Target (55 page)
Authors: Robert K. Wilcox
32
Bazata letter to Richard Floyd dated 12 December 1977.
Bazata letter to Richard Floyd dated 12 December 1977.
33
“Report of Jedburgh Cedric,” National Archives, RG266(OSS)E169, Box 1, Folder 3.
“Report of Jedburgh Cedric,” National Archives, RG266(OSS)E169, Box 1, Folder 3.
34
Ibid., 4,
Ibid., 4,
36
Douglas Bazata’s CIA File, 20 January 1945. Forgan’s last name is not clear on the document and could be something similar, like Porgan. Bazata got the award.
Douglas Bazata’s CIA File, 20 January 1945. Forgan’s last name is not clear on the document and could be something similar, like Porgan. Bazata got the award.
37
Report of Jedburgh Cedric, 4.
Report of Jedburgh Cedric, 4.
39
After action report, Report of Jedburgh Cedric, 5.
After action report, Report of Jedburgh Cedric, 5.
42
After action, Report of Jedburgh Cedric, 6.
After action, Report of Jedburgh Cedric, 6.
43
Ibid.
Ibid.
44
The quotes come from a letter written by Bazata and dated only “10 August,” but probably, because of references in it, 1973. Both Bazata’s after action report and Millar’s
Maquis
contain versions of the incident.
The quotes come from a letter written by Bazata and dated only “10 August,” but probably, because of references in it, 1973. Both Bazata’s after action report and Millar’s
Maquis
contain versions of the incident.
46
Ibid., 351.
Ibid., 351.
47
Ibid.
Ibid.
48
Ibid.
Ibid.
49
His after action report and an outline he wrote for a book he gave the author, dated “2 Aug 75.”
His after action report and an outline he wrote for a book he gave the author, dated “2 Aug 75.”
51
“11 Sept 44” dispatch from Cedric, U.S. National Archives.
“11 Sept 44” dispatch from Cedric, U.S. National Archives.
52
Douglas Bazata, interview by the author. September 1996. While VA records indicate it could be one of his 8 noted wounds, it is not mentioned in the after-action report or in
Maquis
.
Douglas Bazata, interview by the author. September 1996. While VA records indicate it could be one of his 8 noted wounds, it is not mentioned in the after-action report or in
Maquis
.
53
After-action, Report of Jedburgh Cedric, 6.
After-action, Report of Jedburgh Cedric, 6.
54
Both the recommendation and actual citation can be found in Bazata’s CIA file and in records on Bazata at the National Archives.
Both the recommendation and actual citation can be found in Bazata’s CIA file and in records on Bazata at the National Archives.
55
Douglas Bazata’s CIA file. Recommendation by Lt. Colonel Charles E. Brebner, OSS European Theater Operations executive officer.
Douglas Bazata’s CIA file. Recommendation by Lt. Colonel Charles E. Brebner, OSS European Theater Operations executive officer.
56
The two page, signed and single-spaced statement was obtained by the author from Bazata’s files and is written on Pietsch’s stationary and dated September 15, 1977.
Chapter Four: A Meeting with DonovanThe two page, signed and single-spaced statement was obtained by the author from Bazata’s files and is written on Pietsch’s stationary and dated September 15, 1977.
3
Bazata’s relationship to the CIA is murky, as are many such relationships. He had a long, rocky friendship with fellow Jedburgh William Colby, CIA director from 1973 to 1975, and friendships and working relationships with other CIA personnel.
He was also a critic of the CIA. The agency released to me under an FOIA request 316 pages from their file on him. Many pages had redactions and some had references to withheld pages. Bazata always said he had gotten 600 pages from his CIA file in the 1970s and that he never was in the CIA, but was a “contractor” to them.
Bazata’s relationship to the CIA is murky, as are many such relationships. He had a long, rocky friendship with fellow Jedburgh William Colby, CIA director from 1973 to 1975, and friendships and working relationships with other CIA personnel.
He was also a critic of the CIA. The agency released to me under an FOIA request 316 pages from their file on him. Many pages had redactions and some had references to withheld pages. Bazata always said he had gotten 600 pages from his CIA file in the 1970s and that he never was in the CIA, but was a “contractor” to them.
