2) - Portland
RPH (4)
164-41-1694
Saurenadt. Serialved
b6 b7C Indexed Filed
DB Cooper-43060FD-36 (Rev. 3-24-77)
FB.I
TRANSMIT VIA: PRECEDENCE: < AIRTEL Routine Immediate Teletype Facsimile Priority CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL EFTO CLEAR
Date
5/17/78
TO:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41)
FROM:
SAC, PITTSBURGH (164-93) (RUC)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK
(00: SEATTLE)
(BUFILE: 164-2111)
Re Portland airtel to Pittsburgh dated 4/18/78.
of Enclosed for Portland are two copies of an FD-302 FD-302 of
and enclosed for Seattle are five copies of Original FD-302 will be forwarded to Seattle at a later date.
Based upon information furnished by upon interview, her suspect in this matter, is being eliminated based upon discrepancies in height, complexion, and age. It is noted that was described as being 6'1", currently approximately years
of age, and during interview, he was described as having a fair complexion.
It is noted that was described as being 6'1", currently approximately years
of age, and during interview, he was described as having a fair complexion. 2-Portland (Encs 2-Seattle (Encs. 1-Pittsburgh
(5)
164-41-1695
SEARCHED SERIALIZED
MAY 2 3 1978
BI-PORTLAND'
Approved:
Transmitted
Per
(Number)
(Time)
FBI/DOJ DB Cooper-43061
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C
b6 b7C FD: 202 (REV. 11-27-70)
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
1
5/17/78
Date of transcription
Grove City, Pa., b6
telephone number was interviewed at her residence, at which time she advised that after reading an article in "The Star," a nationwide supermarket newspaper, concerning the hijacking of the Northwest Airlines, Flight 350, from Portland, Oregon, to Seattle, Washington, on November 24, 1971, it reminded her of an individual she had known several years previously. She advised that this individual was a a white male, possibly part Canadian, 6'1" tall, 175 pounds, medium build, who would now be approximately years of age. She stated that he had a fair complexion and medium brown hair.
She advised that this individual was a a white male, possibly part Canadian, 6'1" tall, 175 pounds, medium build, who would now be approximately years of age. She stated that he had a fair complexion and medium brown hair.
b6 b7C
She advised that in was an employee of the Bankers Life Insurance Company, New Castle, Pa., and followed up on telephone leads in order to She stated that he and (phonetic) , of Butler, Pa., resided with her from approximately January, 1953, until March, 1963. when he moved to San Francisco, California, was giving him difficulty at that time.
She stated that
She stated that the last she knew, he was working for the Queens Vacuum Cleaner Company in San Francisco, She stated that she was doing telephone solicitation for the insurance company, and he came by her residence to pick up the leads, and this is how they became acquainted. She stated that during conversations over the years, she learned that he was apparently part Canadian and had been raised in Northern Michigan, and was used to living in the woods. She stated that at no time did he express an interest in airplanes, but indicated at one time, he had been a frogman in the Ravy.
She stated that at no time did he express an interest in airplanes, but indicated at one time, he had been a frogman in the Ravy. She stated that as she recalls, he indicated he was assigned to the Wilkinson FM Division.
She stated that he did drink socially, but was definitely not an alcoholic. She further advised that he smoked Lucky Brand cigarettes. She stated that he did not have an accent, wore his hair short, and had a slight swagger to bis walk.
Interviewed on 5/9/78 at Grove City, Pa.
File Pittsburgh 164-93
by SA
Date dictated
5/15/78
b6
b7C
This document contains neither, recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it and Its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency. .
DB Cooper-43062
b7C
b7DPG 164-93
2
She stated that she advised she had no idea as to his current whereabouts or anyone who would be able to locate him at this time.
She reiterated that he had a fair complexion, medium brown hair, and would be approximately years of b6 b7C
age at the present time.
She reiterated that he had a fair complexion, medium brown hair, and would be approximately years of b6 b7C
age at the present time.
DB Cooper-43063FD-36 (Rev. 3-24-77)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA:
PRECEDENCE:
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype Immediate TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority Routine SECRET CONFIDENTIAL EFTO CLEAR UNCLAS
002
Date
FM PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
TO DIRECTOR (164-2111) ( IMMEDIATE)
SEATTLE (164-81) (ROUTINE) BT
NORJIAK
RE TELCALL OF SUPERVISOR
, FBIHQ, TO ASAC
PORTLAND, MAY 22, 1978.
ON MAY 4, 1978, NORMAN GORIN, REPRESENTING MIKE WALLACE OF CBS "SIXTY MINUTES" APPEARED AT THE PORTLAND DIVISION IN CONNECTION WITH CAPTIONED MATTER. ARRANGEMENTS FOR MR. GORIN'S APPEARANCE FOLLOWED A SERIES OF CONVERSATIONS BETWEEN MIKE WALLACE, SUPER- VISOR FBIHQ, AND SAC, PORTLAND AND SAC, SEATTLE, REGARDING "SIXTY MINUTES'" DESIRE TO GET INFORMATION IN THIS CASE THE BUREAU IS WELL AWARE OF "SIXTY MINUTES'" ATTEMPT TO VERIFY A SPECULATIVE SUSPECT IN THIS CASE BY THE NAME OF BRYANT COFFELT.
REGARDING "SIXTY MINUTES'" DESIRE TO GET INFORMATION IN THIS CASE THE BUREAU IS WELL AWARE OF "SIXTY MINUTES'" ATTEMPT TO VERIFY A SPECULATIVE SUSPECT IN THIS CASE BY THE NAME OF BRYANT COFFELT. IN THE INITIAL DISCUSSION IT WAS CONCLUDED THAT PORTLAND WOULD
AGB : DJL (1)
164-41-1696

Searched Serialized
Indexed
Villa

b6 b7C
Approve
Transmitted
STEF ABOVE
(Number)
(Time)
P DB Cooper-43064
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7CFD-36 (Rev. 3-24-77)
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA:
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype TOP SPORET Facsimile SECRET CONFIDENTIAL EFTO CLEAR
Date
PAGE TWO PD 164-41 UNCLAS
NOT DISCUSS THIS MATTER WITH WALLACE OR "SIXTY MINUTES" AND WALLACE WAS SO ADVISED. SAC, PORTLAND, WAS SUBSEQUENTLY REQUESTED BY SUPERVISOR TO MAKE SA RALPH P. HIMMELSBACH AVAILABLE TO DISCUSS BACKGROUND INFORMATION WITH MIKE WALLACE OR HIS REPRESENT ATIVE, WITH THE STIPULATION THAT
HIMMELSBACH AVAILABLE TO DISCUSS BACKGROUND INFORMATION WITH MIKE WALLACE OR HIS REPRESENT ATIVE, WITH THE STIPULATION THAT IT WOULD NOT BE ON FILM OR BE A RECORDED INTERVIEW.
b6 b7C
MR. GORIN ARRIVED PORTLAND ON MAY 4, 1978. A BRIEF DISCUSSION WAS HAD BETWEEN MR. GORIN AND SAC REGARDING THE GROUND RULES FOR THIS INTERVIEW WITH SA HIMMELSBACH, AFTER WHICH SA HIMMELSBACH WAS MADE AVAILABLE FOR THE LIMITED PURPOSE OF PROVIDING BACKGROUND INFORMATION IN THIS CASE TO MR. GORIN. SAC WAS PRESENT DURING THE MAJORITY OF THE INTERVIEW, WHICH DID IN FACT CONCERN ITSELF WITH BACKGROUND DATA AS TO TIMES, PLACES AND EVENTS. DURING THE COURSE OF THIS INTERVIEW NO NAMES OF PERSONS, PARTICULARLY WITNESSES OR SUSPECTS, WERE DISCUSSED. IT WAS CLEARLY POINTED OUT TO MR. GORIN THAT THE IDENTITIES OF PILOTS, STEWARDESSES AND PASSENGERS . WOULD NOT BE DISCUSSED. EVEN THOUGH MANY OF THE NAMES HAVE APPEARED IN THE PRINTED MEDIUM, SUCH INFORMATION WOULD NOT EMANATE FROM THE FBI. MR. GORIN ATTEMPTED TO MAKE INQUIRIES CONCERNING SUSPECTS, AND IT WAS SPECIFICALLY POINTED OUT TO HIM THIS INFORMATION WOULD
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
GORIN ATTEMPTED TO MAKE INQUIRIES CONCERNING SUSPECTS, AND IT WAS SPECIFICALLY POINTED OUT TO HIM THIS INFORMATION WOULD
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
Per
FBI/DOJ DB Cooper-43065 FD-36 (Rev. 3-24-77)
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype
PRECEDENCE:
FBI
CLASSIFICATION: Immediate Priority TOP SECRET Facsimile Routine SECRET CONFIDENTIAL EFTO CLEAR
Date
PAGE TWO PD 164-41 UNCLAS
NOT BE DISCUSSED, NOR WOULD THE BASIS UPON WHICH ANY PARTICULAR SUSPECT WAS CONSIDERED BE DISCUSSED. IN FACT, DURING THE COURSE OF THIS INTERVIEW, NO SUCH DISCUSSION DID OCCUR AND SPECIFICALLY, THE NAME OF COFFELT WAS NOT UTTERED BY THE SAC, SA HIMMELSBACH OR MR. GORIN.
THE INFORMATION FURNISHED MR. GORIN DID NOT EXCEED THAT WHICH HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN RELEASED TO THE MEDIA, THE SUBSTANCE OF WHICH IS WELL KNOWN TO THE BUREAU, AND SPECIFICALLY, IT DID NOT EXCEED THAT INFORMATION WHICH IS CONTAINED IN THE ALLEN LANSBURG PRODUCTIONS (FREE LANCE) TELEVISION DOCUMENTARY FILMED IN FEBRUARY, 1977.
IS WELL KNOWN TO THE BUREAU, AND SPECIFICALLY, IT DID NOT EXCEED THAT INFORMATION WHICH IS CONTAINED IN THE ALLEN LANSBURG PRODUCTIONS (FREE LANCE) TELEVISION DOCUMENTARY FILMED IN FEBRUARY, 1977. BT
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
Per
FBI/DOJ
DB Cooper-43066FD-36 (Rev. 3-24-77)
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype Facsimile
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority
FB.I
CLASSIFICATION: Routine TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL EFTO CLEAR
002 
Date
MAY 22, 1978
FM PORTLAND (164-41) P
TO DIRECTOR (164-2111) ROUTINE
BT
UNCLAS
NORJAK, 00: SEATTLE.
RE BUREAU TELETYPE TO ATLANTA, SEATTLE AND PORTLAND, MAY 18, 1978.
PORTLAND FILES CONTAIN NO INFORMATION OF THIS MATTER IN ADDITION TO THAT FURNISHED BUREAU BY SEATTLE. ARMED AND DANGEROUS . AIRMAIL COPY FURNISHED SEATTLE. BT
1 - Seattle (164-81) (AM) I - Portland
164-41-1697
b6 b7C

Bearched
Serialized
Indexed.
Filed

Approved:
Transmitted 085
0125
Per b6 b7C
(Number)
(
Filed

Approved:
Transmitted 085
0125
Per b6 b7C
(Number)
(Time)
FBI/DOJ
DB Cooper-43067b6 b7C
, OR
May 20, 1978
Chairman of the Board Northwest Airlines, Inc. 616 SW Broadway Portland, Oregon
Dear Sir, I have a suggestion which might help you in looking for the man, D. B. Cooper, who hijacked your passenger plane in 1971. Re- cently gave us some weekly newspapers and the story of the hijacking and ransoming was in one of them
There is a clue in the story, in fact two, First: the story says there were three jet fighters following your airliner, yet they did not see Cooper jump. Now the reason is this: he did not jump. He was too smart for that. He had a crate (or big trunk, box, or something similar ) in the freight compartment. This box or trunk probably had straps around it and it was nailed down tight, except for one end which appeared to be nailed down, alsocbut this end could be opened by Cooper by simply turning a key in a hidden lock. Also the hinges and lock parts were hidden inside the box and Cooper could close and lock the box end
Also the hinges and lock parts were hidden inside the box and Cooper could close and lock the box end from inside. The/sport/says/there were/ť In the box was a weight (it could of been a big block of wood so one man could roll it or could have been something else, possibly a container of sand or water -- something when dumped could not be suspicious from the ground. Cooper opened the crate, rolled the block or pushed the sand or water out into space -- it weighed about as much as he and the parachutes and money weighed.
Cooper put the chutes, the money in the box, then he crawled in and fastened the lid from the inside. The next day you delivered him to his address.
He probably shipped a few boxte first, to make sure which flight they got on. The boxes probably said fragile on them -- so he wouldn't be handled rough, and found out. Check all large shipments that day. Also check for false addresses.
SEARCHED. SERIALIZED
MAY 2, 5 1876
FB PaiL .
It Bach Mert
DB Cooper-43073 \ 164 11-1699
b6 b7C
b6 b7C-2-
The other clue is this: Cooper knew an awful lot about airplanes : how to fold
It Bach Mert
DB Cooper-43073 \ 164 11-1699
b6 b7C
b6 b7C-2-
The other clue is this: Cooper knew an awful lot about airplanes : how to fold parachutes, that there was a phone in back, that the pilot could open back door from cabin; now since this is so he also knew the extreme danger of jumping over rugged country at 8:00 o'clock November 24, 1971 since it was stormy that night. It would've been suicide, and he knew it. Me/was So he did not jump. He was snug in his box, until you delivered him.
If you check my idea and find him, do I get the reward? We are
b6 b7C
Sincerely
P.S. I've got more ideas if there were no big boxes.
DB Cooper-43074FD-36 (Rev. 3-24-77)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype
PRECEDENCE: Priority Immediate CLASSIFICATION: Routine Facsimile TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL AIRTEL EFTO CLEAR
Date
5/23/78
TO
:
DIRECTOR, FBI (164-2111)

FROM
:	(ATTN: MEDIA RELATIONS)
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81) (P)
CONFIDENTIAL AIRTEL EFTO CLEAR
Date
5/23/78
TO
:
DIRECTOR, FBI (164-2111)

FROM
:	(ATTN: MEDIA RELATIONS)
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81) (P)
SUBJECT :	NORJAK
00: SEATTLE

Re Portland teletype to the Bureau dated 5/22/78.
The Alan Lansburg Productions television documentary filmed in February, 1977, utilizing Special Agent RALPH HIMMELSBACH has not been viewed by Seattle. The Seattle Division understands that the Bureau has a copy of this television documentary.
REQUEST OF THE BUREAU
The Bureau is requested to forward to Seattle a copy of the documentary so that Seattle will be aware of the information contained therein.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
2 Bureau 1 Portland (164-41) ( Info) 3 - Seattle
(6)
144-41-1700
STARCHED ALIZE
MAY 2 6 1978 OH Buck Rid 2 SAL 2
DB Cooper-43075
Approved:
Transmitted
Por
(Number)
(Time)
PIII/DOJ
b6 b7C
b6 b7C164-41-1701

STARCHED.	INDEXED
SERIALIZED	FILED

MAY 2 6 1978
=
DB
INDEXED
SERIALIZED	FILED

MAY 2 6 1978
=
DB Cooper-43076FD-36 (Rev. 7-27-76)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA: PRECEDENCE: Immediate TOP SECRET Facsimile SECRET CONFIDENTIAL Airtel ErTO CLEAR
Date
5/5/78
AIRTEL
TO:
AC, SEATTLE (164-81)
FROM AC, SACRAMENTO (164-50) (P)
SUBJ
ORJAK (A) 0: Seattle
Re: ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW Sub Number 934 933
Re Seattle airtel to Sacramento dated 4/7/78.
Suspect RACKSTRAW was approached by SA on 4/24/78, at the San Joaquin County Jail, French Camp, California, and he refused palm prints or interview without permission of his attorney. He identified his attorney as
was contacted and he advised SA that he did not desire to have his client interviewed concerning NORJAK, but that he was agreeable to palm prints being taken.
`On 5/4/78, SA returned to the jail to take the palm prints, but RACKSTRAW again declined and advised that he wanted SA to contact his attorney, Oakland, California,
telephone primary attorney,
He
`On 5/4/78, SA returned to the jail to take the palm prints, but RACKSTRAW again declined and advised that he wanted SA to contact his attorney, Oakland, California,
telephone primary attorney,
He stated that is his
in Calaveras County.
was telephonically contacted by SA on 5/4/78, and he advised that it would be necessary for the government to get a court order to obtain the palm prints. He stated RACKSTRAW has denied being D. B. COOPER, but he does not want his client interviewed concerning it nor will he cooperate in the investigation as it might possibly not be in RACKSTRAW's best interest.
2 Seattle
164-81
3-San Francisco (164-220)
2-Sacramento
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
DB Cooper-43077
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
SEARCHED
INDEXED SERIALIZED: FILED
MAY 1 0 1978
b6 b7C
(7)
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype Priority Routine SC 164-50
AUSA On 5/4/78. this matter was discussed with Sacramento, California, and he advised that the court order should be obtained by the Seattle Office through the U. S. Attorney at Seattle.
this matter was discussed with Sacramento, California, and he advised that the court order should be obtained by the Seattle Office through the U. S. Attorney at Seattle.
On 5/4/78, Detective Sergeant Stockton Police Department, advised he has heard that is a lawyer in Oakland
៛ He wondered if this would indicate that RACKSTRAW's suspected involvement in the 1975 theft of the explosives at the Felton Quarry, Santa Cruz, California, some of which were later recovered from the NWLF by the FBI at Richmond, California, in early 1976, might mean that RACKSTRAW intentionally obtained the explosives for the radicals. He stated that reportedly was formerly in partnership with another reported reportedly by the San Francisco Police Department. is and has
.
Seattle Division will discuss this matter of palm prints with the U. S. Attorney to determine if a court order will issue or whether it has to be handled as a subpoena to the Federal Grand Jury in Seattle. It is noted that RACKSTRAW is presently feigning a back injury which requires him to be transported in a wheel chair, and custodial personnel feel he is doing this in an attempt to effect a possible escape
noted that RACKSTRAW is presently feigning a back injury which requires him to be transported in a wheel chair, and custodial personnel feel he is doing this in an attempt to effect a possible escape attempt. If U. S. Marshals are to transport him they should be warned that RACKSTRAW is a former U. S. Army Green Beret and Vietnam veteran and is highly skilled in the use of his hands and feet as weapons.
San Francisco Division will advise if the involvement of on the defense team possibly indicates b6 b7C
some interest by the NWLF in protecting their source of explosives. RACKSTRAW is known to have purchased a great deal explosive between the time he murdered his
2
DB Cooper-43078
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7CSC 164-50
stepfather during the summer of 1977, and the time he fled to Iran in early 1978, and at least one case of the explosives has not been traced.
San Francisco will also furnish Sacramento the results of investigation requested in 3/6/78, Sacramento airtel to Bureau.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
DB Cooper-43079
3* FD-36 (Rev. 3-24-77)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA:
· PRECEDENCE: Immediate Teletype Facsimile Priority AIRTEL :
3-24-77)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA:
· PRECEDENCE: Immediate Teletype Facsimile Priority AIRTEL Routine
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL EFTO CLEAR
Date
5/24/78
TO: SAC, PORTLAND
FROM :
E (164-81) (P)
SUBJECT :
00: SEATTLE

