When a Cold War Spy Goes Nuclear | True Life Spy Stories

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  • Опубліковано 21 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 173

  • @PhilipThompson
    @PhilipThompson  Рік тому +18

    For the full James Harper story, I highly recommend that you listen to the Spy Valley podcast: link.chtbl.com/spyvalley?at=1010l39W4&sid=fm.website

  • @FigaroHey
    @FigaroHey Рік тому +194

    Cardboard boxes buried by a river. Not the sharpest tack in the box.

    • @KrahyzHD
      @KrahyzHD Рік тому +16

      I mean no one would ever think to look for documents there because it's simply the dumbest place to put them

    • @cheesyfeymuss
      @cheesyfeymuss Рік тому +1

      Just peruse through one's grammar and you'll know it's a geezer of a dinosaur.

    • @john-carlosynostroza
      @john-carlosynostroza Рік тому +3

      ​@@KrahyzHDand yet they were found

    • @G17-k6f
      @G17-k6f Рік тому +3

      He wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer.

    • @simonfea2
      @simonfea2 Рік тому +1

      The Delta!?! Like where it floods and whatnot? Wow.

  • @kixigvak
    @kixigvak Рік тому +49

    Great video. I was living in Silicon Valley during this time and used to wonder what sort of mischief related to espionage was afoot. Alcohol sure plays a big role in spy stories!

    • @TheArtofFugue
      @TheArtofFugue Рік тому +3

      It’s not a coincidence if that’s what you’re pointing at. The sheer amount of people that drink alcohol alone makes it not a coincidence everytime that alcohol is a related theme solely bc there are so many alcoholics.

    • @thecatwrangler9448
      @thecatwrangler9448 Рік тому +1

      ⁠@@TheArtofFuguea solid 10.5% of Americans 12 or older! And those are just the ones who admitted to it

  • @Son_of_Mandalore
    @Son_of_Mandalore Рік тому +60

    As a Veteran myself, the fact that he got a soldiers burial is outrageous, far too good for a traitor.
    Sublime work as always Philip, absolutely fascinating. Loving the switch up from WW2 to the Cold War, can't wait to see where we go next. Hoping for a Bletchley or Cheltenham based story some time in the future.

    • @LMB222
      @LMB222 Рік тому +1

      You're not a veteran. The last war on US territory was in 1812.

    • @PhilipThompson
      @PhilipThompson  Рік тому +5

      Thanks Ky! Please do listen to the podcast I've linked to.. I'm sure you will love it. The Cold War is my favourite so watch this space :)

    • @Son_of_Mandalore
      @Son_of_Mandalore Рік тому +19

      @@LMB222 I'm not sure that you understand what a Veteran is, but I can assure you that I am. I will leave it at that out of respect for the channel and the content creator.

    • @Son_of_Mandalore
      @Son_of_Mandalore Рік тому +2

      @@PhilipThompson it is already on my podcast list Philp, thank you for letting us all know that it's available.

    • @PhilipThompson
      @PhilipThompson  Рік тому +18

      @@Son_of_Mandalore you've done well to be restrained replying to that moronic comment!

  • @0therun1t21
    @0therun1t21 Рік тому +41

    I can't sleep and this was perfect timing. These stories are incredibly interesting and help keep my brain occupied so it doesn't spin out, especially the cold war stuff. Thank you so much!
    The Spy Valley podcast sounds really cool too, can't wait to check it out.

    • @singhpriyanka0210
      @singhpriyanka0210 Рік тому +4

      I do that too!! I always play these videos before sleeping, it keeps my mind occupied and stops me from thinking random things. The only downside, I never get to the end!

    • @0therun1t21
      @0therun1t21 Рік тому +2

      @@singhpriyanka0210 I finish in the morning while making coffee, it helps me have a better morning too.

  • @misslawless6021
    @misslawless6021 Рік тому +36

    I dont understand people who throw away everything that is good in their life. Hope his wife got far away and healed after

    • @hanaluong2672
      @hanaluong2672 11 місяців тому +1

      I don't understand, either, especially that he could make easy money in Silicon Valley.

    • @leobustos740
      @leobustos740 6 місяців тому +1

      They are simply not good enough to be responsible for their end of a mutually respectful and honest relationship. Never give these people a chance to explain themselves, they are simply not good enough.

  • @nycrsny3406
    @nycrsny3406 10 місяців тому +10

    A soldier's burial? Who the hell are the people making these decisions? Has a spy ever sold more valuable technology information than this guy? The fact that he was even granted parole is just mindboggling.

