Part 51, page 227

Transcript

The scan is the source; the transcript is machine-generated from it.

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October 1, 1997

Special Agent-in-Charge Burdena G. Pasenelli Seattle Field Division Federal Bureau of Investigation Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Avenue, Room 710 Seattle, Washington 98174

Dear Special Agent Pasenelli:

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As the nation prepares to celebrate the upcoming anniversary of D.B. Cooper's infamous skyjacking, I thought I would throw my hat into the ring now in hope the information that I am about to relate to the Bureau will, perhaps, receive more closer scrutiny then if I had waited until after the media showcases the legendary event. Furthermore, if this letter contains the "smoking gun" you are looking for, the Bureau will have sufficient time to investigate the case in time to "shock" the nation on Thanksgiving Day.

In the enclosed color copy of page [REDACTED] in the [REDACTED] Oregon State College (now Oregon State University) yearbook, do you see Dan Cooper? I do! If we analyze the Cooper Drawing and description in the 11-25-96 Tacoma News Tribune's article, you will find remarkable similarities. [REDACTED] is quite similar, his dark suit and tie with white shirt brings out his preference of dress style. The shape of his head, protruding jaw, small mouth, and ears are also quite similar.

I first met [REDACTED] in [REDACTED] when we took geology courses together. In order to receive a Business degree at OSC, it had to be in combination with a Science minor since the University of Oregon had long established its Business Administration program and had grabbed its share of prominence in the state of Oregon. I saw [REDACTED] frequently in [REDACTED] when we would get together over a cup of coffee and compare our notes before, and after examinations. I saw him less frequently in [REDACTED] He graduated in the Spring of [REDACTED] with a degree in [REDACTED] and left Corvallis with a firm job offer with hopes of establishing himself in the business world. I haven't seen him since, although I inquired about his whereabouts in 1989 when paranoia overcame me to determine if he was still alive. Keeping in mind the finding of $5,880 of marked bills on the banks of the Columbia River in 1980 was sufficient evidence to believe Dan Cooper perished when he parashooted into the wilds; I was discouraged to learn from the Oregon State University Alumni Association that contact with [REDACTED] was a matter of record until 1984. However, the fact that he was living in an apartment in 1984 might suggest that after [REDACTED] years of pursuing his dreams in the business world that he probably stumbled a time or two and his marriage ended in divorce. I checked out the Mountain View, California street address a few months ago with the postal directory and it appears to be bonafide.

This is what I know about [REDACTED] Yes, he smoked cigarettes. Brand unknown. He drank coffee. He was married and living off-campus with his wife. I don't recall mention of any children. He hailed from Portland, Oregon. He was an enlisted U.S. Air Force Korean War veteran and received VA GI Bills financial assistance as was I. What I am [REDACTED] about to say about his job in the Air Force may or may not be correct since almost [REDACTED] years has elapsed since I first met him and the Dan Cooper skyjacking may be influencing [REDACTED] me to make the right connection. I believe [REDACTED] said he was a Loadmaster crew member [REDACTED] in cargo aircraft. I was an Army personnel clerk and continued my Reserve obligation for 8 years as was required at that time for draftees. I don't recall [REDACTED] ever mentioning he was an active reservist although it is certainly a possibility.

SE 164-8 ( (Over, please)

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[illegible handwritten signature/notes]

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[REDACTED] Orting, WA [REDACTED] Telephone [REDACTED]

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DB Cooper-21345