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'''Francis Gary Powers''' (1929–1977) was the American pilot of a secret [[U-2]] spy plane that was shot down while flying from Peshawar in Pakistan over the [[Soviet Union]], which caused a [[Cold War]] crisis between the superpowers on May 1, 1960.  He was exchanged for Colonel [[Rudolph Abel]] and brought back to the United States.   

'''Francis Gary Powers''' (1929–1977) was an American pilot who flew for the [[CIA]].  He became famous as the pilot of a [[U-2]] spy plane that was shot down on a secret flight out of [[Peshawar]], [[Pakistan]] over the [[Soviet Union]].  He soon was captured by the [[KGB]].  The discovery of the mission during one of the tensest periods of the [[Cold War]] sparked a crisis between the superpowers on May 1, 1960.  Although the U.S. tried to deny that Powers' mission was one of espionage, the USSR nevertheless sentenced him to hard labor. After nearly two years he was exchanged for Colonel [[Rudolph Abel]] and brought back to the United States.   

Powers was criticized for failing to destroy his camera, its film, and classified parts prior to capture.  The circumstances surrounding his crash and survival were also questioned, because a U-2 plane was supposed to fly at very high altitudes that are difficult to shoot down.  However, a congressional investigation cleared him of any wrongdoing. Some people also criticized him for not taking a suicide pill; however, he had been under no compulsion to do so.

Powers was criticized for failing to destroy his camera, its film, and classified parts prior to capture, all of which were recovered nearly intact by the KGB.  The circumstances surrounding his crash and survival were also questioned, because a U-2 plane was supposed to fly at very high altitudes from which they are difficult to shoot down.  However, a congressional investigation cleared him of any wrongdoing. Powers was also criticized for not taking a suicide pill; however, he had been under no compulsion to do so.

In 1977 Powers was killed in a [[helicopter]] crash while working for a Los Angeles television station.  In 2000, he was posthumously awarded the [[Distinguished Flying Cross]], [[National Defense Service Medal]], and [[Prisoner of War Medal]].

In 1977 Powers was killed in a [[helicopter]] crash while working for a Los Angeles television station.  In 2000, he was posthumously awarded the [[Distinguished Flying Cross]], [[National Defense Service Medal]], and [[Prisoner of War Medal]].

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[[category:Cold War]]

[[Category:American war heroes]]

[[Category:Cold War]]

[[Category:Pilots]]