  • @GaryPritchard
    @GaryPritchard Рік тому +8

    Brilliant as always Philip. So well illustrated too. Keep up the good work

  • @daisys8052
    @daisys8052 Рік тому +16

    Thank you, Philip. You have made a thriller. Your scripts are always excellent. Some spy stories are so neat: The spies spared death by violence, living long and dying a natural death. One ends up empathising. I hope my opinion won't offend anyone.

    • @Gixsir
      @Gixsir Рік тому +2

      Solid point, don’t ever care if anyone is offended if your right

    • @daisys8052
      @daisys8052 Рік тому

      @@Gixsir :) Thanks

    • @skydeclair
      @skydeclair Рік тому

      Nothing like a soldiers barrel ya daisy,, you can right your own script

    • @thecatwrangler9448
      @thecatwrangler9448 Рік тому

      @@GixsirI’m offended that you’re offended by @daisys8052 hoping they weren’t offending anyone

  • @TopicalEssay
    @TopicalEssay Рік тому +14

    Another well-presented history video. Well done Philip.

  • @alec69xd
    @alec69xd Рік тому +15

    Your content continues to be incredible. Keep up the great work!

  • @daviddoherty2841
    @daviddoherty2841 Рік тому +23

    Russians don't have as many traitors because of their heavier consequences if caught. Not a deterrent for every single agent, but it does keep most of them loyal.

    • @gregjones1537
      @gregjones1537 Рік тому +3

      And our TRAITORS Penalties should be the same, As long as that is Death.
      Also stripped of all assets..

    • @rushyscoper1651
      @rushyscoper1651 Рік тому +1

      not really, this is clearly not lack of consequences but opportunistic and lack of loyalty mindset.
      u can call it brainwashing or nationalism or whatever but to be a traitor as a russians was much unappealing mentally even so its was arguable much more profitable and safer then being spying for the soviet.

    • @metaparcel
      @metaparcel 10 місяців тому

      Where the fuck did you even come up with that statistic? I swear Reddit University grads like you pump out "trust me bro" citations left and right. Clearly you're a bot but most likely you're a 4chan and Reddit troll who let one too many liked posts you've written across the interwebs to elevate your ego to the point where saying bullshit may sound to you like zen like philosophy.

    • @rashedusman9717
      @rashedusman9717 5 місяців тому +1

      Russians had enough traitors, but to be a traitor in the USSR meant not only to be personally targeted but all family members targeted.
      Also, if someone sudenly made a lot of money they couldn't really spend it, plus almoust everyone was an informant. In contrast, in the US and other western nations, a lot of people have money they can't justfy, buy expensive cars and houses while nobody really cares.
      Another aspect is the 'have more than others' mentality that is at the base of capitalism and is used even today with great success by intelligence agencies.

  • @VivaRevolucionDGS
    @VivaRevolucionDGS Рік тому +5

    I am fascinated by stories like these

  • @jonnyheathen6104
    @jonnyheathen6104 Рік тому +10

    Nice work Mr. Thompson. Loving that voiceover - A.I or not, it’s a great voice.

  • @kn9369
    @kn9369 Рік тому +4

    Love these stories and your narration. Thank you for posting.

  • @plywoodcarjohnson5412
    @plywoodcarjohnson5412 Рік тому +2

    Great upload Sir! Thx!

  • @CTP909
    @CTP909 Рік тому +2

    Another great video. Thanks and keep up the good work!

  • @sultanulbaiazid
    @sultanulbaiazid Рік тому +5

    How is it that the us could not immediately discover Harper after they discovered that the meetings were taken place in warsaw? How many american citizens travelled before 1989 to poland, deep behind the iron curtain?
    I imagine it must have been 10 people/year

    • @karolw.5208
      @karolw.5208 11 місяців тому +3

      There were thousands, I was there.

  • @darrenhillman8396
    @darrenhillman8396 Рік тому +12

    Another fascinating account, Mr Thompson!
    Hats off to you for telling this story.
    Excellent narration along with an interesting series of illustrations.
    I am very pleased that I became a subscriber to your superb channel!

    • @PhilipThompson
      @PhilipThompson  Рік тому +3

      Thanks so much Darren. I really do appreciate your continued support and viewership!