4
They are controversial and it is unclear from the records—so far—exactly what happened on them.
They are controversial and it is unclear from the records—so far—exactly what happened on them.
5
Alan Haemer to Douglas Bazata, June 1976. Haemer was a long-time intelligence associate and professor at an Oregon college. It was occasioned when the FBI visited Haemer to interview him in a routine background check on Bazata who was applying for a government job. Haemer, who had known Bazata since their days at Syracuse University, had vouched for Bazata’s “honesty and loyalty” in the FBI report which I additionally found in other sources. Haemer told the agents, “Bazata was never known to be dishonest.”
Alan Haemer to Douglas Bazata, June 1976. Haemer was a long-time intelligence associate and professor at an Oregon college. It was occasioned when the FBI visited Haemer to interview him in a routine background check on Bazata who was applying for a government job. Haemer, who had known Bazata since their days at Syracuse University, had vouched for Bazata’s “honesty and loyalty” in the FBI report which I additionally found in other sources. Haemer told the agents, “Bazata was never known to be dishonest.”
6
Bazata considered Grace a friend.
Bazata considered Grace a friend.
7
A painting of his at Oregon State University prompted this letter from the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Gordon W. Gilkey: “dear Douglas, The magnificent ‘Green Crab Or Portrait of Anthony Peter Smith’ arrived today and I hasten to say that the painting is a visual treat and a most welcome addition to our collection . . . .”
A painting of his at Oregon State University prompted this letter from the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Gordon W. Gilkey: “dear Douglas, The magnificent ‘Green Crab Or Portrait of Anthony Peter Smith’ arrived today and I hasten to say that the painting is a visual treat and a most welcome addition to our collection . . . .”
8
A photo of the two together allegedly ran with the
New York Times
obit when Bazata died July 14, 1999. He wrote about the painting in several letters I have, lamenting the fact that he had lost the work.
A photo of the two together allegedly ran with the
New York Times
obit when Bazata died July 14, 1999. He wrote about the painting in several letters I have, lamenting the fact that he had lost the work.
9
Phil Chadbourne, interview by author, December, 1997. I was to meet and interview Chadbourne shortly before he died in 2000.
Phil Chadbourne, interview by author, December, 1997. I was to meet and interview Chadbourne shortly before he died in 2000.
10
Bazata diaries, ledger number 11 in my scheme.
Bazata diaries, ledger number 11 in my scheme.
11
My notes on this last point leave room for interpretation. What they say is, “The nails, which have never grown back, still look painful.” There is the possibility of a little nail left or grown back, but not much.
My notes on this last point leave room for interpretation. What they say is, “The nails, which have never grown back, still look painful.” There is the possibility of a little nail left or grown back, but not much.
12
George Millar,
Maquis: The French Resistance at War
(first published in Great Britain by William Heinemann, 1945), 342-343.
George Millar,
Maquis: The French Resistance at War
(first published in Great Britain by William Heinemann, 1945), 342-343.
13
Eight meetings is the figure he gave to both me and the
Spotlight
. That number includes meetings after he retuned from Cedric.
Eight meetings is the figure he gave to both me and the
Spotlight
. That number includes meetings after he retuned from Cedric.
14
Spotlight
staff, “I Was Paid To Kill Patton,” the
Spotlight
, October 22, 1979. Bazata Diaries, Ledger 40, 25b.
Spotlight
staff, “I Was Paid To Kill Patton,” the
Spotlight
, October 22, 1979. Bazata Diaries, Ledger 40, 25b.
15
According to many sources, Donovan took orders directly from the president and/or the War Department.
According to many sources, Donovan took orders directly from the president and/or the War Department.
16
See D’Este’s
Genius For War
, 660-664; Axelrod’s recent
Patton
, 141-144. Or, for a view from inside Patton’s forces, Allen’s
Lucky Forward
, 103-114.
See D’Este’s
Genius For War
, 660-664; Axelrod’s recent
Patton
, 141-144. Or, for a view from inside Patton’s forces, Allen’s
Lucky Forward
, 103-114.
17
Patch’s attitude was told to me by Bazata in our interviews. Millar does not mention Patch in
Maquis
.
Patch’s attitude was told to me by Bazata in our interviews. Millar does not mention Patch in
Maquis
.