RE :	ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW
SUB NUMBER 933

Re Sacramento airtel to Seattle, dated 5/5/78.
Enclosed for the Portland Division is one (1) copy of referenced communication.
For the information of the Portland Division, RACKSTRAW has been suggested as a suspect in this matter because he resembles the artist's composite of Unsub, and because of his military background particularly his paratrooper training. He appears to be fully capable of successfully affecting the Norjak hijacking.
LEADS :
PORTLAND DIVISION
At Portland, Oregon
Will discuss with the United States Attorney's Office in Portland the feasibility of obtaining a subpoena for the palm prints of ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW.
:
PORTLAND DIVISION
At Portland, Oregon
Will discuss with the United States Attorney's Office in Portland the feasibility of obtaining a subpoena for the palm prints of ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS. 2 - Portland 2 - Sacramen 3 - Seattle
164-41-17012 b6 b7C
SEARCHED SERIALIZE
INDEXED
FILED
MAY 2 6 1978
(7)
IF FORT AND
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
Per
FBI/DOJ DB Cooper-43080
b6 b7C FD-36 (Rev. 3-24-77)
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype
PRECEDENCE: Immediate CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET Facsimile Priority Routine CONFIDENTIAL AIRTEL EFTO CLEAR
Date
5/24/78
TO:
SAC, PORTLAND
FROM :
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81) (P)
SUBJECT: NORJAK (A)
00: SEATTLE

RE :	ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW
SUB NUMBER 933

Re Sacramento airtel to Seattle, dated 5/5/78.
Enclosed for the Portland Division is one (1) copy of referenced communication.
For the information of the Portland Division, RACKSTRAW has been suggested as a suspect in this matter because he
For the information of the Portland Division, RACKSTRAW has been suggested as a suspect in this matter because he resembles the artist's composite of Unsub, and because of his military background particularly his paratrooper training. He appears to be fully capable of successfully affecting the Norjak hijacking.
LEADS :
PORTLAND DIVISION
At Portland, Oregon
Will discuss with the United States Attorney's Office in Portland the feasibility of obtaining a subpoena for the palm prints of ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW.
164-41-17016
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
2 Portland (Encl .. 1) 2 - Sacramento 3 - Seattle (164-81) (7)
WATCHED ALIZED
MAY 2 6 19
HI-PORILA
1
=
(Number)
(Time)
Per
FEJ/DOJ
DB Cooper-43081
b6 b7C
Approved: 5
Transmitted
FBIFD-302 (REV. 3-8-77)
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
Date of transcription
5/22/78
WILLIAM CHARLES NYE, Route 2, Box 1185, Roseburg, Oregon, telephone 673-1825, was contacted at Burness Oldsmobile, 1735 N.E. Diamond Lake Boulevard, where he is employed as a car salesman. Mr.
OF INVESTIGATION
Date of transcription
5/22/78
WILLIAM CHARLES NYE, Route 2, Box 1185, Roseburg, Oregon, telephone 673-1825, was contacted at Burness Oldsmobile, 1735 N.E. Diamond Lake Boulevard, where he is employed as a car salesman. Mr. NYE was advised of the identities of the interviewing agents and purpose of the interview prior to his furnishing the following information:
NYE was previously employed by Northwest Orient Airlines, as a jet mechanic, at Minneapolis, Minnesota, from 1966 through 1972, however, during the month of June, 1971, he suffered a back injury and went to a hospital and received surgical treatment during October, 1971, at St. John's Hospital, in Red Wing, Minnesota. He believes that during November, 1971, he was either hospitalized or convalescing at his home, which was located at Route 1, Box 123A, Cannon Falls, Minnesota. He stated he was in and out of the hospital on several occasions and never did go back to work for Northwest Orient after the back surgery.
Mr. NYE stated that he moved to Roseburg, Oregon, in June, 1977, and because he could not perform mechanics work, he took a job as a car salesman with Burness Oldsmobile, his present position.
NYE stated that he moved to Roseburg, Oregon, in June, 1977, and because he could not perform mechanics work, he took a job as a car salesman with Burness Oldsmobile, his present position.
WILLIAM CHARLES NYE is described as follows:

Race	White
Sex	Male
Nationality	American
Date of birth	September 14, 1930
Height	6'
Weight	210 pounds
Hair	Receding in front, dark brown roots, mostly graying on top
Characteristics	Wears prescriptive frame glasses 2977778
Oregon driver's license number
Residence address	Route 2, Box 1185, Roseburg, Oregon, (Coals Valley Road)
Telephone	673-1825

Investigation on 5/22/78 at Roseburg, Oregon
File #
PD 164-41-1702
b6
SA
b7C
by SA JERRY G. WILSON/JGW
Date dictated,
5/22/78
This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI.
WILSON/JGW
Date dictated,
5/22/78
This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it and its contents are-not to be distributed outside your agency.
DB Cooper-43082FD-36 (Rev. 7-27-76)
FBI
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype
TRANSMIT VIA: PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority TOP SECRET Facsimile Airtel SECRET CONFIDENTIAL Routine EFTO CLEAR
Date
5/25/78

TO	: DIRECTOR, FBI	(164-2111)
FROM	: SAC, SEATTLE	(164-81) (P)
SUBJECT: NORJAK (A) 00: SEATTLE

In order that the office of origin in this important matter be fully aware of what information has been released to the press by the Portland Division, the following lead is being set out:
LEAD:
PORTLAND
Will forward to Seattle a copy of all press releases as well as all newspaper clippings contained in
to the press by the Portland Division, the following lead is being set out:
LEAD:
PORTLAND
Will forward to Seattle a copy of all press releases as well as all newspaper clippings contained in Portland's NORJAK file.
ARMED & DANGEROUS
Bureau Portland (164-41) Seattle
2
(7)
164-41-1703
SEARCHED SERIALIZE
JUN 1 1978
SAC
DB Cooper-43083
Approved:
Transmitted
(Numbe
QTO : 1077 < . - 25-539
b6 b7C I hope you receive my marche 5,1978 leiter of information.
as I have not heard from your pretaining to my march 5 information I wonder y yo received it. R.V.P. if gundione. Thank you kindly for your att entin. Very Truly yours
b6 b7C
8261 :: RAP
COTHI CEXCON
C3ZITYINGS
591 SEARCHED how-the-
DB Cooper-43084 b6 b7C
June 1- 1978
Postoffice Bry 709 Portland, Oregon 97207
b6
Dear b7C I do not wish to be a nucience on your woking for Cooper, RE, Ww. 24, 1971 sky jacking, but I have enclosed added information pertinent To his capture.
(alias) is not listed at his present address in The city directory only at the Post office. b6 b7C
Has long Hair to his willar,
one in with b6 b7C
( hegra) of San Diego who is
San Franccio
Do Cooper-450852 JUN 1140
b6 b7C
Port ofice But 709
b6 b7C
Has long Hair to his willar,
one in with b6 b7C
( hegra) of San Diego who is
San Franccio
Do Cooper-450852 JUN 1140
b6 b7C
Port ofice But 709 Portland
Oregne 97207
DB Cooper-43086b6 ৳7C
:A8
n.g.
DB Cooper-43087SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (₽)
6/7/78
SA
NORJAK (A) (00:Seattle)
RE :
Re Portland letter to Seattle, dated 2/15/78.
On 5/17/78,
Oregon, advised that on
Of
. She gave an address Oregon, phone number
license number . For identification, she presented Oregon driver's d
On 5/17/78, Oregon State Police, Tillamook, Oregon, advised that over a year ago he gave a ticket to
- At that time, he was driving a car belonging to
On 5/17/78, JUSTICE COURT was contacted at the Tillamook County Courthouse and determined that on ! was given a ticket from Oregon State Police, for At that
time. he was driving a 1971 Datsun with Oregon license
.
license
On 5/17/78, DMV printout showed that Oregon is a 1971 Datsun four-door wagon registered b6 b7C
to DOB : and LILLIAN BALDWIN,
DOB 7/22/21, address Portland, Oregon. The legal owner is Fisher's Blend Credit Union, 3436 Clickatat Avenue, S.
DMV printout showed that Oregon is a 1971 Datsun four-door wagon registered b6 b7C
to DOB : and LILLIAN BALDWIN,
DOB 7/22/21, address Portland, Oregon. The legal owner is Fisher's Blend Credit Union, 3436 Clickatat Avenue, S.W., Seattle, Washington.
3-Portland
Cla D' Both
lund
DB Cooper-43088
164-41-1705 b6 b7C
with cc of Seial 168
b6 b7C
b6 ৳7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C 1
b6 b7CPD 164-41
LEADS
PORTLAND
AT OREGON. Will contact
1 phone number
, for any knowledge as to the whereabouts of ៛
AT PORTLAND, OREGON, Will contact for information as to the where-
abouts of
-2 *-
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43089XX Airtel
6/16/78
TO:
SAC, BUTTE
FROM:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (₱)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK (A)
(00: Seattle)
Bufile 164-2111
Re Portland letter to Seattle dated 8/29/77; Portland letter to Seattle dated 1/13/78; Portland letter to Seattle dated. 2/15/78.
For information of Butte, the Portland Office in August, 1977, received information that one then residing near on the Oregon coast and employed 48 had claimed to have knowledge of and the inside story concerning the hijacking in this matter. had reportedly
was unwilling to cooperate.
Investigation by Portland has identified as WMA, DOB 5' 11º, 170 lbs.
had reportedly
was unwilling to cooperate.
Investigation by Portland has identified as WMA, DOB 5' 11º, 170 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes,
SSAN : he has not yet been located for interview.
Portland,
Oregon, telephone
advised on 6/12/78. that
had been introduced to
during
moved in on
at the Oregon coast and
Upon returning to the Portland area from the coast in
2 - Butte 2 - Seattle (164-81) Portland
b6 b7C
2
RPH (6)
164-41-1706

Searched
Serialized
Indexed
Filed

DB Cooper-43090
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C PD 164-41
residence where
moved into for several months. When
continued that
Re stated that
While was living in Portland, he once and
drove to Seattle to visit
he also made a trip to Boise, Idaho, where reportedly reside. He also claimed to be well-acquainted
with a (ph.) who is thought to ip Seattle, Washington.
Arrest, motor vehicle and driver's license record checks have failed to locate any information identifiable with
.
Arrest, motor vehicle and driver's license record checks have failed to locate any information identifiable with
.
LEADS
BUTTE
AT BOISE, IDAHO. Will attempt to locate through general checks and if successful, interview or Bet out leads for interview of concerning his
knowledge of instant matter.
SEATTLE
AT SEATTLE, WASHINGTON. Will consider interview of , for any information in her possession
concerning
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
1
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
: 66 b7C
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43091
-2 *-XX Airtel
6/16/78
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
FROM:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK (A)
(00: Seattle)
Bufile 164-2111
Ro Seattle airtel to Portland dated 5/25/78. Enclosed herewith for Seattle is a packet consisting of xerox copies of all press clippings contained in the Portland file concerning captioned matter. For information of Seattle, Portland has issued no press releases concerning captioned matter.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
2 - Seattle (Enc. 1) 2 Portland
RPH (4)
164-41-1707 b6 b7C
Searched. Serialized Indexed Filed
DB Cooper-43092 XX Airtel
6/16/78
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
Serialized Indexed Filed
DB Cooper-43092 XX Airtel
6/16/78
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
FROM:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK (A)
(00: Seattle)
Bufile 164-2111
Re Portland letter to Seattle dated 3/14/78.
Enclosed herewith for Seattle are two copies of FD-302 interview of WILLIAM CHARLES NYE, Roseburg, Oregon.
On 4/18/78, Investigator
Oregon State Police, Roseburg, Oregon, telephone advised
that he had written a report concerning WILLIAM NYE and had furnished same to Oregon State Police Headquarters in Salem, Oregon, after conversing with complainant who resides at ៛ telephone
. Trooper stated that his department was conducting no further investigation, as he was of the opinion that had absolutely no basis or justification to believe that WILLIAM CHARLES NYE, who is employed as a car salesman in Roseburg, Oregon, and resides at Route 2, Box 1185, Roseburg, Oregon (Coles Valley Road), is identical to or in any way resembles D. B. COOPER.
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
On 4/19/78, telephone
, was contacted, and at that time stated that WILLIAM CHARLES NYE, approximately age 50,
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
On 4/19/78, telephone
, was contacted, and at that time stated that WILLIAM CHARLES NYE, approximately age 50, resides at Route 2, Box 1185. He stated that NYE is presently employed as a car salesman for Burness Oldsmobile in Roseburg, Oregon, and believes he previously worked for Northwest Orient Airlines, capacity
2 - Seattle (Cncs. 2) 2 Portland -
b6 b7C
W
RF
Searched d' Auch _ 164-41-1708
Serialized DB Cooper-43093
Indexod Filed PD 164-41
unknown. He stated that NYE apparently moved from Minnesota this past summer and is described as a white male, approximately 6'0", 200 pounds, with dark colored, graying, curly, neat hair. He said that there is nothing that he can put his finger on concerning why he believes that NYE might be D. B. COOPER, other than he had seen an artist's conception several years ago and felt there was some resemblance. He stated that NYE apparently has a good education, however, he does not believe he is using it in his employment as a car salesman.
He stated that NYE apparently has a good education, however, he does not believe he is using it in his employment as a car salesman. He feels that NYE always seems to have a little extra money, more than a car salesman would make. He stated that NYE is a likeable person, and there is no other reason for his feeling that NYE might be D. B. COOPER. He indicated that NYE owns a Ford station wagon, which is usually parked in the drive in front of his residence.
On 4/19/78, visual observation of the WILLIAM C. NYE residence disclosed a 1970 Ford station wagon, bearing Oregon license JNK 599.
On 4/20/78, an inquiry was made to the Department of Motor Vehicles, Salem, Oregon, via state teletype concerning Oregon license JNK 599, and via return state teletype, the Department of Motor Vehicles advised that this plate appears on a 1970 Ford four-door wagon, VIN OP75X153103, license expiring September, 1979, registered to WILLIAM C. NYE, DOB 9/14/30, and LENNA V. NYE, DOB 5/6/19, residing at Route 2, Cox 1185, Roseburg, Oregon.
On 4/20/73, a second state teletype was sent to the Driver's License Section of the Department of
On 4/20/73, a second state teletype was sent to the Driver's License Section of the Department of Motor Vehicles concerning WILLIAM C. NYE, born 9/14/30, and via return state teletype, the Department of Motor Vehicles advised that WILLIAM CHARLES NYE, residing at Route 2, Box 1185, Roseburg, Oregon, holds Oregon driver's license number 2977778, which was issued 11/21/77, and expires 9/14/82. ITYE's DOB was given as 9/14/30, and he was described as a malo, 6'0" tall, 210 pounds. As of 4/20/78, the operator's license was valid, and there were no entries of citations.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
DB Cooper-43094
-2 *-OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 JULY 1973 EDITION GIA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
TO
:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
DATE:
7/5/78
FROM :
SA
SUBJECT:
NORJAK (A)
(00: Seattle)
On 6/21/78, , Bend, Oregon, telephone no.
? 1 advised that with the recent publicity concerning D. B. COOPER, he has been prompted to contact the FBI, and then advised as follows:
stated that resided in the Portland, Oregon area, and
.
COOPER, he has been prompted to contact the FBI, and then advised as follows:
stated that resided in the Portland, Oregon area, and
. he
Hillsboro, Oregon.
emploved
Stated at that time he was in Portland, Oregon.
stated
stated that following the D. B. COOPER hijacking, when COOPER's composite drawing was published with local newspapers, he recalled that his first reaction was that the drawing closely resembled who was in Hillsboro, Oregon.
stated that
. He
believes that at one time mentioned that he had military jumping experience. is described as follows :
Race
White
Sex
Male
Height
6'
Build
Slender Dark
Hair
Eyes 8/12/78
Possibly blue
2 - Portland PG
16-41-1709
H
(2)
U.S. FOR ABOUT
# Bal Red
Bu .S. Savings ands Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
b6 b7C
b6 b7C ৳7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D
DB Cooper-43095
b6 b7C
HER SILVER
YEARS OLDWAREN THEblu PD 164-41
at that time was employed by
, Portland, Oregon. That firm may now be doing business under the name 
stated that during the period of his
acquaintance with , he gave no outward indication that he was considering a hijacking.
That firm may now be doing business under the name 
stated that during the period of his
acquaintance with , he gave no outward indication that he was considering a hijacking. The only reason is contacting the FBI is that in view of a recent article wherein an FBI official felt that D. B. COOPER was deceased, he felt because of the close resemblance between and the D. B. COOPER composite, the matter should be checked out.
also requested that the source of the above information be kept strictly confidential, and that the FBI's inquiries into the matter should not reveal his identity.
LEAD
PORTLAND
AT PORTLAND, OREGON. Will conduct appropriate investigation to determine whether or not may be identical with D. B. COOPER.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
b6 b7C
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43096
-2 *- X Airtel
7/5/78
TO:
SAC, SACRAMENTO (164-50)
FROM:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (₽)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK (A)
(00: Seattle)
Bufile 164-2111
RE:
ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW
SUB NUMBER 933
Re Sacramento airtel to Seattle, 5/5/78; Seattle airtel to Portland, 5/24/78.
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (₽)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK (A)
(00: Seattle)
Bufile 164-2111
RE:
ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW
SUB NUMBER 933
Re Sacramento airtel to Seattle, 5/5/78; Seattle airtel to Portland, 5/24/78.
Contact with USA SIDNEY I. LEZAK, District of Oregon, Portland, Oregon, on 6/12/78, determined that USA LEZAK wished to have the matter of the means of obtaining RACKSTRAW's paln prints researched before taking any action. He advised he would have the natter researched and advise.
On 6/26/78, USA LEZAF advised he had turned the matter over to First AUSA District of Oregon,
On 7/3/78, First AUSA advised that he wishes to explore the possibility of obtaining RACKSTRAW's palu prints through some other means than a subpoena or a court order. Ho accordingly requested that the identity of the District Attorney of the locality in which RACKSTRAW is to be triel for murder be obtained and furnished to him, so that he may contact that District Attorney and discuss the matter with him.
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
2 - Sacramento 2 - Seattle (164-81) 2 - Portland 
RPH : (6)
164-41-1910
Searched Serialized Index Find
DB Cooper-43097 PD 164-41
LEAD
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
2 - Sacramento 2 - Seattle (164-81) 2 - Portland 
RPH : (6)
164-41-1910
Searched Serialized Index Find
DB Cooper-43097 PD 164-41
LEAD
SACRAMENTO
AT SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA. till obtain the name of the District Attorney prosecuting RACKSTRAW on local charges, and forward same to Portland Division to furnish to First AUSA Will note that it is not clear from referenced Sacramento airtel to Seattle whether this would be the District Attorney of San Joaquin County or the District Attorney of Calaveras County.
b6 b7C
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
DB Cooper-43098 FD-36 (Rev. 3-24-77)
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype Facsimile X AIRTEL Routine
FBI
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL EPTO CLEAR
Date
7/12/78
TO:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41)
FROM :
SAC, SACRAMENTO (164-50) (P)
SUBJECT :
NORJAK (A)
00: SEATTLE
(BUFILE 164-2111)
RE: ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW SUB NUMBER 933
Re Portland airtel to Sacramento dated 7/5/78.
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41)
FROM :
SAC, SACRAMENTO (164-50) (P)
SUBJECT :
NORJAK (A)
00: SEATTLE
(BUFILE 164-2111)
RE: ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW SUB NUMBER 933
Re Portland airtel to Sacramento dated 7/5/78.
On 7/12/78, Detective
Calavares County Sheriff's Office, advised that RACKSTRAW is currently on trial in Calavares County for murder and is being prosecuted by DA JOSEPH KILEY. He advised KILEY could be reached at number (209) 754-3887.
On 7/12/78, contact with the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, Stockton, California, revealed that the name of the Assistant DA handling the RACKSTRAW case in Stockton is 7 number
ARMED AND DANGEROUS. (2) - Portland 2 - Seattle (164-81) 2 - Sacramento
164-41-1711
.CRED IZED
.1. 5
JUL 17 1978
(6)
/2/1 A. Back III
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
Per
FBI/DO3 DB Cooper-43099
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C DATE:
7/14/78
REPLY TO
ATTN OF:
(264-81)
SUBJECT:
NITED STATES GOVERNMENT memorandum
b6 b7C
TO:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
Re Portland airtel to Butte, 6/16/78.
5 KING Broadcast- ing, 320 Aurora Avenue North, Seattle, Washington, was contacted on July 14, 1978, and advised she is acquainted
5 KING Broadcast- ing, 320 Aurora Avenue North, Seattle, Washington, was contacted on July 14, 1978, and advised she is acquainted with · She furnished the following infor-
b7C mation concerning him:
b6
occasionally stops by her office
in Seattle and
b6 b7C
She has seen him once within the past six months, and he was only in her office for ap- proximately one minute. She stated she and described him as She went on to say she has never seen him away from her office, but the last time he came in to see her he showed her a mentioned his interest in this. She also recalled he claims however, she has never seen his
to be work.
could furnish absolutely no infor- mation as to his whereabouts but did state the next time he is in she will attempt to find out how to reach him.
b6 b7C
2 - Portland 3 - Seattle
b6 b7C (5)
164-41-1712
.C.ED .P .b I.V. A.D .. . ! IZED
JUL 1 7 1978
HiBack VORHIN
Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
DB Cooper-43100
OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 (REV. 7-76) GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.
Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
DB Cooper-43100
OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 (REV. 7-76) GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6 5010-112OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 JULY 1973 EDITION GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
TO
: SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
DATE:
7/19/78
FROM
:
SA
b6 b7C
SUBJECT: NORJAK (A)
00: Seattle
RE:
Reference Portland Memo of SA
6/7/78.
56
b7C
On 7/18/78, COP
Police Department, Cannon Beach, Oregon, advised that a Astoria, Oregon area approximately does not have her address. COP
moved to the He stated he
continued that in the past and recently
had been contacted by his employer in Portland.
advised
he recalls that was employed in some unknown capacity with Portland, Oregon. He could provide
no further information regarding his location.
PORTLAND AT PORTLAND, OREGON
Locate and interview O'HALLORAN re captioned matter thru his employer,
b6 b7C
NOT PER
b6 b7C
164-41-1713
JUL 2 0 1978
b6 b7C
2-Portland (2)
1
U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
DB Cooper-43101File - Serial Charge Out FD-5 (Rev.
Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
DB Cooper-43101File - Serial Charge Out FD-5 (Rev. 10-13-89)
Date
2.11.97
File
164.41
Class.
Office of Origin
Case No.
Last Serial Pending Closed

