CIA-UAP-003, The Central Intelligence Agency and Overhead Reconnaissance; The U-2 and OXCART Programs, 1954-1974

This is a Secret History Staff monograph by Gregory W. Pedlow and Donald E. Welzenbach of the Central Intelligence Agency, published in 1992. It gives a history of the CIA's manned overhead reconnaissance program from 1954 to 1974, covering the development and operation of the U-2 and the A-12 OXCART aircraft. It covers overflights of the Soviet Union, the 1960 downing of Francis Gary Powers, and later operations. One section is titled "U-2s, UFOs, and Operation BLUE BOOK."

From the source:Release of 2026-06-12 This CIA History Staff document chronicles the complete history of the U-2 and OXCART (A-12) high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft programs from 1954 to 1974, detailing their development, operations over the Soviet Union and other targets worldwide, the famous downing of Francis Gary Powers in 1960, organizational reforms following that incident, and the eventual transfer of operations from CIA to Air Force control. A more redacted version of this document has been available on CIA's public website.

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Chapter 4
184
Trial of Francis Gary Powers
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with Powers· behavior.'J After reading the debriefing reports. Allen
Dulles expressed support of Powers· actions and told Powers. ·--we
are proud of what you have done." but Dulles had already resigne:d as
DCI in November 1961.'' The new DCI, Joh n A. McCone. demanded
a closer look at Powers· actions and set up a Board of Inquiry headed
by retired Federal Judge E. Barrett Prettyman. After eight days of
hearings and deliberation. the board reported on 27 February that
Powers had acted in accordance with his instructions and had "c:orn
plied with his obligations as an American citizen during this period. "
The board, therefore, recommended that he receive his back pay.
'' James J. Whit.:. ..Franci$ Gary Powcr.;- Th.: Unmaking of a Hero. 1960-1965," (drafti.
CIA History Staff. 1974. p. 19 ISL
" Powas. Or,acuion O verjfigfrt. p. .307.
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