Operation Overflight

A Memoir of the U-2 Incident

By: Francis Gary Powers, Curt Gentry

Narrated by: Jon Lindstrom

U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers is a central character in the movie “Bridge of Spies” starring Tom Hanks.  In his classic 1970 memoir, Powers reveals the full story behind what happened in the most sensational espionage case in Cold War history.  After his U-2 reconnaissance plane was shot down, Powers was captured on May 1, 1960 and endured 61 days of rigorous interrogation by the KGB, a public trial, a conviction for espionage, and the start of a 10-year sentence. After nearly two years, the US government obtained his release from prison in a dramatic exchange for convicted Soviet spy Rudolph Abel.

The narrative is a tremendously exciting suspense story about a man who was labeled a traitor by many of his countrymen but who emerged a Cold War hero.

Additional Intelligence Derived

As a former military intelligence officer, I was aware of the story of the U2 incident, but I had know idea how he, Powers was treaded after returning to the United States. What a shame. In retribution, we should still make good on the promises that were made by our government to Powers and his family.

Incredible

Best book on my Audible. Kept my interest. It's a true story of an American Hero.

Excellent

Must read for anyone interested in the cold war. It was good to hear the first hand experience of Gary Powers.

What A TOTAL Tragedy !

Bad enough Powers was shot down and spent almost 2 years in jail. He went by the book, revealed minimal information to his captors and went according to orders.
Powers gets home and is treated worse over all by the U.S. by not supporting him in the long run in his further employment or retirement. Awards were withheld that he of all people was very worthy of receiving. Politics, politics, politics and CYA by the American Gov’t from the time he is shot down to beyond his passing on in a most useless death. Very shameful on behalf of the U.S. gov’t.
I learned a lot from this book. It had some pretty incredible surprises and disappointments for Powers. I feel very badly he was treated this way. Even Eisenhower wasn’t informed on many parts of Powers’ mission. If it was that bad then, it’s scary how bad it could be now.
EXCELLENT book but very heart breaking for Powers.

A Hero.

A good book with a sad story. Book to be read to know the history