Serial No.	Description of Serial	Date Charged
1714	Missingcohen purging cool
Con VeLocate J

Do Not Crémone

b6 b7C
En
RECHARGE
Date
To
From
Initials of Clerk
Date
Date charged
Employee
Location
FPI-RBK
DB Cooper-43102 FD,36 (Rev. 7-27-76) Airtel
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype
PRECEDENCE: Immediate CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET Facsimile Priority Routine CONFIDENTIAL EFTO
unselected: Immediate CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET Facsimile Priority Routine CONFIDENTIAL EFTO CLEAR
Date
7/25/78

TO:	SAC, PORTLAND
FROM:	SAC, LOS ANGELES (164-497) (RUC) (3)
SUBJECT:	NORJAK (A) 00: Seattle

On 7/20/78, Corona, California, telephone number
advised she to ROGER HOWARD MASTERSON, aka Howard Roger Masterson, Howard Roger Mastenson, Howard McGill, Howard Roger Kuskie. She described MASTERSON as a White male, born 10/6/43, in Oregon, 5'9"-5'10", 145 to 155 pounds, dark brown hair, hazel eyes, medium complexion.
She said
numerous states including Oregon where MASTERSON had many relatives. In 1970, MASTERSON was arrested in the Los Angeles, California, area on a Colorado warrant, charging him with writing bad checks.
She said MASTERSON was returned to Colorado, convicted and served about 1} years at the State prison at Buena Vista, Colorado.
said she She believed MASTERSON was released from prison in October 1971, at which time he moved to Portland, Oregon.
said she She believed MASTERSON was released from prison in October 1971, at which time he moved to Portland, Oregon. She never had any contact with MASTERSON after his imprisonment in 1970 except through
@ - Portland 2 - Seattle
164-41-1715
1 - Los Angeles
(5)
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time
GPO : 1977 O - 225-539 DB Cooper-43103
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7CSAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
7/28/78
SAC, DENVER (164-640) (P)
NORJAK (A) 00: Seattle Bufile 164-2111
RE:
Colorado
Re Portland airtel to Denver, dated 3/6/78.
Colorado driver's license number
reflected
residence address
Colorado, was born STRAYER is a Caucasian Male, 5'8" tall, 174 pounds, brown hair and eyes, Social Security Number
On 5/22/78, AMAX, Inc., Henderson Mine, Empire, Colorado, advised payroll records indicating dates employees worked are main- tained at the AMAX Golden Office.
AMAX,
On 6/13/78, Inc., Golden, Colorado, advised she would attempt to locate payroll records for on 2/17/68. She advised it would probably take several weeks to locate these records due to the age of the records.
She advised it would probably take several weeks to locate these records due to the age of the records.
On 7/6/78 advised she had located the payroll records for and according to the records, on 2/17/68, was paid for an 8 hour shift which began at 12 midnight and ended at 8:00 AM. She advised records indicate that during February of 1968, was working a graveyard shift all month.
Investigation continuing at the Denver Division regarding additional suspect.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
2 - Seattle (RM) 2- Portland (164-41) (Info) (RM) 2 - Denver
AUG 2 1978
BI- PORTLAND
(6)
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
164-41-1716
SEARCHED.
SLNALIZED
NDEXED HES
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43106 8/2/78
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (₽)
HORJAK (A) (00: Seattle)
Ro suspect HOWARD ROGER MASTERSON. Re Los Angeles airtel to Portland dated 7/25/78.
For information of Los Angeles and Seattle, on 7/25/78, Detective Washington County Sheriff's Office, Hillsboro, Oregon, furnished the following information:
b6 b7C
HOWARD ROGER MASTERSON, white ralo, DOB 10/6/4G, was found dead of a drug overdose in
Detective Washington County Sheriff's Office, Hillsboro, Oregon, furnished the following information:
b6 b7C
HOWARD ROGER MASTERSON, white ralo, DOB 10/6/4G, was found dead of a drug overdose in Washington County on 5/30/72. The Washington County Sheriff's Office conducted the necessary investigation which included the positive identification of MASTERSON by several immediate relatives. Investigation was conducted under their case number 72-3108. The investigation established, in addition to the positive identity of MASTEPSON, the fact that the death was due to voluntary ingestion of drugs.
b6 b7C
continued that recently several relatives of MASTERSON, more distant than the ones who identified him at the time of his death, have raised the question as to whether MASTERSON may still be alive, and as a result it has been suggested that the buried body be cxhumed for re-identification. stated his office is completely satisfied with the validity of the identification and does not intend to go any further with the idea. He stated the people that raised the doubts alleged that they felt there was a possibility that MASTERSON was still alive and living in Mexico using the last name
He stated the people that raised the doubts alleged that they felt there was a possibility that MASTERSON was still alive and living in Mexico using the last name COOPER. He said that these individuals inferred that possibly MASTERSON might have been identical with UNSUB in captioned case.
pointed out he is personally satisfied
b6 b7C
2 - Seattle 1 - Los Angeles (164-497) 2 - Portland
RPH (5)
id' Brushes Searched
164-41-1717 DB Cooper-43107
Serializ Indarød FiledPD 164-41
that MASTERSON could have had nothing to do with the captioned matter because of the vast discrepancy in age and physical description. Re stated he feels it is merely a ruse, those members of the family desirous of establishing re-identification to bring pressure to bare for such an operation. He stated he was advising the Portland FBI Office inasmuch as members of the family indicated that they were going to take the matter to the FBI since they had been turned down by the sheriff's office.
In view of the above circunstances and considering the considerable discrepancy in age and description, it is not belived necessary for the FBI to take any further action in this matter,
In view of the above circunstances and considering the considerable discrepancy in age and description, it is not belived necessary for the FBI to take any further action in this matter, and accordingly Portland plans no further action concerning this suspect.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
DB Cooper-43108BT #164-26 SE #164-81
Page 1
The following investigation was conducted by SA
. .. AT. BOISE, IDAHO
, B & W
On July 25, 1978, ADVERTISING COMPANY, 1106 West State Street, advised his has been living in Oregon,
son, since 1975. called him once or twice during that time. He has not seen his son nor received any mail from him since 1975. His son had been in , which closed down, but was to start up again.
described his son as an exceptionally brilliant individual with outstanding writing and artistic abilities. His son won a full scholarship to , but at last minute decided to instead of going to college. was always a very imaginable type of person, even to the point of fantasy. During his time in Vietnam, he developed a much deeper sense of imagination and could definitely be classified as "a BS" artist.
During his time in Vietnam, he developed a much deeper sense of imagination and could definitely be classified as "a BS" artist.
said his son never contacts him and he has no idea where his son can be reached. His only suggestion is that probably is living somewhere along the Oregon Coast.
On July 26, 1978, Boise State University, advised she was married to and
on
They have
She said when
The last time
she heard anything from
was when he
They talked
very briefly, and he left. He said nothing about what he was doing or where he was going. She has no idea where he can be reached, but suspects he is living somewhere in 164-41-1718 Oregon. She said she had no way of knowing if anything at all she learned about
b6
b7C
DB Cooper-43109
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C BT #164-26 SE #164-81
Page 2
On July 26, 1978, ST. ALPHONSUS HOSPITAL, and advised she has not heard from her brother for approximately . one year. Generally, lives in Oregon and preferably on the coast. He comes to Boise occasionally to visit relatives, but lately he has limited his visits to his mother.
He comes to Boise occasionally to visit relatives, but lately he has limited his visits to his mother. He feels the family has turned against him. She has always been courteous to him and treated him well. Four 'years ago, she loaned him a substantial amount of money and never received a cent in repayment. could be b6 b7C
. She said he is
and anyone who does not know him would immediately like him and believe everything he says.
When he visited with her, it was always a brief visit, after which he would say he had to go to keep an important appointment. She said she does not know where he is and does not expect him to visit her again, at least not in the near future.
On July 26, 1978, advised
is her son, and he has been the source of many problems and heartaches for the family for years. She said she feelshe may have In fact, she took him'
Washington, in
1963,
is
He is
He is a talented painter and writer. He was commissioned to paint a portrait and was paid in advance, but he never produced.
said she feelshe may have In fact, she took him'
Washington, in
1963,
is
He is
He is a talented painter and writer. He was commissioned to paint a portrait and was paid in advance, but he never produced. He last visited her during the latter part of June, 1978, at which time he said he had been living "up in the mountains" during the past winter. He had been on active duty with the U. S. Air Force for about three years. When he returned, he said he was in the and that he was working with the said she does not believe any of that. . left the Boise area and possibly went to Seattle,
in Vietnam.
b3 b6 b7C b7E
DB Cooper-43110
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C BT #164-26. SE #164-81
Page 3
Washington, where he may be living with a long-time friend, who is possibly at Garfield School in or near Seattle. She said she would notify the FBI in the event she hears from him, but she would never be able to encourage him to contact the FBI direct, because he would become very irate and run away.
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43111x
7/31/78

TO:	SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
FROM:	SAC, BUTTE (164-26) (RUC)
SUBJECT:	NORJAK (A) 00:
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43111x
7/31/78

TO:	SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
FROM:	SAC, BUTTE (164-26) (RUC)
SUBJECT:	NORJAK (A) 00: Seattle Bufile #164-2111

Re Portland airtel to Butte, 6/16/78. Enclosed for Seattle and Portland is an insert disclosing investigation conducted at Boise, Idaho, by SA
b6 b7C
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
2 - Seattle (Encs. 2) (AM)
b6
b7C
2 - Portland (164-41) (Encs. 2 I - Butte M) (5)
Maybe lead at
CREADY WORK THERE HAVE RVA
b6 b7C
164-41-1719

