COLD WAR COLLECTORS, BLOCKERS AND MEMORIES
INTELLIGENCE COUNTERINTELLIGENCE.
During the Cold War I was the Command Security Manager for the US Army, Europe, where we faced off with the Soviets. I am an expert and was there for 16 years; I have a solid platform.
The Stars and Stripes Newspaper has requested two copies of the book for their archives, when published.
----Dr. Leslie Epstein, Professor of English (creative writing), Boston University and famous author (King of the Jews): “This does seem really persuasive, with important historical as well as commercial importance. Good luck with your extremely worthy project.” Find him on the web at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leslie_Epstein
----Dr. Rhonda Parker, Professor and Chair of Communication Studies at Samford University has reviewed some of the manuscript and stated: “…you do a good job of narrating history and my evaluation of these chapters is quite positive - you take me back to a place and time about which too little is known, which makes the information both valuable and intriguing. It's just very, very strong. It's ready. You've really got something here... Congratulations!” Find her on the web at http://www.samford.edu/commstudies/parker.html
I saw your interest in history, nonfiction narrative and thrillers; how about a real one? This book is more interesting than fiction!
Excerpts: A retired British General tells his true tale of jumping on a moving E. German train to measure a Russian tank gun's muzzle. This was a major Allied collection requirement. Fearful of being discovered by the Soviet train guards as the locomotive engineer starts sounding an alarm, he suddenly realizes he has no measuring tool. In a stroke of genius, he pulls a Golden Delicious apple from his pocket and rams it in the barrel, thus capturing an accurate impression of the size of the muzzle.
Or a French Colonel collecting information runs into a line of Soviet tanks and make his escape in his smaller jeep by actually driving into the column of tanks where it is too dusty and his vehicle is too small to be seen. Eventually, the tanks take a right at a cross trail, and he turns left!
Cold War James Bond type cars with their amazing capabilities and tricks are pictured and described by the agents that drove them.
These are the true stories of spies, counterspies and terrorists in Cold War Europe (with historical photos for backup). I can now tell true stories along with guest writers (from SP4 to Generals) who wrote exclusively for me and provided me their photos. Here are just a few snippets:
· Six French, British and Americans who were once agents in East Germany write about their exploits behind the lines (with surreptitious photos).
· I write about an American NCO recruited by the E. German MfS and another soldier who was recruited using the "honey pot" (sex) approach.
· An American General writes about his kidnapping and ordeal in Italy by the Red Brigades.
· A 4 star American General writes about his vehicle being RPGed (with him in it!) by the Red Army Faction (with front page photo of RPGed car donated by the Stars & Stripes Newspaper).
· An enlisted man writes a true story about a soldier posing as General to fool the E. Germans.
· I write a factual story about my bringing a defector in from the cold in a real-world intelligence mission.
· Berlin Train Commanders write their stories about encounters with the Russians including a female Lieutenant. She writes about receiving a love note from a Russian Officer who places it in her deep pocket and she feels his hand on her thigh (see the actual 30 year old note and many other historical photos).
· Francis Gary Powers, Jr. writes: “Well written and informative, the book is a magnificent assessment of Cold War history...McCaslin puts the importance of Intelligence and Counterintelligence during the Cold War into clear perspective.”
· An American 4 star General writes in my foreword, among other things, that it is most refreshing to find a book like mine relating the successes of American intelligence (with historic photo).
· A former Command G-2 Colonel wraps up my book in a poignant afterword.
· And much, much more....
I'm Lee McCaslin and I was Chief of Security, Counterintelligence, Headquarters U.S. Army-Europe (USAREUR). I served as Command Security Manager for this once huge command of around 400,000 (my staff was 35) and I was the most senior security specialist in Europe. I was there from 1979 to 1995. I appeared on the Armed Forces Network TV and Radio to discuss counterespionage strategies, both past and present.
Timely: The recent Russian invasion of Georgia signals a possible return to a Cold War climate; the rhetoric emerging in Washington and Moscow is chillingly reminiscent of days gone by.
Market:
The average reader who likes a James Bond film, a Tom Clancy type book (Red Storm Rising) or movies like the Dirty Dozen or Kelly's Heroes will buy it for this real-life version of military/spy action. The espionage episodes, terrorist attacks, agents jumping on moving trains in the East German countryside, dodging in-and-out of dust-filled tank columns, super agent cars, and other true intelligence collection activities (with photos) promises adventures that the average reader cannot resist. This is true-life 007 which has recently made a come-back!
Book clubs like the Military Book Club would probably carry the volume as one of its selections. I can assist in the sale of this exciting history of the Cold War era through my many contacts. All current and former military personnel will be attracted to it. The Barns and Noble at Mississippi State University has asked for book data.
The 3,000,000 living individuals presently and formerly associated with the US Army Europe (USAREUR) would likely have a strong interest in the book.
This nonfiction book contributes to the body of knowledge of the Cold War era and it is probable that historians or likeminded individuals will purchase it.
Professor John Forde, Head of the Department of Communications, Mississippi State University, my Alma mater, says: "This is great about your book. Please let me know when it gets published. I'd love to have a notice and link on our website."
All those who served in the intelligence community, like the CIA, FBI, NSA and other military intelligence service members would find it interesting.
The book is complete at 494 double spaced pages and 87,000+ words; it was sent off for required pre-pub security reviews a month ago (cannot send the proposal or ms to you yet).
I appreciate your review of my work and look forward to hearing from you.
Leland C. McCaslin
