The longest-held prisoner of war in American history (360)
Вставка
- Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
- Jack Downey was the longest-held prisoner of war in American history. He was a CIA officer captured in China during the Korean War and imprisoned for twenty-one years.
I speak with Barry Werth the author of Prisoner of Lies - Jack Downey's Cold War. He details Downey’s story when the CIA recruited him as a new Yale graduate in the post-World War II years. In a violation of protocol, Downey took part in an airdrop that failed and was captured over China.
US government policy forbade ever acknowledging the identity of spies, no matter the consequences. Washington invented a fictitious cover story and stood by it through four Administrations. As a result, Downey was imprisoned during the decades that Red China, as it was called, was considered by the US to be a hostile nation.
This is a harrowing, chilling story of one man whose life is at the mercy of larger forces outside of his control; in Downey’s case as a pawn of the Cold War, and more specifically the Oval Office and the State Department.
However above all, it is an inspiring story of remarkable fortitude and resilience.
Buy the book here & support the podcast amzn.to/3LRQyvW
Linked episodes
Gary Powers & the 1960 U2 Incident pod.fo/e/f830
The Chinese Civil War and the Independence of Taiwan pod.fo/e/b9f5d
Episode extras coldwarconvers...
The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to coldwarconvers...
If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link.
Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to coldwarconvers...
Support the project! coldwarconvers...
Follow us on Twitter / coldwarpod
Facebook / coldwarpod
Instagram / coldwarconversations
UA-cam / @coldwarconversations
Love history? Join Intohistory intohistory.co...
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices (podcastchoices...)
Just found this channel. Cant wait to dig in.
Thanks for listening!
You're in for a treat.
Pick up method was shown in the movie The Green Berets.
Thanks. I will check it out.
Hmmm...I think, perhaps, there is someone out there whose imprisonment exceeds that of 20.years.
Absolutely, maybe one day, this hypothetical person might be revealed for all to know.
Or, sadly, this persons story might never be told. Yes, I think there is little chance that such a story could ever be revealed to the pubkic domain.
Sadly so....
🌞🌞🌞
Who is that?
Is true French POWs were held by Vietnam well into the 1970s?
I forget the name but an American POW who was in captivity for years Red Cross involved in his release to USA charged by US military. He claims to have been in a village where French Soldiers POW were told this is it buddy you can't go live your life out in a village. But they were Algerian
It's interesting. I knew about the Foster Dulles ban on Americans going to China. I believe there were ppl from here mostly Academic and Union types went there during these periods. There's a really good interbmview with a German girl who was born there and grew up there with her mother in this period
@@davidleonard1813 If you could find that interview I would be most grateful.
Theres a later version of this hook pick up with a baloon in the John Wayne movie The Green Berets
I suppose one wouldnt be bitter with 20 years CIA backpay lol
too many ads!
You can listen ad free via this link www.patreon.com/coldwarpod
Great story ruined by too many aDS!!
Get Premium, use AdBlock or listen on the coldwar podcast site.
As a monthly or annual supporter you can join the CWC community and listen ad free here. www.patreon.com/coldwarpod