SEARCHE	INDEXED
SERIALIZE	FILED

AUG 3 1978
FAI-PORTLAND
DB Cooper-43112BT #164-26 SE #164-81
Page 1
The following investigation was conducted by SA :
* * AT. BOISE, IDAHO
On July 25, 1978, ADVERTISING COMPANY, 1106 West State Street, advised his son, has been living in , Oregon,
B & W
since 1975. called him once or twice during that time. He has not seen his son nor received any mail from him since 1975.
called him once or twice during that time. He has not seen his son nor received any mail from him since 1975. His son had been in which closed down, but was to start up again.
described his son as an exceptionally brilliant individual with outstanding writing and artistic abilities. His son won a full scholarship to but at last minute decided to instead of going to college. was always a very imaginable type of person, even to the point of fantasy. During his time in Vietnam, he developed a much deeper sense of imagination and could definitely be classified as "a BS" artist.
said his son never contacts him and he has no idea where his son can be reached. His only suggestion is that probably is living somewhere along the Oregon Coast.
On July 26, 1978, Boise State University, advised she was married to and
on They have
She said when
The last time
she heard anything from was when
They talked very briefly, and he left. He said nothing about what he was doing or where he was going.
to and
on They have
She said when
The last time
she heard anything from was when
They talked very briefly, and he left. He said nothing about what he was doing or where he was going. She has no idea where he can be reached, but suspects he is living somewhere in Oregon. She said she had no way of knowing if anything at all she learned about b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43113BT #164-26 SE #164-81
Page 2
On July 26, 1978, f f ST. ALPHONSUS HOSPITAL, and advised she has not heard from her brother for approximately one year. Generally, lives in Oregon and preferably on the coast. He comes to Boise occasionally to visit relatives, but lately he has limited his visits to his mother. He feels the family has turned against him. She has always been courteous to him and treated him well. Four years ago, she loaned him a substantial amount of money and never received a cent in repayment. could be
She said he
1 and anyone who does not know him would immediately like him and believe everything he says.
When he visited with her, it was always a brief visit, after which he would say he had to go to keep an important appointment.
When he visited with her, it was always a brief visit, after which he would say he had to go to keep an important appointment. She said she does not know where he is and does not expect him to visit her again, at least not in the near future.
On July 26, 1978, advised is her son,
and he has been the source of many problems and heartaches for the family for years. She said she feelshe may have In fact, she took him'
Washington, in
1963,
is
He is
* He is a talented painter and writer. He was commissioned to paint a portrait and was paid in advance, but he never produced. He last visited her during the latter part of June, 1978, at which time he said he had been living "up in the mountains" during the past winter. He had been on active duty with the U. S. Air Force for about three years. When he returned, he said he was in the and that he b3
was working with the said she does not believe any of that.
in Vietnam. b6 b7C b7E left the Boise area and possibly went to Seattle,
DB Cooper-43114
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7CBT #164-26 SE #164-81
Page 3
Washington, where he may be living with a long-time
b6 b7C b7E left the Boise area and possibly went to Seattle,
DB Cooper-43114
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7CBT #164-26 SE #164-81
Page 3
Washington, where he may be living with a long-time friend,. who is possibly at Garfield School in or near Seattle. She said she would notify the FBI in the event she hears from him, but she would never be able to encourage him to contact the FBI direct, because he would become very irate and run away.
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43115x
8/4/78
TO :
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
FROM :
SAC, SAN FRANCISCO (164-220)
P. #10
NORJAK CAA (A) 00: SEATTLE
Re Seattle airtel to San Francisco, 7/18/78.
On 8/3/78,
b7C SA
UAL Reservations b6
b7C
Oregon, telephone was interested in any reward.
LEAD
PORTLAND
AT TIGARD, ORE .: Will obtain from any information he may have regarding
b6
ARMED & DANGEROUS. NED , AND 164-41-1720 ARCHED b6
2 - Seattle 2 Portland (164-41)
2 - San Francisco
RIALIZ
INDEXED ILED
b7C
(6)
UNSUB MIGHT BE
244
CONTACTED THOUGHT IDENTICAL WITH
NEAR
AUG 7 1978
1
WHO LIVED
DB Cooper-43116
b6 United Airlines, San Francisco International Airport, advised of the following:
On the same date, 8/3/78, a Office, Seattle, had called to report that he had
NEAR
AUG 7 1978
1
WHO LIVED
DB Cooper-43116
b6 United Airlines, San Francisco International Airport, advised of the following:
On the same date, 8/3/78, a Office, Seattle, had called to report that he had been contacted by an individual who said he had information about a missing hijacker with missing money. This individual who said his name was Tigard, $
b7C instant matter.8/10/78
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
FROM:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (2)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK (A)
(00: Seattle
Bufile #164-2111
RE ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW Sub 0933
Re Portland airtel to Sacramento dated 7/5/78; and Sacramento airtel to Portland dated 7/12/78.
Information contained in referenced Sacramento airtel to Portland was furnished on 8/7/78 to First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon who had boen on vacation prior to that time.
b6 b7C
On 8/8/78, AUSA advised that he had been in telephonic contact with the District Attorney of Calavares County, California, JOSEPH KILEY, and had determined that suspect RACKSTRAW had been acquitted of the murder charge for which he was tried in Calavares County. then
b6 b7C
telephonically contacted Deputy District Attorney of the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office,
then
b6 b7C
telephonically contacted Deputy District Attorney of the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, Stockton, California. advised that suspect RACKSTRAW is scheduled to be tried on various charges in San Joaquin County beginning in September, 1978. Meanwhile, RACKSTRAW is free on $60,000 bail.
related to that he has worked very closely for a number of years with the FBI Resident Agent at b7C Stockton, SA and he thinks very highly of SA He stated that he would make every effort to see to it that major case fingerprints of RACKSTRAW are obtained at some point during the forthcoming prosecution in September, 1978. b6 b7C
b6
2
KPN RPE (6)
2 - Seattle - Sacramento (164-50)
Bach APA
164-41-1721 DB Cooper-43117
Searched Serialize Indexed FoodPD 164-41
LEADS
SACRAMENTO
AT STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA. Will maintain contact with Doputy District Attorney for progress in his efforts to obtain major case fingerprints of suspect PACKSTPAW for climination purposes in this matter.
b6 b7C
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
contact with Doputy District Attorney for progress in his efforts to obtain major case fingerprints of suspect PACKSTPAW for climination purposes in this matter.
b6 b7C
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
2*
DB Cooper-431182
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
10/6/78
SA RALPH P. HIMMELSBACH
NORJAK (A) (00: Seattle)
On 9/14/78, Detective r Marion County b6 b7C
Sheriff's Office. (MCSO) , Salem, Oregon, furnished the follow- ing information:
b6 b7C
has advised him that he has a man in mind who may have been involved in captioned violation. agreed to make available for interview and on the same date accompanied the Agent to residence for the following interview:
Portland, Oregon, telephone no.
? furnished the following information:
In early 1971, in the Portland area. During that period, an old bootlegger, long since deceased, and they were living in North Portland.
by the name of told him that a mutual was interested in talking acquaintance, one to him. The next time came to Portland, he rode back to Salem with in the latter's new Japanese car. On the way, to hijack an airliner. He said that the hijacker would board an airliner and bail out in a parachute somewhere over southwest
He said that the hijacker would board an airliner and bail out in a parachute somewhere over southwest Washington state. He seemed to remember that the Longview and Kelso area was a possible area of the hijacker involved in the plan. wanted someone
told him that he had a plan
Sala Leads 2
3)- Portland
(3)
164-41-1722
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43119
b6 b7C
b6 b7C PD 164-41
else to make the jump, and he would pick up the hi- jacker, and they would make use of a small airstrip located somewhere in the area. In this connection, said that there were a lot of small airstrips all over southwest Washington state. They would then take the ransom to either Canada, or to Switzerland, to exchange the money, if it were marked, or possibly go to South America. Mexico was not ever mentioned. mentioned that he thought they could ask for either one or two million dollars, but he also mentioned the figure of two hundred thousand dollars.
felt that the reason
was asking him
was because
however, he
did not want any part of a parachute jump, thought the plan was wild, and told of his views.
felt that the reason
was asking him
was because
however, he
did not want any part of a parachute jump, thought the plan was wild, and told of his views. He said that
·
continued that
now lives in
or is working in - He is now either in
1
Oregon, and is living
. He recalled that said at the time that it would be necessary that once they got the ransom money, they would have to sit on it for a year or so, before touching it.
said that he ran across in Salem since the incident, and this was in about
one time
· At that time he told he never thought he would go through with the plan, and just grinned and did not confirm or deny involvement in captioned matter.
advised that he had no idea as to the possible
identities of any associates of
during that period
of time. He said he thought that at Salem, but that .
kept the airplane
Upon conclusion of the above interview, Detective advised that he has identified as ₹
-2-
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
1
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43120 PD 164-41
.
b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
1
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43120 PD 164-41
. His present residence is
b6 b7C ? Oregon 7 and b7D He has Oregon driver's license no. of
. DOB was
On 11/3/70,
Salem, Oregon, on
whose last
name was - At the time of
b6 b7C
LEAD
PORTLAND
AT AND SALEM, OREGON. Will conduct discreet investigation to determine the general financial background of 7 after which time he will be inter- viewed by Case Agent and Detective -
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
b6 b7C
-3 *-
DB Cooper-43121 File - Serial Charge Out FD-5 (Rev. 10-13-89)
Date
2.11.97
File
164,41
Class.
Office of Origin
Case No.
Last Serial Pending Closed

Serial No.	Description of Serial	Date Charged
1723	Missing when purging Case
Can Webechrated O

Do not Remove
Last Serial Pending Closed

Serial No.	Description of Serial	Date Charged
1723	Missing when purging Case
Can Webechrated O

Do not Remove

b6
b7C
Employee
RECHARGE
Date
To
From
Initials of Clerk
Date
8
Date charged
Employee
Location
FPI-RBK DB Cooper-43122OPTIONAL, FORM NO, 10 JULY 1973 EDITION GSA FPMR [41 CFR) 101-11.6 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
TO
: SAC, PORTLAND (164-41)
(P)
DATE: 11/15/78
FROM
: SA
SUBJECT: NORJAK (A)
(00: Seattle)
b6 b7C
Re memo of SA HIMMELSBACH, 10/6/78.
Contact with the Marion County SO. Salem, Oregon. b6 had determined that Sgt.
b7C
.
, Salem, Oregon.
was contacted at his place of employment b6
10/31/78, and advised that
b7C
he had determined that
owned
, Oregon, which the residence at
is assessed at The residence is mortgaged
was contacted at his place of employment b6
10/31/78, and advised that
b7C
he had determined that
owned
, Oregon, which the residence at
is assessed at The residence is mortgaged through the
is employed at Salem, Oregon, and has a very favorable credit rating according to inquiries made by said
On 11/6/78, residence at b6 b7C
was observed. The residence is A small pickup truck, Oregon license was parked in the driveway.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
b7C (1)
164-41-1724 b6 Hi Parti fit
5010-110
Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
DB Cooper-43123 464-41-1725 ED b6
SEARCHER SERIALIZE
b7C
DEC 4 1978 J Back
FRI - PORTLAND
plo reply
DB Cooper-43124Dec. 1, 1978
Dear Sir:
We were led to believe from a TV report in Nov. 1977 that the statute of limitations was now up on the D.B. Cooper money. Last weeks paber stated that it was not. Which is true?
Also - What interest does the Insurance Co. have in this "Treasure Trove" assuming they paid the airlines for the loss?
What information can you give us on the connection of Bryant Jack Coffelt and D.
have in this "Treasure Trove" assuming they paid the airlines for the loss?
What information can you give us on the connection of Bryant Jack Coffelt and D.B. Cooper?
Please let us know. Thank you.
Sincerely yours,
Oregon
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43125Oregon
b6
b7C
USA 159
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION 1500 S.W. 1st. Portland, Oregon 97201
DB Cooper-43126FD-36 (Rev ._ 7-27-76) 
Airtel
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA:
PRECEDENCE:
CLASSIFICATION: Immediate Priority TOP SECRET SECRET Facsimile Teletype Routine CONFIDENTIAL EPTO CLEAR
Date
12/27/78

TO :	SAC, PORTLAND (164-41)
FROM:	SAC, BUTTE (164-26) (RUC)
SUBJECT:	NORJAK (A) 00: Seattle

Enclosed for Portland is one business card of D. B. COOPER, Director, COOPER's SKYDIVING SCHOOL, Sky Harbor Field, Salem, Oregon.
On 11/27/78, TREASURE ENTERPRISES, 3815 Rickenbacker Drive, Boise, Idaho, , advised a man came into her office sometime between 2:00 p.
On 11/27/78, TREASURE ENTERPRISES, 3815 Rickenbacker Drive, Boise, Idaho, , advised a man came into her office sometime between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on 11/22/78. He wanted to rent a 172 Cessna airplane to go to San Francisco and San Diego for three weeks.
said she could not approve the rental that the man would have to talk to one of the company officials. He then said he had an appointment and would return later. He gave a business card in the name of D. B. COOPER, COOPER's SKYDIVING SERVICE, Salem, Oregon, and left. He said he would return Monday, 11/27/78. described this man as follows :
Race Sex
White Male 164-41-1726
Salam Land to
SEARCHED SERIALIZE
INDEX FILED
2 - Portland (Enc. 1) (AM) 2 - Seattle (164-41) (AM) 1 - Butte
b6 b7C
IN
(5)
with each
b6 b7C
Transmitted
(Number)
Per
(Time)
Approved:
GPO : 1977 O - 225-539 DB Cooper-43127
b6 b7C
b6 b7C BT #164-26

Height	5' 6"
Weight	Approximately 200#
Hair	Gray
Face	Round

A composite copy of D.
BT #164-26

Height	5' 6"
Weight	Approximately 200#
Hair	Gray
Face	Round

A composite copy of D. B. COOPER was displayed to who said the man did not resemble the composite in any way.
b6 57C
TREASURE ENTERPRISES were recontacted on 11/28, 11/30, and 12/5/78, at which time it was determined the man had not returned to rent a plane. In the event that he does return, the FBI will be notified immediately.
LEAD
PORTLAND DIVISON
AT SALEM, OREGON
Will attempt to locate D. B. COOPER in care of COOPER's SKYDIVING SCHOOL, Sky Harbor Field, Salem, Oregon, for interview.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
DB Cooper-43128
- 2* -XX
AIRTEL
1/5/79
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
FROM:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK (A)
(00:Seattle)
Rc Dutte airtel to Portland, 12/27/78.
Enclosed for Seattle is a business card of D. B. COOPER, Director, Airline Jump Operations, Cooper's Sky Diving School, Sky Harbor Field, Salem, Oregon.
As evidenced by the information contained in the enclosed card furnished Seattle, it appears the card is a novelty iten of no investigative value.
As evidenced by the information contained in the enclosed card furnished Seattle, it appears the card is a novelty iten of no investigative value. there is no Sky Harbor Field located at Salen, Oregon.
On 1/4/79, inquiries with officials at the Salem, Oregon, airport and the Salen Flight Service determined there are no sky diving schools located at Salen.
VAC Seattle, no additional inquiries will be nade regarding Cooper's Sky Diving School.
2-Seattle (Enc. 1) (2)-Portland
14
b6 b7C
H'Bach Kit 164-41-1727
Searched Serialized Indexed Filed
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43129SAC, PORTLAND (80-501) (P)
SA
MEDIA RELATIONS
On 11/20/78, PAT WILKINS, KATU-TV TV News, telephonically contacted SA and requested an interview with SAC ARTHUR G. BARGER on 11/21/78, in connection with the ongoing investigation of Portland file 164-41 entitled "Norjack."
On 11/20/78, WILKINS did interview SAC BARGER and one television interview should be credited.
2
(1)- 164-41)
(2)
12/22/78
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
165-41-1728 b6 b7C
2
DB Cooper-43130Post Office Box 709 Portland, Oregon 97207
January 17, 1979
b6 b7C
៛ Oregon
Dear
C
In response to your recent letter, please
164-41)
(2)
12/22/78
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
165-41-1728 b6 b7C
2
DB Cooper-43130Post Office Box 709 Portland, Oregon 97207
January 17, 1979
b6 b7C
៛ Oregon
Dear
C
In response to your recent letter, please be advised that the Federal Statute of Limitations of five years has been tolled, (stopped from running) , because of a Grand Jury indictment which was returned on November 24, 1976. This means that the hijacker may be prosecuted anytime he is located regardless of the passage of time.
The relative interests of the victim airline and the insurance company are civil matters not within the investigative jurisdiction of this Bureau.
I an sorry to have to inform you that the provisions of the Privacy Act forbid the furnishing of the information you requested concerning a certain individual.
Your interest and concern in this matter are appreciated.
Very truly yours, 1mm ARTHUR G. BARGER Special Agent in Charge
1 - Addressee - Portland (164-41) (C)
1)
RPI (2
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43131 164-11-1729
Sorichsd Sorialized Indexed FiledPortland, Oregon January 17, 1979
NEWS INQUIRY
Arthur G. Barger, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI for the State of Oregon, today acknowledged that a portion of a
Barger, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI for the State of Oregon, today acknowledged that a portion of a plastic decal which is known to be used by Boeing 727 aircraft was located during November, 1978 by a hunter in a remote area of Cowlitz County, Washington. The decal, which is white with red lettering, has been identified by officials of Northwest Orient Airlines as being similar to decals used on aircraft of the type hijacked by the person popularly known as "D. B. Cooper" the night before Thanksgiving, 1971.
The decal was found approximately twelve miles due east of Castle Rock, Washington, near Toutle River Park. This location is generally within the area into which Cooper is believed to have parachuted following the departure of the aircraft from Seattle-Tacoma Airport.
No additional searches of the area are planned at this
time.
1. 164-41
1
1 Each Desk (5)
1 Special Clerks I Switchboard
1 SA
(10)
b6 b7c
16-1-4-1730 DB Cooper-43132
Searched
b6
Serialized
b7C
Indexed
FiledComplaint Form FD-71 (Rev.
164-41
1
1 Each Desk (5)
1 Special Clerks I Switchboard
1 SA
(10)
b6 b7c
16-1-4-1730 DB Cooper-43132
Searched
b6
Serialized
b7C
Indexed
FiledComplaint Form FD-71 (Rev. 7-21-67)
NOTE: Hand print names legibly; handwriting satisfactory for remainder. Indices: Negative See below
Subject's name and aliases NORJACK (A) 00: Seattle
Character of case
NORJACK
Complainant
Complaint received Personal Telephonic Date: 31/19/79
Time

Address of subject	Complainant's address and telephone number
No phone; See address instructions below.

