. Finally on
25 April 1965, just two days before McCone's resignation became ef­
fective, Powers received the Star (which was dated 1963 on the back)
from DDCI Marshall S. Carter:
6
Powers' return from captivity raised the question of what his fu­
ture employment should be. This issue had already been discussed
one year earlier by John N. McMahon, executive officer of the DPD.
who noted that he and Col. Leo P. Geary (the Air Force project offi­
cer) were concerned about a major dilemma for the CIA and the US
Government: " On the one hand we have gone to considerable lengths
to prove that the U-2 program was a civilian undertaking and not mil­
itary aggression; on the other hand there is on fi le a document that
assures Francis Gary Powers that if he so desires he may be reinstated
into the USAF.'' On 21 March 1961 McMahon wrote:
If we grant him [Powers/ the right that is now his, namely rein­
statement in the Air Force, then we would be subjecting our­
selves to probable adverse propaganda by the USSR. Admitting
little appreciation for the finer points ofpolitical and psycholog­
ical warfare, should Francis Gary Powers return to the USAF I
suspect that the Soviets would have a "PP" field day illustrating
our big lie. The question then. since we cannot permit Powers to
return to the USAF. is what do we do with him."
Despite this negative recommendation, the Air Force agreed on
4 April I 962 to reinstate Powers effective I July, a decision that was
approved by the Agency, State Dep•artment, and White House. Then
Powers· divorce proceedings began. and the Air Force, concerned
about adverse publicity, postponed reinstatement until the end of the
proceedings. In the meantime Pow1ers began working for Lockheed
as a U-2 pilot. In March 1963, he met with Colonel Geary to discuss
his future plans and decided to stay with Lockheed."11 Powers re­
mained at Lockheed until U-2 testing ceased in September 1969.
Earlier in the year, he had published an account of his experiences on
"' OSA Hiswry, chap. 14. p. 54 (TS Codeword): Beschloss. Mayday. p. 397.
" John N. McMahon to Chief. Cover Staff. DPD. 21 March I 961. Operation MUDLARK
files. OSA records. job 74-B-605. box 6 (S).
" OSA History. chap. 14, p. 52 (TS Codeword).