    • @seanosull2884
      @seanosull2884 Рік тому

      ​@PhilipThompson Was that Stephen Fry narrating? It sounded just like him

    • @PhilipThompson
      @PhilipThompson  Рік тому +3

      @@seanosull2884 no, the voiceover is AI assisted.. But it would be quite something if I could afford to pay Stephen Fry to do my voiceovers! 😅

  • @greaseman01
    @greaseman01 Рік тому +5

    Never heard this story excellent video sir

  • @domgould5113
    @domgould5113 Рік тому +3

    Great hisstory,well told..Thanks,i enjoyed it.

  • @richt6353
    @richt6353 Рік тому +3

    Great Video!!

  • @Mahdi-dm6jr
    @Mahdi-dm6jr Рік тому +2

    Finally the recommendation tab does it’s job

  • @loneranger5928
    @loneranger5928 Рік тому +2

    Great video 👍👍

  • @65redd
    @65redd Рік тому +3

    This is f... Amazing my my

  • @PAUL-os1qm
    @PAUL-os1qm Місяць тому

    The microchip was invented by Jack Kilby of Texas Instruments. He also invented the integrated circuit and the electronic calculator. Received the Nobel prize for his amazing work.

  • @nati032158
    @nati032158 Рік тому +2

    What a ride this was!

  • @garrettsharber3926
    @garrettsharber3926 Рік тому +3

    SMH. Imagine how stressful that life would have been, NO THANKS!

  • @Primesuspect13
    @Primesuspect13 Рік тому +2

    Thanks Sir

  • @readytogo99
    @readytogo99 Рік тому +4

    To die at 39 from alcohol. I understand it is very painful.

    • @JudeNance
      @JudeNance 6 місяців тому

      They bleed from orifice, no pain control because liver being destroyed by alcohol.

  • @oed706
    @oed706 Рік тому +2

    This was great!

  • @JuliaAlexandra180
    @JuliaAlexandra180 Рік тому +3

    Harper folded like a pack of cards

  • @davidwestfall4336
    @davidwestfall4336 Місяць тому

    As a veteran, I detest allowing a convicted spy the honor of military burial..

  • @choppermorgan9946
    @choppermorgan9946 Рік тому +4

    First time watching your show really interesting I really like it Hope to come a member thank you so much for your hard work you put into this from Indiana USA

  • @joysam817
    @joysam817 Рік тому +2

    Excellent jobs, really awesome 👍👍👍

  • @yuglesstube
    @yuglesstube Рік тому +1

    Thanks for this excellent presentation.

  • @PhilipThompson
    @PhilipThompson  Рік тому +1

    Follow the link to listen to the Spy Valley podcast for a full telling of the James Harper story:
    link.chtbl.com/spyvalley?at=1010l39W4&sid=fm.website
    I can't recommend it enough!

  • @pepballer6375
    @pepballer6375 Рік тому +3

    Yea he wasn't a very smart lad cardboard box by the river side + telling people I sold you out don't hurt me 😂

  • @chonqmonk
    @chonqmonk 9 місяців тому

    The Sacramento River Delta Islands are almost as lawless as Mogadishu! Seriously, it's freakin insane out there...

  • @emperorofpluto
    @emperorofpluto Рік тому +4

    Awesome video. Fascinating story. Bravo.

  • @jeff-hh9mc
    @jeff-hh9mc 10 місяців тому

    This was the most hilarious spy story I’ve ever heard.

  • @garfieldfarkle
    @garfieldfarkle Рік тому +1

    Thanks for the video. Good job.
    Is Harper's middle name "Durward" or "Durwood"?
    Author Ronald Kessler has it as Durward.

    • @PhilipThompson
      @PhilipThompson  Рік тому

      I believe it should be Durward!

    • @garfieldfarkle
      @garfieldfarkle Рік тому

      Just guessing you were watching Durwood Kirby videos on another channel at the time . . . . lol . . . I've done worse.
      The important thing is the video and you did a very good job.
      I have been building an espionage database for 20 years and had forgotten about this case.
      I have two sources with entries about Harper:
      THE FBI, by Ronald Kessler (Pocket Books, New York, 1993), page 210
      SPY BOOK The Encyclopedia of Espionage, Updated and Revised Edition, by Norman Polmar and Thomas B. Allen (Random House, New York, 1997), pages 254-255, 554.

    • @PhilipThompson
      @PhilipThompson  Рік тому

      @@garfieldfarkle wow! Is your database a personal project or used for some other purpose? How many entries do you have?