Subject's Description	Race	Scx	Height	Hair	Build	Birth date and Birthplace
Age	

Male
Female	Weight	Eyes	Complexion

Scars, marks or other date
Facts of complaint
advised he works during the day, however, he does not want contact there.
Scars, marks or other date
Facts of complaint
advised he works during the day, however, he does not want contact there. He is generally homeafter 4:00 PM each day. He advised he would like to talk to an Agent regarding information he may possess regarding D.B. COOPER.
advised he lives max
Tillamook. Oregon,
didn't want to discuss information over the phone but gave impression he had information re D.B. COOPER in the East Beaver Creek, Oregon area.
164-41-1731
SERIALIZE
A Band RA
Action Recommended
Open and assign to an Agent.
SC RALPH H. DOGGETT, JR.
(Agent)
DB Cooper-43133
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C XX
AIRTEL
1/26/79

TO:	SAC,	SEATTLE (164-81)
FROM :	SAC,	PORTLAND (164-41) (P)

SUBJECT:	NORJAK (A) (00: Seattle) BuFile 164-2111

RE
WASHINGTON
On 1/18/79.
no hone telephone,
Washington
message phone
. telephonically contacted the Portland Office to furnish the following information:
She met a man naned believed
telephonically contacted the Portland Office to furnish the following information:
She met a man naned believed to be
currently formerly ares, who lives
Washington, approximately
feels resembles COOPER, unsto in this warrer, but she could not give a physical description of She added that he is very polite and mild-mannered.
The above for information and any investigation deemed necessary by Seattle.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
b6 b7C
3
2-Seattle Portland
(4
164-41-1732
DB Cooper-43134 b6
b7C
Searched Serialized Indexed Filed
HABauch RAL
b6 b7C
b6 b7C xx AIRTEL
1/29/79

TO:	SAC,	SEATTLE	(164-81)
PROM.	SAC,	PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
SUBJECT:	NORTAK (A) (00:Seattle) BuFile 164-2111

RE:
Western Academy of Films, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
For the information of Seattle, at approximately 9:47 a.m., 1/29/79, an anonymous mature female contacted the Portland office and asked to speak with the Agent in charge.
, 1/29/79, an anonymous mature female contacted the Portland office and asked to speak with the Agent in charge. She was referred to SA . and at that time furnished the following information:
She has some information pertaining to a case in which the FBI has an interest. She asked if SA had a pencil and paper, and when he replied affirmatively, she stated "Well copy down this information." SA asked her to what the information pertained, and she advised it pertained to a case in which the FBI has an interest, that she had tried to give the information to the Los Angeles Police Department last year, but they did not seem interested. She then said write down "Western Academy of Films, 845 Beech Avenue, British Columbia; telephone 685- 1718, +
b6 b7C
2-Seattle -Portland
RRA
RPE (4)
164-41-1733
Searched Serialized Indexed Filed
DB Cooper-43135
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C PD 164-41
b6 b7C
SA inquired as to what the information pertained to, and the woman stated "Well, it has to do with the skyjacking over Woodland, Washington, but if you're not interested, I'll hang
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C PD 164-41
b6 b7C
SA inquired as to what the information pertained to, and the woman stated "Well, it has to do with the skyjacking over Woodland, Washington, but if you're not interested, I'll hang up." She then hung up.
The long distance operator advises the above telephone number is located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
connection The anonymous female did not state what may have with the instant matter b6 or whether or not he was a suspect. b7C
The above is for information of the seattle office and any action deemed appropriate.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
DB Cooper-43136 OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 JULY 1973 EDITION GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
TO
: SAC, PORTLAND (164-41)
FROM : SA
SUBJECT: NORJAK
DATE: 1/17/79
At approximately 11:45 a.m., 1/17/79, SA
contacted SA
FBI, Seattle, at which time SA briefed SA on the circumstances surrounding the location of a plastic decal during November, 1978 in Cowlitz County, Washington.
SA requested that Portland handle news inquiries regarding this matter at Portland.
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
H' Back RPA
164-41-1734 b6 b7C
BAG
5010-510
buy U.
SA requested that Portland handle news inquiries regarding this matter at Portland.
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
H' Back RPA
164-41-1734 b6 b7C
BAG
5010-510
buy U.S. Savings sounds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan DB Cooper-43137FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA:
PRECEDENCE: Immediate
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority Routine SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EF TO UNCLAS
Date FEBRUARY 2, 1979
2245
FM PORTLAND (164-41) P
TO LOS ANGELES (164-497) ROUTINE 1030
SEATTLE (164-81) ROUTINE /0/7
BT
UNCLAS
NORJAK (A) , 00: SEATTLE, BUFILE 164-2111.
RE SUSPECT ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW, SUB NO. 933. FOR INFORMATION OF LOS ANGELES, ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW HAS BEEN CONSIDERED AS A POSSIBLE SUSPECT IN THIS MATTER. RACKSTRAW IS CURRENTLY BELIEVED TO BE IN CUSTODY OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES AT FULLERTON, CALIFORNIA.
LOS ANGELES, AT FULLERTON, CALIFORNIA, WILL CONTACT LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND ATTEMPT TO OBTAIN MAJOR CASE FINGERPRINTS OF RACKSTRAW, INCLUDING PALM PRINTS, AND FORWARD SAME IMMEDIATELY TO FBI
LOS ANGELES, AT FULLERTON, CALIFORNIA, WILL CONTACT LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND ATTEMPT TO OBTAIN MAJOR CASE FINGERPRINTS OF RACKSTRAW, INCLUDING PALM PRINTS, AND FORWARD SAME IMMEDIATELY TO FBI IDENTIFICATION DIVISION FOR COMPARISON WITH UNIDENTIFIED LATENT FINGERPRINT IMPRESSIONS DEVELOPED IN THE HIJACKED AIR- CRAFT IN THIS MATTER.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS .
164-41-1735
BT (1)- Portland
RPH (1)
A
Approved:
Transmitted
048 Sandrine
Per
(Number)
(Time)
DB Cooper-43138
b6 b7C
Searched Serialized Indexed Filed
=LA0002 0361907 RR SE PD SC DE LA R 051907Z FEB 79FM LOS ANGELES (164-497) TO SEATTLE (164-8L ) ROUTINE PORTLAND (164-41) ROUTINE SACRAMENTO ROUTINE BT
UNCLAS
NORJAK (A), 00: SEATTLE, BUFILE: 164-2111.
RE PORTLAND TELETYPE TO LOS ANGELES FEBRUARY 3, 1979.
FOR INFORMATION OF SACRAMENTO , PORTLAND ADVISED IN RE TELETYPE THAT ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW HAS BEEN CONSIDERED AS A POSSIBLE SUSPECT IN THIS MATTER. RACKSTRAW IS CURRENTLY BELIEVED TO BE IN CUSTODY OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES AT FULLERTON, CALIFORNIA.
RACKSTRAW WAS RELEASED TO THE CUSTODY OF A DETECTIVE (PR)., SAN JOAQUIN SHERIFF'S OFFICE, FOR RETURN TO STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA.
RACKSTRAW WAS RELEASED TO THE CUSTODY OF A DETECTIVE (PR)., SAN JOAQUIN SHERIFF'S OFFICE, FOR RETURN TO STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA.
SACRAMENTO AT. STOCKTON , CALIFORNIA , WILL CONTACT LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND ATTEMPT TO OBTAIN MAJOR CASE FINGERPRINTS OF
b6
b7C
b6 b7C 164-41-1736
SEARCHED. SERIALIZED
INDEX FILED
F4 5 1979 FBI - PORTLANDA
ABach 7914
DB Cooper-43139 FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA:
PRECEDENCE:
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype Immediate Priority TOP SECRET Facsimile SECRET AIRTEL Routine CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EP TO UNCLAS
Date
2/6/79
TO:
DIRECTOR, FBI (164-2111)
ATTN:
FBI IDENT
FROM:
SAC, SACRAMENTO (164-50) (P)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK
00:
Seattle
Re Sacramento airtel to Seattle, 11/8/78, and Portland teletype to Sacramento 2/5/79.
RE: ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW
Enclosed for the Bureau are three copies of palm prints of ROBERT W. RACKSTRAW.
RACKSTRAW was apprehended 1/26/79, by the Fullerton Police Department, Fullerton, California, for trying to have
RACKSTRAW was apprehended 1/26/79, by the Fullerton Police Department, Fullerton, California, for trying to have copies made of a forged federal pilot's license.
On 2/5/79, Deputy San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, provided the enclosed palm prints obtained from RACKSTRAW at Fullerton, California. stated that the original prints are being retained by his office for use in RACKSTRAW's local prosecution.
Sacramento is obtaining major case prints which will be submitted when available.
2-Bureau (Enc1. 3) 2Portland (164-41) 2-Seattle (164-81) 2-Sacramento
(8)
164-41-1737
SEARCHE SLRIALIZ
Inte get
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
Per
DB Cooper-43140 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
TO
:
SAC, PORTLAND (80-501) (P)
DATE:
2/12/79
FROM :
SA
SUBJECT:
MEDIA RELATIONS
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
On 2/1/79, an inquiry was received from United Press International, Portland, Oregon, concerning reports originating in Fullerton, California, that an individual believed to be D.
RELATIONS
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
On 2/1/79, an inquiry was received from United Press International, Portland, Oregon, concerning reports originating in Fullerton, California, that an individual believed to be D.B. COOPER, the unknown subject of PD 164-41, NORJACK, had been arrested. In anticipation of additional inquiries in this matter, Supervisors FBI, Los Angeles, and , FBI, Seattle, were contacted for details.
As a result of these contacts, it was determined that the individual in question was ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW, a former Bureau fugitive. Also as a result of these contacts, it was decided that all news inquiries would be answered with a no comment based on the fact the matter is still under investigation.
A rough log of incoming inquiries reflects a total in excess of 37 at Portland during the following 24 hours. These included inquiries from the "New York Times," "Time" magazine, and other major American and Canadian organizations.
2
((1 )- 164-41)
b6 b7C
164-41-1738
SEARCHE
DEX FILED
SERIALIZ
LOT FBI-PC
Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
DB Cooper-43142
b6 b7C UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FEDERAL
Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
DB Cooper-43142
b6 b7C UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
TO
:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41)
DATE:
3/6/79
FROM
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81) (P)
SUBJECT. NORJAK (A) 00: SEATTLE BUfile 164-2111
RE :
Re Portland letter to Seattle dated 8/16/77.
For the information of Portland Division, since date of referenced communication, the Seattle Division has conducted an investigation in an attempt to determine
the source of has revealed that by the name of
This investigation
Washington. In addition, investigation has revealed has been seen with large amounts of money which, according to come from Omaha, Nebraska, and an unknown location in Canada. Investigation by the Omaha Division has failed to reveal any information of value concerning in that area.
It has been recently learned that is
which is located at the Portland, Oregon. This business which, apparently,
is across the street from
Recent contact with an individual knowledgeable has revealed that is apparently going
of
to an unknown location in California to It is anticipated that
in
which, apparently,
is across the street from
Recent contact with an individual knowledgeable has revealed that is apparently going
of
to an unknown location in California to It is anticipated that
in Portland. 2
164-41-1739
- Portland 2 - Seattle
SEARCHED SERIALIZE
INDEXE FILED
(4)
MAR 9 19
FB: +PORTLAND
Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43143 b3 per IRS b6
SE 164-81
ADMINISTRATIVE:
Confidential information provided by the Intelligence Detail, Internal Revenue Service, Vancouver, Washington, has revealed no
It has also been learned that
apparently banks at the United States National Bank of Oregon, Century Tower Branch, Portland, Oregon.
b6 ৳7C
The Seattle Division has conducted all investigation deemed feasible in an attempt to learn the source of This investigation has not determined this source. It therefore appears, in order to resolve this matter that should be interviewed concerning
b6 b7C
.
LEADS :
PORTLAND DIVISION
At Portland, Oregon
Will, if deemed feasible, interview b6 b7C
Portland, for information concerning
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
DB Cooper-43144
2*AIRTEL
3/8/79
TO:
LEADS :
PORTLAND DIVISION
At Portland, Oregon
Will, if deemed feasible, interview b6 b7C
Portland, for information concerning
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
DB Cooper-43144
2*AIRTEL
3/8/79
TO:
DIRECTOR, FBI (164-2111)
FROM:
SAC, SACRAMENTO (164-50) (RUC)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK
00:
Seattle
Re Los Angeles teletype to Sacramento, 2/5/79, and Sacramento airtel to Bureau, 2/6/79.
RE: ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW
ROBERT RACKSTRAW, San Joaquin County Jail, French Camp, California, refused to give consent to having major case prints taken without the advice of his attorney, Oakland, California.
.
b6 b7C
On 3/7/79, Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney , Eastern District of California, Sacramento, California, contacted RACKSTRAW's attorney, ,
b6
b7C
Oakland, California, and advised that desired the FBI to obtain a court order prior to obtaining major case prints from ROBERT RACKSTRAW.
In view of the above, Sacramento is conducting no further investigation in this matter subsequent to receiving a subpoena for RACKSTRAW's major case prints.
2 - Bureau 2 - Portland (164-41) 2 - Seattle (164-81) 1 - Sacramento (7)
164-41-1740
SERIALIZ
1979 A ~ PORTLAND
Bauch Ret b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43145 :
2 - Bureau 2 - Portland (164-41) 2 - Seattle (164-81) 1 - Sacramento (7)
164-41-1740
SERIALIZ
1979 A ~ PORTLAND
Bauch Ret b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43145 *FD-36 %Rev. 5-22-78)
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Routine SECRET CONFIDENTIAL Airtel UNCLAS EFTO UNCLAS
Date
3/16/79
TO:
DIRECTOR, FBI (164-2111)
FROM :
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK (A)
(00: Seattle)
Re ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW, Sub #933
Re Sacramento airtel to the Bureau, dated 3/8/79. For information of all recipients, on 3/15/79, AUSA District of Oregon, Portland, Oregon, advised
as follows :
Departmental Attorney
telephonically advised this date that he had received a communication from one , Attorney, Oakland, California, telephone advised him that he represents a client whom he did not identify who is willing to provide information which will prove he is the UNSUB in this matter in return for immunity from federal prosecution.
advised him that he represents a client whom he did not identify who is willing to provide information which will prove he is the UNSUB in this matter in return for immunity from federal prosecution. instructed to have the Portland Case Agent contact by telephone in an attempt to determine the validity of this claim and to evaluate the potential for benefit to this investigation.
It is noted that during the period April, 1978 to March, 1979, investigation has been conducted to eliminate or involve one ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW. RACKSTRAW is now only 35 years old, and at the time of the hijacking in this matter, would have been approximately 28 years old. UNSUB in this matter was described as late 40's or early 50's in 1971, with the median age of the description being 48 years. This
2 - Bureau 2 - Seattle (164-81) 2 - San Francisco (164-220) Portland
164-41-1741
H' Bach pt
b6 b7C
RP (8
Searched Serialized Indexed Filed
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
DB Cooper-43146
b6 b7C
b6 b7C OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 MAY 1942 EDITION GSA FPMR (4) CPR) 101-11.8 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
TO
BAC, PORTLAND (164-42) (P)
DATEL/2/79
FROM SA
SUBJECTNOR JACK (A) 00: Seattle
b6
8 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
TO
BAC, PORTLAND (164-42) (P)
DATEL/2/79
FROM SA
SUBJECTNOR JACK (A) 00: Seattle
b6 b7C
Reference FD 71 of 80 RALPH H. DOGGETT, JR., 1/19/79.
b6 b7C
For information several attempts have been made to contact Beavercreek, Oregon (Tillamook County) regarding his knowledge of captioned matter. It should be noted that messages have been left at the residence to have him contact the Astoria RA. There has been no response.
On 3/28/79, Chief Oriminal Deputy Tillamook County Sheriff's Office (RCSO), Tillamook, Oregon, advised that he would have IX. Resident Deputy
b6 b7C
attempt to contact to resolve this matter. will be informed to contact the FBI at his earliest convenience.
GRAD PORTLAND AT TILLAMOOK, OREGON (BEAVERCREEK)
Interview re his knowledge of captioned matter.
b6 b7C
Cla H' Brunch
Portland (164-41)
16.4.41-1742
SERIALIZE
faut!
b6 b7C
☎1-14-02
Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
DB Cooper-43149UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
TO
: SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
DATE:
Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
DB Cooper-43149UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
TO
: SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
DATE:
4/19/79
FROM
: SA
b6 b7C
SUBJECT: NORJACK (A)
00: Seattle
Reference Portland Memo of SA
4/2/79. b6 b7C
On 4/18/79, Chief Criminal Deputy , Tillamook County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) advised his office had made contact with and requested him to contact the Astoria Resident Agency - FBI.
On 4/19/79, > Tillamook. Oregon, telephonically b6 contacted the Astoria Resident Agency. advised that b7C
approximately while in Hood River, Oregon he had a conversation with an individual regarding "D.B. Cooper". This individual indicated
· During the conversation this person become upset and nervous and left. Several months later, advised he observed a photo in a local newspaper (composite) and that it was very similar to the individual he had talked to in Hood River. advised he does not know the person's name or where he lives. He advised that he probably could find out if he went back to the Hood River area.
advised he does not know the person's name or where he lives. He advised that he probably could find out if he went back to the Hood River area. He advised that this individual possibly worked in Hood River.
advised he could offer no further information of value regarding this individual or of captioned matter.
In view of the above information it is recommended that no further investigation be conducted or the matter pursued in regards to information furnished by
b6 b7C
164-41-1743
acquise
SEARCHED SERIALIZED AR
2-Portland (164-41)
budi Riff
Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43150FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA:
PRECEDENCE:
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype Immediate TOP SECRET Facsimile 
Priority SECRET Airtel Routine CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EF TO UNCLAS
Date
4/20/79

TO :	SAC, INDIANAPOLIS
FROM :	SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (₽)
SUBJECT:	NORJAK (A) (00: Seattle) BuFile
Facsimile 
Priority SECRET Airtel Routine CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EF TO UNCLAS
Date
4/20/79

TO :	SAC, INDIANAPOLIS
FROM :	SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (₽)
SUBJECT:	NORJAK (A) (00: Seattle) BuFile 164-2111

