The Real U-2 Story

The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center kicks off their new speaker series with internationally renowned speaker Gary Powers Jr.’s session titled “Spy Pilot: Francis Gary Powers, the U-2 Incident and a Controversial Cold War Legacy.” This event is sponsored by American Legion Post 435. Refreshments will be provided. Book signing immediately following the talk.

The downing of the American U-2 spy plane piloted by Francis Gary Powers over the Soviet Union on May 1, 1960 was a major event during the Cold War. Captured by the KGB, Powers was subjected to a televised show trial and imprisoned. He was eventually released in exchange for captured Soviet spy Rudolf Abel. Although Powers was exonerated of any wrongdoing in Russia, a cloud of controversy lingered until his untimely death in 1977. Now his son, Gary Powers Jr. is setting the record straight by delving into previously unseen personal files and documents. His work not only brings clarity to his father’s story but also provides a deeper understanding of the Cold War era.

For more information regarding this and future speaker events contact: Briana Fiandt, Director of Collections & Exhibits, [email protected] or 715-392-7151