18
Bazata Diaries, Ledger 38.
Bazata Diaries, Ledger 38.
20
This is stated in several documents unearthed at the National Archives,
including Bazata’s “Recommendation for Award of Oak Leaf Cluster to Purple Heart Medal,” 23 May 1945, which is part of his CIA file.
This is stated in several documents unearthed at the National Archives,
including Bazata’s “Recommendation for Award of Oak Leaf Cluster to Purple Heart Medal,” 23 May 1945, which is part of his CIA file.
21
Douglas Bazata to Bernie Knox, undated. He said one of his secret missions in France was to kill two communist “chiefs” for the Free French, headquartered in London. He did it, he writes, and “wisely refused any decoration that might surface stupidly.” Bernie Knox was a fellow Jedburgh; the letter is undated but appears to have been written around 1976.
Douglas Bazata to Bernie Knox, undated. He said one of his secret missions in France was to kill two communist “chiefs” for the Free French, headquartered in London. He did it, he writes, and “wisely refused any decoration that might surface stupidly.” Bernie Knox was a fellow Jedburgh; the letter is undated but appears to have been written around 1976.
22
Bazata Diaries, Ledger 16, 53-56. (“The Crow Flew Freely!”)
Bazata Diaries, Ledger 16, 53-56. (“The Crow Flew Freely!”)
23
The italics are mine to try and convey the meaning of his words as best I understood them.
The italics are mine to try and convey the meaning of his words as best I understood them.
24
According to conversion tables readily available on the Net.
According to conversion tables readily available on the Net.
25
At times it seemed he was talking about one window, at other times, two.
At times it seemed he was talking about one window, at other times, two.
26
He said both at different times in our interviews.
He said both at different times in our interviews.
27
Bazata never mentioned the depot or the entrance.
Chapter Five: Vanished Archives; Secret WritingsBazata never mentioned the depot or the entrance.
2
Long after it was over, Bazata continued to be angered by the 1945 accusations, saying and writing that the very fact they were brought was evidence of an ungrateful U.S. government—a fact which in itself was one of the reasons, he said, he was now telling his story.
Long after it was over, Bazata continued to be angered by the 1945 accusations, saying and writing that the very fact they were brought was evidence of an ungrateful U.S. government—a fact which in itself was one of the reasons, he said, he was now telling his story.
3
He always claimed he was the most decorated Jedburgh, including in formal VA hearings during his late-life fight to get 100 percent disability. That claim was never challenged.
He always claimed he was the most decorated Jedburgh, including in formal VA hearings during his late-life fight to get 100 percent disability. That claim was never challenged.
4
RG 338, 7th U.S. Army, Box 12, in or around file “VIP.”
RG 338, 7th U.S. Army, Box 12, in or around file “VIP.”
5
Ibid.
Ibid.
6
Van Ee’s email to me is dated 12/7/2005. The D’Este reference is on page 787 of the Harper Collins paperback edition.
Van Ee’s email to me is dated 12/7/2005. The D’Este reference is on page 787 of the Harper Collins paperback edition.
7
Archivist Mahoney’s personal Patton file.
Archivist Mahoney’s personal Patton file.
9
Ibid., 278.
Ibid., 278.
10
Record Group 338, Stack Area 290, Row 66, Compartment 5, Shelf 1, Box 12, “Seventh Army G-2 Subject File, VIP.”
Record Group 338, Stack Area 290, Row 66, Compartment 5, Shelf 1, Box 12, “Seventh Army G-2 Subject File, VIP.”
11
National Archives, Record Group 165, Box 1749, Patton 201 file, OPD Decimal File 1942-45.
National Archives, Record Group 165, Box 1749, Patton 201 file, OPD Decimal File 1942-45.
12
Colonel Starbird of the European Section.
Colonel Starbird of the European Section.
13
National Archives, Record Group 165, Box 1749, Patton 201 file, OPD Decimal File 1942-45.
Chaper Six: ClandestineNational Archives, Record Group 165, Box 1749, Patton 201 file, OPD Decimal File 1942-45.
1
There may be more but that was near the number I carried away.
There may be more but that was near the number I carried away.
2
An apple brandy from the French region of the same name.
An apple brandy from the French region of the same name.