On 4/18/79,
Carmel, Indiana,
telephone telephonically contacted the Portland Office to advise that she has a suspect in mind who may be identical with unsub in this matter. She declined to furnish any identifying information concerning her suspect until she had the opportunity to view the artist's conception composite sketch.
A Xeroxed copy of the artist's conception was sent directly to by mail on
4/18/79.
did advise that her suspect has dark eyes and hair, is approximately 40 years old at this time, but may be older, and is just under 6' tall. It is noted in this regard that unsub was described in 1971 as being in his middle or late forties or possibly in his fifties. The medium age was approximately 48 years old. In view of this age disparity, suspect would not appear to be very likely.
The medium age was approximately 48 years old. In view of this age disparity, suspect would not appear to be very likely.
LEADS
INDIANAPOLIS
AT CARMEL, INDIANA. Will contact
for any information she may possess of possible
2 - Indianapolis 2 - Seattle (164-81) 2 - Portland
164-41-1744
H) 'Bach Ret b6 b7C
KLARPH (6)
Detienea Serialized Indexed Filed
Approved:
Transmitted
DB Cooper-43151
(Number)
(Time)
b7D
b7D I b7D
b7D Post Office Box 709 Portland, Oregon 97207 April 25, 1979
Portland, Oregon
Dear
b6 b7C
Please accept my sincere thanks for your cooperation in bringing to the attention of this office your sighting of a piece of white cloth hanging from a tree near Lake Merwin, Washington, and for accompanying personnel of this office to the location to point it out to them.
It would not be possible to conduct successful criminal investigative operations without the civic responsibility of citizens such as you displayed in this instance, and I wanted you to know of my deep appreciation.
Very truly yours, ihr
ARTHUR G.
It would not be possible to conduct successful criminal investigative operations without the civic responsibility of citizens such as you displayed in this instance, and I wanted you to know of my deep appreciation.
Very truly yours, ihr
ARTHUR G. BARGER Special Agent in Charge
164-41-1745
1 - Addressee 2
1 - 164-41)
REYK (3
Searched Serialized Indexed Filed
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43153UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
TO
:
DIRECTOR, FBI (164-2111)
DATE:
4/25/79
FROM :
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK (A)
(00:
Seattle)
RE :
ROBERT WESLEY RACKSTRAW
Sub #933
Re Portland airtel to the Bureau, dated 3/16/79.
On 4/23/79, AUSA
for the District of Oregon, Portland, Oregon, advised he had received a letter from Attorney Oakland, California, letter to
This letter was a response to dated 3/15/79, in which
furnished
with a list of questions to be answered by client prior to any negotiations or discussions concerning the possible prosecution of that client. letter from stated as follows :
advised the
"Dear
"I am in receipt of your letter of 15 March, 1979, and agree to abide fully by its terms.
letter from stated as follows :
advised the
"Dear
"I am in receipt of your letter of 15 March, 1979, and agree to abide fully by its terms. I have discussed the contents of said letter with my client. At this point in time, he is not interested in pursuing the matter. This change in plans stems from personal problems which may well resolve themselves in the near future and allow us to once again pursue this topic.
"I shall consider the matter closed until I hear otherwise from my client and, in that event, I will contact you once again.
"Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
"Very truly yours, "/s/ At
DB Cooper-43154
64-41-1746
2 - Bureau 2 - Seattle (164-81) 2 - San Francisco (164-220) 2) - Portland
RPI (8
J' Buch RILL
b6 b7C
Searched Serialize Indexed zied
Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings, Plan
b6 b7C
b6 b7C x Airtel
I
4/25/79
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
FROM:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
SUBJECT: NORJAK (A)
(00: Seattle)
BUfile 164-2111
Re Portland telephone call of Portland SAC to Seattle SAC, 4/23/79.
x Airtel
I
4/25/79
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
FROM:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
SUBJECT: NORJAK (A)
(00: Seattle)
BUfile 164-2111
Re Portland telephone call of Portland SAC to Seattle SAC, 4/23/79.
On 4/23/79,
+ Portland, Oregon, telephone
telephonically
advised that Lake Merwin, Washington. On her way home on 4/22/79, from the lot, she noticed a piece of white cloth in a tree on the right hand side of the road going south, approximately five miles from Lake Merwin, between Fargher Lake and Amboy, Washington. She advised the cloth appeared to be heavy silk or possibly fiberglass material, raveled on the edges and about 18 inches long and 12 inches wide. She immediately thought of the COOPER case and thought the cloth could be a piece of the parachute. She advised she could direct an Agent to the site.
On 4/24/79, accompanied SC JOAN M. THOMAS and SA RALPH P. HIMMELSBACH to the location and pointed out the cloth, which was not possible to identify from the highway. Upon retrieval, however, it was determined the cloth was part of a corn and barley bag from Albers Milling Company.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
2 - Seattle KL3- Portland RP (4
H' Buch Ris
64-41-1747
b6 b7C
Searched Serialized
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
2 - Seattle KL3- Portland RP (4
H' Buch Ris
64-41-1747
b6 b7C
Searched Serialized Indexed Piled
DB Cooper-43156
b6 b7C
b6 b7CFD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype 
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
FBI
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET Facsimile CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EF TO UNCLAS
Date
4/25/79
115 J 2020
FM PORTLAND (164-41) P
TO SEATTLE (164-81) PRIORITY 2044 8
CLEVELAND PRIORITY
2037 8
BT
UNCLAS
NORJAK (A) , 00: SEATTLE. BUFILE 164-2111.
ON APRIL 25, 1979,
PORTLAND, OREGON, TELEPHONE
, FURNISHED THE
FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
HE IS A AND HE
BETWEEN 6:00 AND 7:00 P.M., APRIL 24, 1979, HE OVERHEARD A CB CONVERSATION AMONG APPROXIMATELY FOUR CB UNITS CONVERSING ON CHANNEL 29. FROM THE CONVERSATION, IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT THE PARTIES WERE LOGGING TRUCKERS OPERATING OUT OF THE WASHOUGAL, WASHINGTON, AREA. THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT HAVING FOUND AND RECOVERED A QUANTITY OF OLD $20 BILLS FROM A LOGGING ROAD IN THE WOODS.
THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT HAVING FOUND AND RECOVERED A QUANTITY OF OLD $20 BILLS FROM A LOGGING ROAD IN THE WOODS.
164-41-1748
RPI (1)
Searched Serialized Indored
b6
b7C
Filed
1
Approved:
Transmitted 004
Per
(Number)
(Time)
DB Cooper-43157
b6 b7C
b6 b7C FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA:
PRECEDENCE:
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype Immediate TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority SECRET Routine CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EFT Q UNCLAS
Date
PAGE TWO PD 164-41 UNCLAS
THEY MENTIONED THAT ALTHOUGH THE BILLS APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN THERE FOR SOMETIME, THEY WERE IN GOOD ENOUGH CONDITION THAT THEY COULD READ THE SERIAL NUMBERS. THEY SPECULATED THE BILLS MIGHT HAVE COME FROM THE COOPER SKYJACKING CASE. ONE OF THE PARTIES USED THE HANDLE STATED HE HAS AN WHOSE NAME IS POSSIBLY
AND STATED IF SHE LETS HIM GO HE WILL GO HUNTING THIS WEEKEND FOR MORE OF THE BILLS. ONE OF THE PARTIES STATED HE HAD TO LEAVE TO TAKE EIGHT LOADS OUT AND IT WAS MENTIONED THAT ONE OF THE PARTIES HAD 20
ONE OF THE PARTIES STATED HE HAD TO LEAVE TO TAKE EIGHT LOADS OUT AND IT WAS MENTIONED THAT ONE OF THE PARTIES HAD 20 LOADS TO GO TO AUBURN. ONE OF THE PARTIES USED THE HANDLE AND ONE OF THE PARTIES USED THE CALL SIGNALS CONTACT WITH FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) OFFICE,
IS LISTED TO PORTLAND, OREGON, DISCLOSES CB LICENSE SHELBY, OHIO, ·
NEITHER FCC NOR HEADQUARTERS OF REACT, CB ORGANIZATION AT PORTLAND, HAVE ANY RECORD OF HANDLES OR
CLEVELAND AT SHELBY, OHIO. DETERMINE CURRENT LOCATION
OF
HOLDER OF CB LICENSE
, AND SET OUT LEAD FOR INTERVIEW. SEATTLE AT AUBURN, WASHINGTON. CONDUCT INVESTIGATION
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
Per
DB Cooper-43158
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
4 TRANSMIT VIA:
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
FBI
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET Facsimile Teletype CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS E F TO UNCLAS
Date
PAGE THREE PD 164-41 UNCLAS
AT LUMBER MILLS IN EFFORT TO IDENTIFY
Teletype CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS E F TO UNCLAS
Date
PAGE THREE PD 164-41 UNCLAS
AT LUMBER MILLS IN EFFORT TO IDENTIFY TRUCKER BRINGING IN 20 LOADS OF LOGS FROM WASHOUGAL, WASHINGTON, AREA, AND CAUSE INTERVIEW OF TRUCKER REGARDING THIS MATTER.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS .
BT
#
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
Per
DB Cooper-43159FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
TRANSMIT VIA:
PRECEDENCE:
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype Immediate TOP SECRET Facsimile 
Priority SBORET Airtel Routine 
CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EF TO UNCLAS Date 4/23/79
b6 b7C
C, PORTLAND (164-41)
SAC, MINNEAPOLIS (164-73) (RUC)
SUBJECT: NORJAK (A)
00: SEATTLE
ReMPtelcals to Portland 3/23/79, and 3/26/79.
Enclosed for Portland and Seattle is one copy each of the following:
1. D. B. COOPER project program.
2. Minneapolis Tribune article dated 4/8/78, captioned "Legend Of A Hijacker Comes To Cricket Theater."
3. Minneapolis Tribune article dated 4/8/79, written by JOHN KERANS, captioned "Northwest 727 Hijacker Cooper Made A Quantum
Minneapolis Tribune article dated 4/8/79, written by JOHN KERANS, captioned "Northwest 727 Hijacker Cooper Made A Quantum Leap Into Mists Of Mythology."
4. Minneapolis Tribune article dated 4/16/79, captioned, "The Crickets 'D. B. Cooper' Is Leap In Rare Experience."
On 4/13/79, SA attended the D. B. COOPER project play at the Cricket Theater, 13th and University Avenues Northeast, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Play presently scheduled to run through 5/5/79. No derogatory information relative to Bureau interests presented in this play or subsequent reviews of this play or newspaper articles. Matter RUC at Minneapolis. 2
Portland (Encs. - Q I - Seattle (164-81) (Encs. - 4) 1 - Minneapolis
164-41-1749
SEA.ICH!") SERIAL. Z:)
(4)
Approved:
Transmitted
Per
(Number) (Time)
FBI/DOJ DB Cooper-43160
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
H Dach
FBIOPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 JULY 1373 EDITION GSA FPMR 14! CFR) 101-11.6 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
TO
: SAC (164-41)
DATE:
4/23/79
FROM
: SC JOAN M. THOMAS
SUBJECT: NORJAK
On this date,
Portland,
b6 b7C
Oregon, home phone telephonically advised that Lake Merwyn, Washington.
THOMAS
SUBJECT: NORJAK
On this date,
Portland,
b6 b7C
Oregon, home phone telephonically advised that Lake Merwyn, Washington. On her way home last night from the lot, she noticed a piece of white cloth in a tree on the left hand side of the road going north (approximately five miles from Lake Merwyn) between Fargerlake and Amboy, Washington. She advised the cloth appeared to be a heavy silk or possibly fiberglass material, was very ravelled on the edges and was about 18" long, 12" wide. She immediately thought of the D.B. Cooper case and thought it could be a piece of the parachute. She could direct an Agent to the site.
2-file jmt (2)
164-41-1750
11
SERENO
SEALIN 1
FAR! S 1979
b6 b7C
SOLO-110
Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan .DB Cooper-43161b6 b7C
CV0117 1937Z PP PD SE DE CV P 27 1937Z APR 79 FM CLEVELAND (164-88) (RUC) TO PORTLAND (164-41) PRIORITY SEATTLE (164-81) PRIORITY BT
UNCLAS
NORJAK (A), 00: SEATTLE, BUFILE 164-2111.
RE PORTLAND TELETYPE, APRIL 25, 1979. ON APRIL 27, 1979, ADVISED THAT HE OPERATES A CITIZENS BAND RADIO AND IS FTC LICENSED UNDER THE CALL LETTERS AND USES
ON APRIL 27, 1979, ADVISED THAT HE OPERATES A CITIZENS BAND RADIO AND IS FTC LICENSED UNDER THE CALL LETTERS AND USES THE CB HANDLE
b6
b7C
· ADVISED THAT HE HAS NEVER BEEN TO THE STATE OF OREGON AND THE FARTHEST WEST HE HAS BEEN IS THE STATE OF WYOMING AND THAT WAS APPROXIMATELY THREE YEARS AGO.
b6 b7C
IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: WHITE
MALE, DOB , POB
ADDRESS
SHELBY, OHIO, TELEPHONE NUMBER
164-41-1751
SEARCHE
SERIALIZ
INDEXED ILED ₹1979 FFKG FBI - PORTLAND
b6 b7C
H'back it!
DB Cooper-43162 PAGE TWO
CV 164-88 UNCLAS EMPLOYED
OHIO STEEL AND TUBE, SHELBY, OHIO, FOR SEVEN YEARS.
b6 b7C
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
BT
1171938" 0$ 1171938Z PD 1
DB Cooper-43163SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
4/25/79
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
NORJAK (A) (00: Seattle) BuFile 164-2111 Re
Ro Seattle letter to Portland dated 3/6/79. Washington, b6
telephone was interviewed at his place of employment, , Portland, Oregon,
telephone ? on 4/23/79, at which tine he furnished the following information:
For several years during the late 60's and early
70'S.
on 4/23/79, at which tine he furnished the following information:
For several years during the late 60's and early
70'S.
of Southwest Washington.
IO
· He worked
and accumulated a little money. Everything he owns, he has worked very hard for. He has all of his bank records, his employment records, and his tax records which will show his financial structure.
On the afternoon of November 24, 1971, the day of the hijacking in this matter, he was contacted by telephone at approximately 3:00 p.n., by a young man, whose father-in-law is one (FNU) who lives near Kelso, Washington. The son-in-law advised that his father-in-law had gone fishing on Lake Nerwin, and had not returned as he had said he would. The young man said he had notified local authorities that he considered his father-in-law to be in trouble, but they would do nothing until the father-in-law had been missing for a longer time. The young man stated to that it was not like his father-in-law to be gone without letting his daughter know, and so they know something had happened to hin.
The young man stated to that it was not like his father-in-law to be gone without letting his daughter know, and so they know something had happened to hin.
2 - Seattle Portland
RPH; (4)
164-41-1752 DB Cooper-43164 b6 b7C
Searched Sodalized Indexed Filed
b6 b7C
b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7CPD 164-41
The young man convinced that the father-in-law must be in trouble, and so he, , then attempted to enlist the aid of the local authorities to form up a search. They declined also, and as the weather worsened, he decided and go searching for the man, even though the weather was worsening.
he and a deputy sheriff continued that shortly after 8:00 p.m.
56 b7C ? searching for the elderly man. They found him after several hours clinging to his overturned boat, and nearly dead of hypothermia. They rescued the man, and he has since recovered fully.
stated that night was the stormiest in his experience, and the winds were so high, they turned Lake Merwin into giant waves and
. He said that at the same time the clouds were so close to the water, that there was a dense fog and he was unable to see more than a few feet ahead of - related that he was
He said that at the same time the clouds were so close to the water, that there was a dense fog and he was unable to see more than a few feet ahead of - related that he was contacted by two FBI Agents shortly after the hijacking, and related the above experience to them. He said he could not recall having heard an airplane fly over at any time during the storm.
concerning
In view of the above information, no further investigation would appear warranted in this matter. b6
b7C
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
b6 ৳7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43165
-2 *-FD-350 (Rev. 12-5-78)
(Indicate page, name of newspaper, city and state.) 12 PIONEER PRESS St. Paul, MN
Date: 5-2-79 Edition: Morning
(Mount Clipping in Space Below)
Dead or alive, D.B. Cooper where are you?
Title: Dead or alive, D.B. Cooper where are you?
Character: or
Classification:
163-74
Submitting Office: MINNEAPOLIS
` Never let the truth interfere with good publicity. In show business that advice is right up there with the Ten Commandments, but sometimes things get too far-fetched.
ENTER THE Cricket Theater, which last month opened a whim- sical musical based on the fic- tionalized life of an airplane hi- jacker
ENTER THE Cricket Theater, which last month opened a whim- sical musical based on the fic- tionalized life of an airplane hi- jacker named D.B. Cooper. In real life a man identified by that name commandeered a North- west Airline aircraft in 1971 and later parachuted from the plane somewhere over Washington- state.
Cooper He carried with him about 21 pounds in money, totaling $200,000. No one knows what happened to Cooper and none of the money, all of which was marked, has been recovered.
Until now, anyway. If you believe what follows, I have a bridge you might be interested in buying.
Earlier this year the Cricket, in a promotional gimmick, placed an ad in Time Magazine. "D.B. Cooper, wherever you are," the ad said. "Two free tickets are waiting for you at the Cricket Theater for 'The D.B. Cooper Project.'"
TWO REPLIES WERE received - both appar-
ently written by the same person.
The first, postmarked from Chicago, thanked the Cricket for the invitation. "I won't say I will accept, and I won't say I won't," the writer said.
The first, postmarked from Chicago, thanked the Cricket for the invitation. "I won't say I will accept, and I won't say I won't," the writer said. The brief note was signed by Daniel B. Cooper.
The second letter, mailed in Los Angeles, was received late last month after the play opened. Written on the same type of green notepaper with apparently the same typewriter, it was longer and full of grammatical errors.