    • @garfieldfarkle
      @garfieldfarkle Рік тому

      @@PhilipThompson It's a personal project. I already had a jump on collecting information on espionage when I got my first computer about 21 years ago.
      Fortunately, from the beginning I established a filing system in which everything is footnoted.
      It is limited in that I only record stuff I can put my hands on, like books in my collection, newspaper clippings I saved or published material I have copied.
      Overall, the entire thing is 294 MB and the files on personnel are 8.64 MB.
      There is a lot of repetition, because I want to be able to find something if I remember just a fragment.
      So if I was looking for a CIA officer whose first name was John who served in the Moscow station, instead of going to the massive master personnel file, I can go to the file of U.S. intelligence personnel, or CIA personnel, or the file on the CIA's Directorate of Operations, or the file on the CIA's Moscow station.
      With Harper, for example, I begin with an entry in the Master Personnel file and as I copy information from a source, I note the reference to the serial number I have given sources in my Sources file.
      (My sources file has 2,000 or more sources).
      The entry has the person's full name, code names, organizations they worked for, dates of birth and death, and a list of others in the Master Personnel file they are connected to in some way.
      Then there is a list of all sources and page numbers where that person appears in my sources, because frequently I have not taken every note on every page of every source and am thus able to fill out the entry more.
      If I put new notes in the Harper entry in the Master Personnel file, I copy it into other files like U.S. Personnel, FBI Counterintelligence, KGB First Chief Directorate, etc.
      I'd be happy to share whatever I have in my files with you. If you'll log on to the Quora.com site, you may reach me there by DM:
      www.quora.com/profile/Garfield-Farkle
      After you reply I'll delete this info.

  • @mikeall7012
    @mikeall7012 4 місяці тому

    This should be a movie

  • @richardc5226
    @richardc5226 4 місяці тому +1

    Seriously how shit must the selection process be

  • @kungfuwitcher7621
    @kungfuwitcher7621 Рік тому +1

    Had an accident at sea they say 😂 Was probably the .50 cal rounds that sent him overboard.

  • @Herman47
    @Herman47 Рік тому

    *Go, Heroic Caribou, Go!*

  • @my-mysknitsaloon
    @my-mysknitsaloon Рік тому +2

    What about Stig Bergling the Swedish spy ? Or S .Wennerström ?

  • @amanullahkariapper2503
    @amanullahkariapper2503 Рік тому +3

    Your natural voice is much more relatable!

  • @beltigussin81
    @beltigussin81 24 дні тому

    How he would get his cash back home? How did he get suitcases of documents past the iron curtain without detection

  • @onetime1828
    @onetime1828 Рік тому

    I must have took this off my news feed like 50 times. Why does it keep showing up?

  • @daviddoherty2841
    @daviddoherty2841 Рік тому +4

    Prison is a state of mind. Because someone is in prison doesn't mean their unhappy. Millions stay home, hardly even going outdoors let alone down the street. Self imposed prison if you will. Its just not enough punishment for a traitor.

    • @shakiMiki
      @shakiMiki Рік тому

      Deeeeeeeeeeeeep

    • @rushyscoper1651
      @rushyscoper1651 Рік тому

      prison isn't a punishment or at least that very outdated view of it.

    • @simonfea2
      @simonfea2 Рік тому +1

      My uncle in law was in prison 40+ years. He was released due to COVID and overcrowding. He doesn't want to leave his room. Sure, he is quiet and neat, but he can't keep a job due to fear or relate to the present world at all. It's really sad because I was hoping he would take the opportunity to start life. He was only 16 when he went in.

  • @chickiesmp
    @chickiesmp Рік тому

    Accident on the board ? Come on men 😂😂😂

  • @kubakrzyszczak3229
    @kubakrzyszczak3229 Рік тому

    Maybe something about Marian Zacharski ?

  • @daviddoherty2841
    @daviddoherty2841 Рік тому +1

    If it makes a traitor happy being productive slaving to partially pay his debt as a prisoner, so be it.

  • @JudeNance
    @JudeNance 6 місяців тому

    My nerves couldn't hold up. I also wouldn't sell my soul to the anyone.

  • @antoinesilva1527
    @antoinesilva1527 Рік тому

    I’m surprised to be this early.

  • @Factopians.
    @Factopians. Рік тому +2

    Hey bro your videos are amazing! What do u edit on and where can I contact u

    • @PhilipThompson
      @PhilipThompson  Рік тому

      Thanks! I edit using Da Vinci Resolve. My email is listed under my About section on my channel page.

  • @bravo6310
    @bravo6310 Рік тому +3

    Wonder what happened to all that money?

