Episode 70 - Shot Down, Not Broken: The Real Story of Francis Gary Powers

In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with Gary Powers Jr.—author, public speaker, and Cold War historian—who has dedicated his life to preserving the truth about his father’s legacy.

Carrying forward one of the most debated stories of the Cold War, Gary shares how his mission has been to correct decades of misinformation and ensure the real story is told: that his father did not cooperate with the USSR while in captivity.

We explore Gary’s journey from discovering deeply personal letters his father wrote while imprisoned in the Soviet Union, to understanding the global tension surrounding the incident—including the dramatic prisoner exchange that brought his father home. He also reflects on the surreal experience of seeing his father portrayed on screen by Lee Majors, and his own role as a consultant on Steven Spielberg’s Cold War thriller Bridge of Spies, starring Tom Hanks.

Gary has authored eight books on the subject, with a new release coming this May, and continues to educate audiences through his work and as the founder of a Cold War museum near Washington, D.C.

This is a powerful conversation about history, legacy, and one son’s commitment to setting the record straight.

🔗 Learn more, book Gary to speak, or explore his books: https://garypowers.com/

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