The writer claimed to have visited Minneapolis to see the play. "The actors and actresses were wonderful," the writer said. "I wish I had known them in my own actual life."
What do you do with two such letters? Copy them and put out a news release, of course.
Another question is whether anybody at the Cricket really believes the letters could be genuine literary products by D.B. Cooper. A spokesman for the theater said Producing Director Bill Semans. "firmly believes" the letters are on the level.
PLAYWRIGHT JOHN Orlock doesn't buy any of it. "I think it was (written by) someone who couldn't resist the challenge," he said. "If perhaps !
PLAYWRIGHT JOHN Orlock doesn't buy any of it. "I think it was (written by) someone who couldn't resist the challenge," he said. "If perhaps ! one more letter comes in we'll have a competi- tion."
Where is D.B. Cooper? Dead, says Orlock. Dead, says the FBI. :
164-41-1753
SEARCHED
FININEKED
b6 b7C
SERIALIZED
D
-
MAY - 1979
FBI -PORTLAND
Allen
FBI/DOJ
DB Cooper-43166DAvid HAWLEY
.
But they don't agree as to when he died. Law enforcement people have long asserted that Cooper died when he jumped from the Northwest 727 somewhere over southwest Washington state. Or- lock believes Cooper survived the jump, but later died of cancer.
Orlock's play is based, rather whimsically; on a letter that was printed in the New York Times about three weeks after the hijacking. In it, Cooper claimed to be dying of cancer and added that he had hijacked the plane in the hopes of gaining "a few fast grains of peace of mind."
"The tone of it seemed really quite honest to me," said Orlock.
THE FBI'S CLAIM is based on a number of fac- tors - the belief that the hijacker didn't know much about parachutes, that he jumped from the rear door of a jet
THE FBI'S CLAIM is based on a number of fac- tors - the belief that the hijacker didn't know much about parachutes, that he jumped from the rear door of a jet going 197 mph at 10,000 feet and that he probably landed in some of the roughest
wilderness country in the Pacific Northwest. Worst of all, Cooper took two parachutes with him - one a small emergency chute used by stunt flyers and the other a training chute used for demonstrations. The big chute was sewn shut and the smaller chute, if used under ideal conditions by an expert, proba- bly would have resulted in a broken ankle.or leg.
So who was D.B. Cooper? For a while he was a folk hero of sorts, immortalized by songs, bumper stickers and T-shirts. "D.B. Cooper, Where Are You?" was the song title and bumper sticker ques- tion.
He was macho. He was daring. He didn't hurt anybody, but he ripped off a big corporation. And he beat the fuzz.
ORLOCK, WHO WAS obsessed with the letter printed in the New York Times, saw D.B. Cooper as a sick little man whose miserable life concluded with a ritualized act, something that put it all in order.
Cooper as a sick little man whose miserable life concluded with a ritualized act, something that put it all in order. He thinks Cooper died 14 months after the crime.
D.B. Cooper, where are you? A fictionalized ver- sion of your life is being performed at the Cricket through Saturday. I
If you're still alive, all is forgiven. The statute of limitations for the hijacking ran out more than two years ago.
DB Cooper-43167XX AIRTEL
5/2/79
TO:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41)
FROM:
SAC, MINNEAPOLIS (164-73) (RUC)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK (A)
00: SEATTLE
Reference Minneapolis Airtel to Portland and
Seattle 4/23/79.
Enclosed for Portland and Seattle is one copy each of an article that appeared in the St. Paul Pioneer Press on Wednesday, May 2, 1979 captioned "Dead or alive, D. B. Cooper where are you?".
Since no further investigation remains in the Minneapolis Division, this matter is RUC.
- Seattle (Enc - Portland (En 1 - Minneapolis
2
(5)
164-41-1294.
SEARCHE SERIALIZ
MAY 4 1979
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43168 b6 b7C
OAKLAND CALIFORNIA
27 March 1979
PERSONAL AND -CONFIDENTIAL
F Esq.
SEARCHE SERIALIZ
MAY 4 1979
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43168 b6 b7C
OAKLAND CALIFORNIA
27 March 1979
PERSONAL AND -CONFIDENTIAL
F Esq. Assistant United States Attorney Department of Justice P. O. Box 71 Portland, Oregon 97207 Re: United States of America v. D.B. Cooper
Dear
:
I am in receipt of your letter of 15 March 1979 and agree to abide fully by its terms. I have discussed the contents of said letter with my client. At this point in time, he is not interested in pursuing the matter. This change in plans stems from personal problems which may well resolve themselves in the near future and allow us to once again pursue this topic.
I shall consider the matter closed until I hear otherwise from my client and, in that event, I will contact you once again.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
164-41-175
INtorMES
SEARCHED SERIAL
APR 2 :379
FBI -PORTLAND HI Bach
56 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43169OAKLAND CALIFORNIA
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
b6 b7C
R ECEIVE APR 02 1979
D
F Esq. Assistant United States Attorney Department of Justice P.
INtorMES
SEARCHED SERIAL
APR 2 :379
FBI -PORTLAND HI Bach
56 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43169OAKLAND CALIFORNIA
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
b6 b7C
R ECEIVE APR 02 1979
D
F Esq. Assistant United States Attorney Department of Justice P. O. Box 71 Portland, Oregon 97207
U.S. ATTORNEY PORTLAND, ORE.
DB Cooper-43170ATTENTION: Special Agent Ralph Himmelsbach
DB Cooper-4317122 
March 15, 1979
Oakland, California
Dear :
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
Pursuant to our phone conversation today, it is my understanding that you have a client who claims to be D.B. Cooper. As I stated in our conversation, before any negotiations or discussions can take place, it is necessary that this office be assured that there is a strong possibility that your client is, in fact, D.B. Cooper.
In an effort to resolve this problem, I provide the following questions for your client to answer:
1) Did D.B. Cooper purchase his airline ticket from a man or a woman? And was that man or woman young or old?
2) Did D.B. Cooper stand or sit while waiting to board the airplane?
3) When D.B. Cooper boarded the airplane, was he among the first passengers to board, in the middle, or one of the last passengers to board?
Cooper boarded the airplane, was he among the first passengers to board, in the middle, or one of the last passengers to board?
4) Precisely where did D.B. Cooper sit in the airplane? Right or left side of the plane, window or aisle seat, in the front or the back of the airplane or towards the middle?
5) What were the sexes of any persons D.B. Cooper sat next to?
6) In precisely what manner did D.B. Cooper communicate his demands? And what was communicated?
DB Cooper-43172March 15, 1979
Page 2
b6 b7C
7) Specifically, what if anything did D.B. Cooper carry on the airplane?
8) What were the exact colors of the panels in the parachute that D.B. Cooper used?
It is my understanding from our conversation that this letter and its contents will only be shown or communicated to your client and noone else. If I do not hear from you by March 30, 1979, it will be my understanding that your client has refused to answer the questions or is no longer interested in pursuing the matter.
Yours very truly, SIDNEY I. LEZAK United States Attorney
Assistant United States Attorney
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43173SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
5/29/79
LEZAK United States Attorney
Assistant United States Attorney
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43173SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
5/29/79
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
NORJAK (A) (00: Seattle) BuFile 164-2111
On 4/19/79,
Beaver Creek, Oregon,
b6
at the Astoria, b7C
telephonically contacted SA Oregon, Resident Agency. advised that approximately two and one half years ago, while in Hood River, Oregon, he had a conversation with an individual regarding "D.B. COOPER. " This individual indicated he had been a paratrooper in the Army. During the conversation, this person became upset and nervous and left. Several months later, advised he observed a photograph in a local newspaper (composite), and that it was very similar to the individual he had talked to in Hood River. advised he does not know the person's name or where he lives. He advised that he probably could find out if went back to the Hood River area. Ile advised that this individual possibly worked at a plywood mill in Hood River. advised he
could offer no further information of value regarding this indivdiual or of captioned matter.
advised he
could offer no further information of value regarding this indivdiual or of captioned matter. It is noted that the Portland Office has received numerous leads from the Hood River, Oregon, area, concerning this matter, principally because of the residence there of the individual who originally furnished information alleging that unsub and DAVID BRYANT COFFELT were identical. That individual has persisted in his allegation that COFFELT was unsub despite the fact that his original story does not square with the known facts of the case.
In view of the above circumstances, it does not appear worth while to conduct any further investigation concerning the information furnished by
b6 b7C
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
- Seattle - Portland
RPH (4)
H' Buch RPM
164-41-1756 b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43174OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 JULY 1973 EDITION GSA FPMR (41 CFR) (01-11.6 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
TO :
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
DATE:
6/7/79
FROM
:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK
00: Seattle
BuFile 164-2111
For information of Seattle.
6 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
TO :
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
DATE:
6/7/79
FROM
:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK
00: Seattle
BuFile 164-2111
For information of Seattle.
b6
Oregon, recently b7C
conducted a training session in which he instructed employees of the Portland Office in parachute jumping. During this association became acquainted with SA RALPH P. HIMMELSBACH, Portland NORJAK case agent.
b7D
On 5/23/79, requested an interview concerning b7C captioned matter. On 5/24/79, was interviewd by SA b7D HIMMELSBACH at which time he furnished the following information:
b6
At the time of captioned hijacking, at Orchards, Washington, b6
was which is in the immediate proximity of the scene of the jump in this matter. He was interviewed by Seattle agents during the initial phases of this investigation and has been interested in the case because of his connection with parachuting. He has followed the progress of the investigation as reported in the media and
b7C
b7D
. each Thanksgiving at Ariel, Washington.
For approximately the last three years he has received little bits of information through a source whose identity he cannot presently divulge
For approximately the last three years he has received little bits of information through a source whose identity he cannot presently divulge indicating the source has a connection with an individual who claims to have some knowledge of captioned hijacking. has sent back questions through his source in an effort to find out as much information as possible and the picture which has returned to him is roughly as follows:
b6
b7C
b7D
His source is indirectly in touch with an individual who claims to be a co-conspirator with the hijacker in this matter. The conspirator claims that the hijacker was a transient individual whom he met in a tavern. The two of them planned the hijacking with the co-conspirator to be the one who would pick up the hijacker 2 - Seattle DB Cooper-43175 Se 0 1018 Portland J' Back Indexed
b6
b7C
RPH:
5010-110 (4 )_
-Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan 164-41-1107 PD 164-41
upon the latter's arrival on the ground. The co-conspirator did meet the hijacker and either found him to be injured or possibly killed himshimself.
The co-conspirator did meet the hijacker and either found him to be injured or possibly killed himshimself. He buried both the hijacker and the money.u at the scene. He has not returned to the scene nor touched any of the money and has developed a severe paranoia about the entire incident. He is interested in being granted possible prosecutive immunity in order to overcome his feelings about the matter.
has no personal idea as to who either the hijacker or the co-conspirator may be.
was instructed to endeavor to maintain; contact with his source to obtain any additional information possible and to attempt to obtain at least one of the bills in the original ransom money. He agreed to do so.
On 5/24/79, the above information was discussed with First Assistant U. S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. AUSA advised that it will be necessary to do some research on the questions of possible prosecution of a co-conspirator in this matter at this time and he will commence this research immediately.
LEAD
PORTLAND
AT
with
·
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
OREGON.
AUSA advised that it will be necessary to do some research on the questions of possible prosecution of a co-conspirator in this matter at this time and he will commence this research immediately.
LEAD
PORTLAND
AT
with
·
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
OREGON. Will remain in contact b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43176
- 2%- FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype
PRECEDENCE: Immediate
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority SECRET AIRTEL Routine CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS E F TO UNCLAS
Date
6/20/79
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
FROM:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
SUBJECT: NORJAK
(00: Seattle)
BuFile 164-2111
RE: INFORMATION FROM
COMPLAINANT
b6 b7C
On 6/20/79,
Vancouver, Washington, . (no telephone), telephonically contacted the Portland Office from a pay telephone in Vancouver, to furnish the following information:
He has information indicating the probable identity of Unsub in this matter. He is 99 percent sure that his information is accurate and he desires to communicate the information to an agent in person.
He is 99 percent sure that his information is accurate and he desires to communicate the information to an agent in person. He is unwilling to discuss the matter on the telephone. He will be at the above address any time between 8 and 10 a.m. in the mornings.
LEAD
SEATTLE
AT VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON.
Will contact for any information he has pertaining to this matter.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
2
2 - Seattle
Portland
MURPH: 
Searched
Indunad Filed
Per
(Number>
(Time)
DB Cooper-43177
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
(4)
H' Back With 164-41-1758
Approved:
Transmitted
FBI 6/28/79
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P) NORJAK (00: Seattle) Bufile 164-2111
For information of Seattle, on 5/29/79,
, Lewis River News, Woodland, Washington, telephonically contacted the Portland Office to furnish the following infor- mation:
Since the hijacker in this matter parachuted from the Northwest Orient airliner in the vicinity of Woodland, Washington, his newspaper has monitored the investigation and the readers have followed it with interest.
in this matter parachuted from the Northwest Orient airliner in the vicinity of Woodland, Washington, his newspaper has monitored the investigation and the readers have followed it with interest. He wondered whether there had been any recent developments in the investi- gation, and he was advised that investigation was continuing to identify and process logical suspects. advised that he understood there was a dis- crepancy between the name "D. B. COOPER" by which UNSUB is generally known and the name "DAN COOPER" by which UNSUB was also known. The reason for this discrepancy, which was an error in reporting made by an Associated Press reporter on the night of the hijacking, was explained to then advised that recently a crude homemade gravestone had been discovered in a Woodland cemetery. This gravestone was made of concrete, and had the name "D. B. COOPER" scratched into it. The gravestone did not mark an actual grave, and was obviously merely a prank.
The above is for information of the Seattle Division. ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
RPE (4) 2 - Seattle - Portland
164-41-1759 & Back RaKL-1759
SaabWed b6 b7C
Ind: ned Filed
DB Cooper-43178
b6 b7C
RPE (4) 2 - Seattle - Portland
164-41-1759 & Back RaKL-1759
SaabWed b6 b7C
Ind: ned Filed
DB Cooper-43178
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C 10/25/79
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
NORJAK (00: Seattle) Bufile 164-2111
Re Portland letter to Seattle dated 6/7/79.
For information of Seattle, contact has been maintained with
, Oregon. HATLEY has advised on several occasions that he has continued to maintain contact with his source in this matter, but that no developments have occurred.
On 10/9/79, advised that he has been in contact with his source within the last few days. He stated he requested his source to attempt to resolve this matter as soon as possible. He stated he anticipates a development of some kind within the next few days.
also advised he had learned that the individual with whom his intermediary is in contact is a b7C b7D
No other details
were furnished hin.
also added that his intermediary
is a
Portland will continue to remain in close touch
with *
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
2 - Seattle - Portland
RPM (4),
- 1* -
DB Cooper-43179 b6 b7C
H'back 16-21-1760
also added that his intermediary
is a
Portland will continue to remain in close touch
with *
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
2 - Seattle - Portland
RPM (4),
- 1* -
DB Cooper-43179 b6 b7C
H'back 16-21-1760

