◆ SpookStack

pilots, the cables that went forward to Headquarters stated in very specific terms that "Senor So & So was most trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly," etc., and sure as hell would return if given three days R&R in Miami. Those who had stuck it out through the training program did return from their R&R's, includ- ing at least one, Osvaldo Piedra, who lost his life in a B-26 over the Bahia de Cochinos. Some of those who bugged out of the training program, apparently had qualms of conscience -- or at least made inquiries about the possibilities of returning; and it appears that at least one of the defectors did return on 12 or 13 April 1961. Two others, however, "Stalled, then defaulted. Suggest they be forgotten." 40/ Connie Seigrist recalled that in addition to the normal problems and stress of training, the polit- ical discussions and differences would occasionally become quite heated. Seigrist has ~ritten: The biggest and most continual problem concerned the dislike for our Cuban Air Commander .•. I have forgotten his name [Col. Villafana]. He was the Commander throughout. One of the Cubans explained that it was his (the Commanderis) back- ground dating back.to Cuba. I was sent (flew a C-46) to Mexico City to persuade some AWOL Cubans to return to MADD. Not - 125 -