  • @dolcefarniente________86
    @dolcefarniente________86 Рік тому +1

    Can you make an documentary about : "Operation Valuable" ,also known as the "Albanian subversion" .Belligerents
    Communist Albania VS
    United States
    United Kingdom
    Supported by:
    Yugoslavia
    Northern Epirus KEVA (Northern Epirus Organization)[1]
    NATO NATO:
    Greece
    Italy
    Germany West Germany

  • @Mohamed.Kaleed20
    @Mohamed.Kaleed20 Рік тому +3

    Wait, who took a boat and headed to Mexico and was lost by the sea!!!????

  • @lucascalvert8809
    @lucascalvert8809 Рік тому

    THATS DB COOPER!!!!!! swear down. he told me yesterday

  • @Zlorthishen
    @Zlorthishen Рік тому +1

    where did you get the GTA style graphics?

  • @jilalgaming7573
    @jilalgaming7573 Рік тому

    06:36 lmao

  • @ShornDunlevy
    @ShornDunlevy 3 місяці тому

    'CHAMPING at the bit', not CHOMPING.

  • @Tomas-mi9fl
    @Tomas-mi9fl 11 місяців тому

    I live in northwest Arkansas that’s crazy

  • @ThePuschkin1986
    @ThePuschkin1986 11 місяців тому

    I dont understand why it would have been such an issue to travel with an envelope full of cash. its not like they strip-search you or your baggage at the airport, certainly not back then when airplane hijackers smuggled guns and hand granates onboard with ease.

  • @gondolin12
    @gondolin12 11 місяців тому

    well. at least he served for the country he betrayed. ying yang?

  • @jefe58
    @jefe58 Рік тому

    He looks like DB cooper

  • @steveprocter6241
    @steveprocter6241 Рік тому

    The pronunciation of the Polish handler is z-Dgi-swav z-pshe-ho-zhin.

  • @athalaparlambang50
    @athalaparlambang50 11 місяців тому

    Maybe you could make a video about Poteyev, the dude who moled Anna Chapman to the CIA.

  • @stuartpenman6387
    @stuartpenman6387 Рік тому

    considering the US could not build a good working rocket engine means this guy just gave Russia a laugh

  • @timestampterrysassistant7638
    @timestampterrysassistant7638 Рік тому +1

    Crazy timeline

  • @beltigussin81
    @beltigussin81 24 дні тому

    15 gs even back the is chum change given what he had and the risk taken.

  • @bigkat_tv
    @bigkat_tv Рік тому

    are these gta 6 teasers?!

  • @JamThomas
    @JamThomas Місяць тому +1

    Compared to other folk who work in espionage this guy seems like an amateur and a very poor negatioter

  • @daviddoherty2841
    @daviddoherty2841 Рік тому +1

    Punishment should be as heavy as the damage they do & ALSO the potential destruction.Since the death of one can't possibly make up for the death of millions drastic measures need to be applied for deterrent. Things like cannalblizin eyeballs for a blind person. Take one kidney for an American who needs it.Take his blood every month for the bank. Take a lung etc..Give him the option, keep his parts. Put his electronics skills to use that produce big $ or no deal. Use money for border security.

  • @bhubestakesoponsatien1143
    @bhubestakesoponsatien1143 Рік тому

    Where is National Security, CIA etc,,,,, must be passive….

  • @luanagardner1815
    @luanagardner1815 6 місяців тому

    Granted a soldier's burial?!?! 😡

  • @turtlegrams6582
    @turtlegrams6582 8 місяців тому

    Please on youtube > UN and the occult agenda via Walter Veith

  • @zombie_snax
    @zombie_snax Рік тому

    Derp..

  • @NefariousEnough
    @NefariousEnough 10 місяців тому

    Hahhhpuh & Hugle.

  • @freemindthinkerezrapound5071
    @freemindthinkerezrapound5071 11 місяців тому

    Harper is the quintessential Walter Mitty

  • @65redd
    @65redd Рік тому

    😔 😟

  • @garand1459
    @garand1459 8 днів тому

    AI voice 😢😢😢

  • @janacichra4969
    @janacichra4969 11 місяців тому

    ❤❤😂😅😢

  • @SiyabongaNkwanyana-n1f
    @SiyabongaNkwanyana-n1f Рік тому

    🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺❤️🏆

  • @jonwhite2706
    @jonwhite2706 Рік тому

    thumbs down chapter 1 chapter 8 so tell the story

  • @GTTemperd
    @GTTemperd Рік тому

    If not for people like the Rosenberg's fascist Germany would have seemed soft compared to a unchallenged nuclear equipped American nadir.