3
The 3rd member of Bazata’s team, the Frenchman, Cap. F. Chapel, was housed in another safehouse. Bazata had particular affection and protective feelings for 18-year-old Floyd whom he regarded as “this excellent chap... a happy virgin . . . very devout Catholic.”
The 3rd member of Bazata’s team, the Frenchman, Cap. F. Chapel, was housed in another safehouse. Bazata had particular affection and protective feelings for 18-year-old Floyd whom he regarded as “this excellent chap... a happy virgin . . . very devout Catholic.”
4
The Jedburghs, although a pet project of Donovan’s, were trained and controlled by the British, who had the expertise from a long history in commando operations. Therefore, Bazata was reporting back to the British, not the U.S., although certainly the U.S., i.e. OSS, was kept advised—at least in a general way. His reference to keeping the U.S. in the dark about this particular part of his mission underscores the complexity of clandestine activities, as well as the hidden agenda he carried into France. Apparently he had missions from various governments during Cedric and one master didn’t know about the other. As Bazata says, it was a devious and dirty business with even allies spying on each another.
The Jedburghs, although a pet project of Donovan’s, were trained and controlled by the British, who had the expertise from a long history in commando operations. Therefore, Bazata was reporting back to the British, not the U.S., although certainly the U.S., i.e. OSS, was kept advised—at least in a general way. His reference to keeping the U.S. in the dark about this particular part of his mission underscores the complexity of clandestine activities, as well as the hidden agenda he carried into France. Apparently he had missions from various governments during Cedric and one master didn’t know about the other. As Bazata says, it was a devious and dirty business with even allies spying on each another.
5
Transcript of hearing on Bazata’s petition before the Board of Veterans Appeals, March 29, 1979, 8.
Transcript of hearing on Bazata’s petition before the Board of Veterans Appeals, March 29, 1979, 8.
6
Typed statement “To Whom It May Concern,” signed by La Gattuta and dated 14 October 1978.
Typed statement “To Whom It May Concern,” signed by La Gattuta and dated 14 October 1978.
7
The order was from “Headquarters, United Kingdom Base, APO 413, U.S. Army” and dated “1 June 1945.”
The order was from “Headquarters, United Kingdom Base, APO 413, U.S. Army” and dated “1 June 1945.”
8
Eventually OSS did mount such a mission with Green Beret founder Aaron Bank in the lead. But the war ended before “Operation Iron Cross” could be launched. There may have been other such missions to kill Hitler.
Eventually OSS did mount such a mission with Green Beret founder Aaron Bank in the lead. But the war ended before “Operation Iron Cross” could be launched. There may have been other such missions to kill Hitler.
9
Throughout his writings, Bazata takes the view that OSS, especially in its beginning, was amateurish, and that the British, who mentored OSS, and the Russians, were much better at spy craft.
Throughout his writings, Bazata takes the view that OSS, especially in its beginning, was amateurish, and that the British, who mentored OSS, and the Russians, were much better at spy craft.
10
Diary-journal 38 in my numbering system.
Diary-journal 38 in my numbering system.
11
Diary-journal 2 in my numbering system.
Diary-journal 2 in my numbering system.
12
A Man Called Intrepid
, 1976 autobiography by William Stevenson (who, despite the similarity in names, is no relation). Intrepid was Stephenson’s British codename.
A Man Called Intrepid
, 1976 autobiography by William Stevenson (who, despite the similarity in names, is no relation). Intrepid was Stephenson’s British codename.
13
Thomas Troy,
Wild Bill and Intrepid: Donovan, Stephenson, and Origin of CIA,
(Yale University Press, 1996).
Thomas Troy,
Wild Bill and Intrepid: Donovan, Stephenson, and Origin of CIA,
(Yale University Press, 1996).
14
Anthony Cave Brown, Henry M. Hyde, (OSS spymaster and author of
The Quiet Canadian
,) and Thomas Troy.
Anthony Cave Brown, Henry M. Hyde, (OSS spymaster and author of
The Quiet Canadian
,) and Thomas Troy.
18
Based on what he says Donovan said to him.
Based on what he says Donovan said to him.
19
Various facts within the different discussions of the meeting indicate it could have been held both before Cedric or after.
Various facts within the different discussions of the meeting indicate it could have been held both before Cedric or after.
20
Most of these three-dot (. . . ) insertions between sentences are Bazata’s; as are the 2, 5 and 6 dot (. . . . . . . . . . . . . ) insertions. Only a few are mine which I will indicate simply with a footnote “My dots.” I am editing very little from this, only lines which I consider irrelevant and/or confusing.
Most of these three-dot (. . . ) insertions between sentences are Bazata’s; as are the 2, 5 and 6 dot (. . . . . . . . . . . . . ) insertions. Only a few are mine which I will indicate simply with a footnote “My dots.” I am editing very little from this, only lines which I consider irrelevant and/or confusing.
21
One of London’s oldest and finest, established in 1898. It was a favorite of “visiting statesmen” during the war, according to its website, and is just a block or so from Grosvenor Street. Bazata indicates that he went there often with friends, implying that going to the hotel might have been his suggestion, not Donovan’s.
One of London’s oldest and finest, established in 1898. It was a favorite of “visiting statesmen” during the war, according to its website, and is just a block or so from Grosvenor Street. Bazata indicates that he went there often with friends, implying that going to the hotel might have been his suggestion, not Donovan’s.
22
My dot insertions.
My dot insertions.
23
My dots.
My dots.
24
My dots.
My dots.
25
My dots.
My dots.
26
My dots.
My dots.
27
My dots.
My dots.
28
Interview with Longworth 9/3/05.
Chapter Seven: Hit ListInterview with Longworth 9/3/05.
1
Best estimate based on a witness, Frank Theubert, who was there that day and other data I’ve gathered in tracking down the Skubik story.
Best estimate based on a witness, Frank Theubert, who was there that day and other data I’ve gathered in tracking down the Skubik story.
2
Transcript of speech at Keene, New Hampshire, Skubik tape November 1984. His daughter Harriet has the tape and allowed me to transcribe it.
Transcript of speech at Keene, New Hampshire, Skubik tape November 1984. His daughter Harriet has the tape and allowed me to transcribe it.
3
Douglas Botting and Ian Sayer,
America’s Secret Army: The Untold Story of the Counter Intelligence Corps
, (London: Fontana Publishers, 1990); Duval A. Edwards,
Spy Catchers
, (Red Apple Publishing, 1994).
Douglas Botting and Ian Sayer,
America’s Secret Army: The Untold Story of the Counter Intelligence Corps
, (London: Fontana Publishers, 1990); Duval A. Edwards,
Spy Catchers
, (Red Apple Publishing, 1994).
4
Douglas Botting and Ian Sayer,
America’s Secret Army: The Untold Story of the Counter Intelligence Corps
, (London: Fontana Publishers, 1990), 232.
Douglas Botting and Ian Sayer,
America’s Secret Army: The Untold Story of the Counter Intelligence Corps
, (London: Fontana Publishers, 1990), 232.
5
Norman Naimark,
The Russians in Germany: A History of the Soviet Zone of Occupation
(Harvard University Press, 1995).
Norman Naimark,
The Russians in Germany: A History of the Soviet Zone of Occupation
(Harvard University Press, 1995).
6
According to his son Mark and indicated in
America’s Secret Army,
232. References to Hammitzch are few. Secret Army, in recounting the suicide, spells his last name “Hammitzch.” Others spell it Hammitsch or Hammitzsch. He was the second husband of Hitler’s half-sister, Angela.
According to his son Mark and indicated in
America’s Secret Army,
232. References to Hammitzch are few. Secret Army, in recounting the suicide, spells his last name “Hammitzch.” Others spell it Hammitsch or Hammitzsch. He was the second husband of Hitler’s half-sister, Angela.
7
These experiences are a combination of things described to me by his son Mark who had heard them from his father, and Skubik’s own recollections in the Keene Library tape.
These experiences are a combination of things described to me by his son Mark who had heard them from his father, and Skubik’s own recollections in the Keene Library tape.
8
The team was part of a larger unit of 12 to 15 men designated “960/69”, which was part of the larger 960th CIC Detachment under the Twelfth Army in the American Zone.
The team was part of a larger unit of 12 to 15 men designated “960/69”, which was part of the larger 960th CIC Detachment under the Twelfth Army in the American Zone.
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