Searched	b6
Seriali. v3	b7C
Indozet
Filed

b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 X Airtel
10/29/79
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
FROM:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
SUBJECT: HORJAK (A)
(00: Seattle)
BuFile 164-2111
As the Seattle office is aware and for information of Baltimore, during December, 1976, Allen Landsberg Productions, Los Angeles, California, produced a documentary film concerning captioned case for possible use as a pilot film in a contemplated series which was possibly to be captioned "Still At Large." This series would deal with still uncaptured criminals and would feature a reward offer of $10,000. If this series did not materialize, it was planned to utilizo the documentary film in the current series captioned "In Search Of," also produced by Allen Landsberg Productions and narrated by television star Leonard Nimoy.
not materialize, it was planned to utilizo the documentary film in the current series captioned "In Search Of," also produced by Allen Landsberg Productions and narrated by television star Leonard Nimoy. Upon instructions from the Bureau, the Portland office cooperated in the filming of this documentary, which filming included some footage of and commentary by SA RALPH P. HIMMELSBACH, Portland case agent.
On Sunday night, 10/28/79, the "In Search Of" tele- vision program broadcast the above mentioned documentary con- cerning this case. On 10/29/79. Bunt Valley, b6 b7C b7D
Maryland, telephone telephoned the Portland office and spoke with SAC ARTHUR G. BARGER and SA RALPH P. HIMMELSBACH. advised that he had observed the above television show and had a suspect in mind who may possibly be identical with UNSUB. stated he desired that his identity be kept confidential and that the suspect not be informed that he, + furnished any information concerning him.
2 - Seattle 2 - Baltimore 2- Portland
164-41-1761
RPH : (6)
Searched
Serialized
İndeked
Filed
H'And SPA
1
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43180PD 164-41
related that his suspect is one who is employed at the Newark newsstand in Newark,
b6 b7C b7D
164-41-1761
RPH : (6)
Searched
Serialized
İndeked
Filed
H'And SPA
1
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43180PD 164-41
related that his suspect is one who is employed at the Newark newsstand in Newark,
b6 b7C b7D
Delaware. He said s a former military pilot, & veteran of the Korean war, came into a large amount of money at about the time of the hijacking in this matter and looks like the composite artist's concoption prepared by Bureau artists in this matter. He stated that 3 probably
in his but appears younger.
LEADS
SEATTLE
AT SEATTLE, WASHINGTON. Will, if suspect has not already been considered and eliminated in this matter, furnish Baltimore with appropriate background information with which to conduct indicated investigation to involve or eliminate in this matter.
b6 b7C
BALTIMORE
AT NEWARK, DELAWARE. Will hold any investigation in abeyance pending advise from Seattle.
ARKED AND DANGEROUS
- 2ª -
DB Cooper-43181P
OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 JULY 1973 EDITION GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
TO
:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
DATE:
12/12/79
FROM
:
SA
SUBJECT:
NORJAC
A letter was received at the FBI Resident Agency, Eugene, on 11/30/79, in an envelope postmarked Oregon,
GOVERNMENT Memorandum
TO
:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
DATE:
12/12/79
FROM
:
SA
SUBJECT:
NORJAC
A letter was received at the FBI Resident Agency, Eugene, on 11/30/79, in an envelope postmarked Oregon, 11/28/79. The letter reads as follows:
"To Whom It May Concern:
"I strongly suggest you check on the occupant at . I have reason to believe he may be (D. B. Cooper). He
right time and also strongly resembles the drawing that was in the papers at the time."
The letter is signed "An Observing Citizen. "
The 1979 Eugene-Springfield cross reference directory telephone number ₹ at lists a 1 .
The 1978 Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area city directory contains a listing for with the above telephone number, however, does not list any additional information.
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
On 11/30/79, an inquiry was made of the Area Information Records System (AIRS), a computerized law enforcement records system in Lane County, Oregon, concerning however, no record was located. 
Eugene-
3- Portland
(3)
164-41-1762 b7C
b6
SEARCHED
SERIALIZE
FBI-PARDAND
5010-110
Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
DB Cooper-43182
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7CPD 164-41
LEADS
PORTLAND
AT
Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
DB Cooper-43182
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7CPD 164-41
LEADS
PORTLAND
AT EUGENE, OREGON. Develop background and descriptive data concerning ·
AT PORTLAND, OREGON. Check indices regarding and (Case Agent) advise if has formerly been investigated as a possible suspect in this matter.
- 2* -
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43183'FO-302 (REV: 11-27-70)
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
1
Date of transcription 12/4/79
who requested strict confiden- b6 tiality, number came to the Major Fraud Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Building, Phoenix, Arizona, and made available the following-described letters:
Letter Number 1: Dated
(no year) to:
b6
b7C
b7D
This letter is handwritten, two pages of white lined paper, written on both sides.
Letter Number 2: Dated
(no year) to:
b6
b7C
This letter is handwritten, two pages of white lined paper, written on both sides.
b7D
One envelope addressed to
b6
with a return
b7C b7D
The letter is postmarked P.M. 15 May, 1978.
advised that she would telephonically contact SA JOSEPH C.
b7D
One envelope addressed to
b6
with a return
b7C b7D
The letter is postmarked P.M. 15 May, 1978.
advised that she would telephonically contact SA JOSEPH C. KELLY to further explain and discusss the letters which she has made available.
b6
b7C b7D
164-41-1763
SEARCHED. SERIALIZED
DEXED. LED
DEC 1 7 1979
FBI-PORT
Interviewed an, 11/28/79
a1 Phoenix, Arizona
File #
Phoenix 164-571-
2 b6 b7C
.This document: contains neither recommendations "nor. conclusions of the .F.Bly It is the property of the FBI ond .isrlooned to your agency: il and.nits. contents . are not . lo. be: distribuled outside your agency.
DB Cooper-43184
b6 b7C
Dale dictated
12/4/79
by SA
Arizona, telephone b7C
b7D PX 164-571
1
The following investigatin was conducted by SA JOSEPH C. KELLY at Phoenix, Arizona:
A
On November 21, 1979, U. S. Probation and Parole Office, Phoenix, Arizona, furnished the following information concerning the possible identity of "D. B. COOPER," the person who hijacked a Portland to Seattle Northwest Airlines jet in 1971. . has been supervising a parolee named WARREN DAVID SMITH, a white male, date of birth
has been supervising a parolee named WARREN DAVID SMITH, a white male, date of birth December 2, 1916, FBI Number 977-833. SMITH is an old-time bank robber whose criminal career began in 1935.
WARREN DAVID, SMITH was paroled on May 10, 1978, .from his latest bank robbery conviction from the Federal Detention Center at Florence, Arizona. SMITH absconded from his parole on or about September 15, 1979, while living in Mesa, Arizona.
In November, 1979,
read a recent newspaper article recalling the anniversary of the Northwest Airline hijacking in the State of Washington.
b6 b7C b7D
recalled after reading the article, which she had read .
and remembered the name "D. B. COOPER. "
The are dated April 3rd and April 17th respectively and were apparently received by WARREN DAVID SMITH in April, 1978, prior to his parole from the Federal Detention Center at Florence.
b6 b7C ৳7D
told were signed "JACK" and were written by another convict whose true name is HOWARD HUBBEL (phonetic), who uses the alias, "JACK HUBBEL.
b6 b7C ৳7D
told were signed "JACK" and were written by another convict whose true name is HOWARD HUBBEL (phonetic), who uses the alias, "JACK HUBBEL."
b6
stated were found in an envelope bearing the return address and name of a third prisoner, who at the time was incarcerated at Folsom Prison in California.
b7C ৳7D The envelope bore the name and also located in the same envelope was a Xerox copy of an earlier- newspaper item detailing the events of the hijacking. SEARCHED $DEX
SERIALIZE FILED.
b6
b7C
DEC 1 7 1979
164-41-1764
FBI-PORTL
DB Cooper-43185
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C PX 164-571
2
was told by
thát b6
₣ whom he married in b7C b7D
Dayton, Washington, on
and
? and were raised in the Walla Walla, Washington, area.
b6
b7C
b7D
According to HUBBEL's told HUBBEL that , pulled off the hijacking. further indicate , has used the alias D. B. COOPER a number of times when registering at motels.
On November 21, 1979,
was tele- phonically contacted by SA JOSEPH C. KELLY in an effort to b6
obtain later turned the documents over b7C ৳7D
to the FBI on November 28, 1979.
KELLY in an effort to b6
obtain later turned the documents over b7C ৳7D
to the FBI on November 28, 1979.
has indicated to
and the FBI that
she is extremely fearful
She advised WARREN
DAVID SMITH had about the time he absconded from supervision in September, 1979.
On December 5, 1979. advised that told him that is believed to be accompanied by who escaped from the Folsom Prison approxi- mately three months ago and is believed to be in the southern California area.
On December 6, 1979, telephonically advised b6 she believes HUBBEL was incarcerated at a minimum security facility at Fort Worth, Texas, when
b7C b7D
said she in the past accompanied by and is b6 now believed to be living in the Portland, Oregon, area. b7C
does not recall ever mention b7Đ
the hijacking incident and does not know whether or not HUBBEL's contain the information or a hoax.
b6 b7C
b6 b7C b7D
DB Cooper-43186Help Us Find Skyjacker Who Escaped With $200,000 Cash
The FBI has asked ENQUIRER readers to help crack the mystery behind one of the great unsolved crimes of the past 25 years - who and where is skyjacker D.
b6 b7C
b6 b7C b7D
DB Cooper-43186Help Us Find Skyjacker Who Escaped With $200,000 Cash
The FBI has asked ENQUIRER readers to help crack the mystery behind one of the great unsolved crimes of the past 25 years - who and where is skyjacker D.B. Cooper?
A man using that name hijacked a jetliner in 1971 and parachuted into the darkness over Oregon, carrying $200,000 in cash with him. No trace of him or the money has ever been found.
"Readers of The ENQUIRER could help us solve the mystery," said FBI Agent Ralph Him:nelshach, who has been working on the case since the hijacking. "Since we haven't found . him, the case is still open and we're stil looking."
SKYJACKER FBI artist's version of the mysterious D.B. Cooper.
Cooper - a tall, dark-complexioned man neatly dressed in a business suit, topcoat and brown oxfords ._ hijacked a Portland-to-Seattle jet on the eve- ning of Nov. 24, 1971.
He demanded that 10,000 $20-bills be delivered to him at Seattle along with four parachutes - or he would blow up the plane.
Airline officials complied with his demand. In return, Cooper allowed the 30 passengers and two of the three stewardesses to leave the plane.
Airline officials complied with his demand. In return, Cooper allowed the 30 passengers and two of the three stewardesses to leave the plane.
He then ordered the pilot. to fly south to Reno, Nev., at 200 mph at 10,000 feet with the wing flaps down. He ordered the crew members to stay in the cockpit.
A few minutes later in the dark skies over Oregon, Cooper imlatched the
jet's rear boarding ramp and jumped out, wearing one of the parachutes.
The plane was flying at 196 mph, the temperature was 7 degrees below zero and there were winds of up to 50 mph. As far as is known, Cooper wore no goggles or protective clothing:
Using a computer, the FBI calculat- ed he parachuted into a 24-square-mile area on the Washington-Oregon border near the rugged shores of Lake Mer- win in an area of denise woods and craggy foothills, almost impenetrable in many places.
"For him to have gotten down un- injured would have been a tremendous feat or a tremendous stroke of luck," said Himmelsbach.
If Cooper died that night, no one has ever admitted finding his body - or the $200,000 ransomn.
"For him to have gotten down un- injured would have been a tremendous feat or a tremendous stroke of luck," said Himmelsbach.
If Cooper died that night, no one has ever admitted finding his body - or the $200,000 ransomn.
"Let's assume Cooper didn't survive the jump," Himmelsbach said in ex- plaining how ENQUIRER readers could help.
"That means there is someone some- where who went missing about that time and has never returned. And even if Cooper did survive, he may not have returned to his family.
"So, we'd be interested in informa- tion from ENQUIRER readers about any missing person who might fit Cooper's description.
"If he did sarvive the jump, that means that unless he is very careful about spending the mocy a fol; at a time, He might be noticeable by any changes in his life-style. If he was not a wealthy man and he started making purchases beyond his means, then this is something to look for.
"ENQUIRER readers, especially bank tellers and others who regularly handle money, also could help by scan- ning their $20 bills and checking them against the list of missing bills.'
Anyone who might have specific in- formation that might help solve this
mystery .
handle money, also could help by scan- ning their $20 bills and checking them against the list of missing bills.'
Anyone who might have specific in- formation that might help solve this
mystery . should call or write their local police or FBI office or write to: Special Agent in Charge, FBI. 915 Sec- ond Avenue, Seattle, Wash. 98174.
Do not send any anonymous infor- mation. Authorities may wish to con- tact you to confirm the information. so be sure to include your name, ad- dress and phone number.
DENNIS NEELD
164-41-1765
SEARCHED.
INDEX
b6
SERIALIZED FILED.
b7C
DEC 1 7 1979
FBI-PORTLAND/2011
Hibrit
DB Cooper-43187164-41-1767 b6 b7C
LLC 17 19/9
Hoch ERig
DB Cooper-43189 164-41-1768
SEARCHED SERIALIZED b6 b7C
DEC 1 7-1979
FBI-PORTLAND/A. () !: Hilal
DB Cooper-43194 FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Facsimile Priority AIRTEL Routine
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS BP TO UNCLAS
Date
12/14/79
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
FROM :
SAC, PHOENIX (164-571) (RUC)
SUBJECT:
Priority AIRTEL Routine
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS BP TO UNCLAS
Date
12/14/79
TO:
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
FROM :
SAC, PHOENIX (164-571) (RUC)
SUBJECT:
NORJAK
AIRCRAFT HIJACKING (A)
00: SEATTLE
Re PX telephone call from SA JOSEPH C. KELLY to
Seattle, Supervisor
on 11/21/79, and Phoenix
telephone call to Portland, SA RALPH HIMMELSBACH, on 12/5/79.
Enclosed for Seattle are the following documents:
dated
1. Two original letters addressed to ₣ both signed .
2. One original envelope addressed to
3. Original and one copy of an FD-302 and interview notes concerning the receipt of the letters and envelope from
4. Two copies of an insert re investigation conducted at Phoenix, Arizona.
5. Xerox copy of
164-41-1769
2 - Seattle (Enc. 8)
Portland (Enc. 8) 2 - Phoenix 
(4)
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
DB Cooper-43199
b6 b7C
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C
Per
Approved:PX 164-571 JCK : bgb
Enclosed for Portland is one copy each of the above letters, envelope, news item and two copies of the FD-302 and two copies of the insert.
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
DB Cooper-43199
b6 b7C
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D
b6 b7C
Per
Approved:PX 164-571 JCK : bgb
Enclosed for Portland is one copy each of the above letters, envelope, news item and two copies of the FD-302 and two copies of the insert.
current residence Arizona, telephone number has been extremely difficult to interview on a personal basis. As mentioned in the enclosed insert, she is extremely fearful
During the dictation of this communication, telephonically advised the true name of
is as follows:
September, 1979, address 3150 Horton . and was and would
be living in
In the event leads are set forth to interview regarding his possible knowledge of the NORJAK case, it is imperative that identity as the original source of this information not be disclosed in any manner. It is to be noted that
No further investigation in this matter is deemed necessary at Phoenix, Arizona, at this time, and case should be placed in RUC status.
2*
DB Cooper-43200
b6 ৳7C b7D
b6 b7C b7D :
b6 b7C b7DOPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 JULY 1073 EDITION GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11,6 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
TO
:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
DATE: 12/18/79
FROM
:
SA RALPH P.
10 JULY 1073 EDITION GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11,6 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
TO
:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
DATE: 12/18/79
FROM
:
SA RALPH P. HIMMELSBACH
SUBJECT:
NORJAK
(00: Seattle)
Bu File 164-2111
Re memo to SAC of SA
dated 12/12/79. b6 b7C
Portland indices are negative concerning
. Case Agent has no recollection that considered as a suspect in this matter in the past.
was ever ৳6 b7C
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
1
5010-150
Q
Portland
RPH (2)
- 1* -
164-41-1770

SEARCH
SERIALI

b6 b7C
FBI --- PORTLAND
Hlad
Rr
Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
DB Cooper-43201FD-302 (REV. 3-8-77}
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
- 1 -
Date of transcription
1/10/80
at her request and provided the following information: 1 was contacted b6 b7C
b6
b7C
had found a black colored parachute pack approximately three years ago. She found the parachute pack between and the entrance to the freeway. did not know the exact location where found the parachute pack.
She found the parachute pack between and the entrance to the freeway. did not know the exact location where found the parachute pack. The parachute pack laid around for approximately three years before she determined what exactly it was. At that time she remembered that the color of the parachute involved in the D.B. COOPER hijacking had not been released, so she contacted the FBI.
provided the black colored parachute pack and stated that she does not want it back.
b6 b7C

12/6/79 Investigation on Oregon at	PD 164-41-1771 File #
b6
SA 12/13/79 by Date dictated	b7C

This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency: it and its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency.
DB Cooper-43202OPTIONAL, FORM NO. 10 JULY 1973 EDITION GSA FPMR (4) CFR) 101-11.6 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
TO
:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
DATE:
1/10/80
FROM
:
SA
SUBJECT:
NORJAK
(00: Seattle)
On 12/3/79,
6 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
TO
:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
DATE:
1/10/80
FROM
:
SA
SUBJECT:
NORJAK
(00: Seattle)
On 12/3/79,
Oregon, telephone number ៛ telephonically contacted the Medford RA of the FBI and stated that she had at a black colored parachute pack which she felt could possibly have been connected to the D.B. COOPER hijacking case. She stated that she would make the parachute pack available to the FBI for use as necessary.
This matter was discussed with case agent, SA RALPH P. HIMMELSBACH, and writer was instructed to obtain the parachute pack from .
On 12/7/79, turned the parachute pack
over to SA At that time, she stated that she did not want the parachute pack back and if the FBI decided that it was not connected to captioned matter, it could be discarded.
2)- Portland
(2)
5010-110
Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
DB Cooper-43203
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
164-41-1772
SEARCHED INDEXE
b6
SERIALIZE
FILLD
b7C
JAN: 1 0,1980
Himmelsbach
NORJAK PARACHUTES MISSING IN THIS MATTER WERE TAN AND SAFE GREEN.
Savings Plan
DB Cooper-43203
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
164-41-1772
SEARCHED INDEXE
b6
SERIALIZE
FILLD
b7C
JAN: 1 0,1980
Himmelsbach
NORJAK PARACHUTES MISSING IN THIS MATTER WERE TAN AND SAFE GREEN. THEREFORE, THIS BLACK CASE IS NOT IDENTICAL, QU'IL SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
1/10/80
SAC, BALTIMORE (164-223) (SQ 8) (RUC)
NORJAK (A) 00: Seattle
Re BA airtel to Seattle, 11/9/79 and Portland airtel to Seattle, 10/29/79.
Inasmuch as no response has been received by Baltimore per above re communications, this above case is being considered RUC'd. 1.
2 - Seattle 7 - Atlanta (Info.) Portland (164-41) (Info. ) Baltimore
(5)
b6 b7C
164-41-1773
SEARCHED
DEvro
SERIALIZE b6 b7C
JAN 14 198C
DB Cooper-43204OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 JULY 1973 EDITION GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
TO
:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
DATE:
1/21/80
FROM
:
SA
SUBJECT:
NORJAC
Re Portland memo of SA
12/12/79.
The following investigation was conducted regarding. possible suspect :
By State Teletype, dated 12/12/79, the Department of Motor Vehicles, Salem, Oregon, advised
of Eugene, Oregon, holds issued 1
· valid Oregon driver's license number expiring is described as male,
:
By State Teletype, dated 12/12/79, the Department of Motor Vehicles, Salem, Oregon, advised
of Eugene, Oregon, holds issued 1
· valid Oregon driver's license number expiring is described as male, DOB 5'11", 180 pounds. His driving record reveals he was issued a duplicate license
.
On 1/4/80, name was rechecked through the Area Information Records System (AIRS), a computerized law enforcement records system in Lane County, Oregon. As a result of this inquiry, information was received that a white male, born , was the reported to the Eugene
complainant concerning Police Department on No other information is con- tained in the AIRS system concerning ·
By State Teletype, dated 1/8/80, the Department of Motor Vehicles, Salem, Oregon, advised is the registered owner of the following vehicles:
(1) 1977 Toyota pickup, Oregon license registered to
P DOB
៛ DOB
Eugene, Oregon.
2.
Portland
164-41-174
SEARCHED SERIALIZED
1
(2)
FEL BURILAND VON
5010-110
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
DB Cooper-43205PD 164-41
(2)
1
registered to 2 license
same DOBs as
above,
(3) 1972 Chevrolet, four-door station wagon, Oregon license 1
Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
DB Cooper-43205PD 164-41
(2)
1
registered to 2 license
same DOBs as
above,
(3) 1972 Chevrolet, four-door station wagon, Oregon license 1 at registered to the above address.
b6 b7C
On 1/9/80, name was checked through Lane b6 b7C
County Records and Deeds, and it was determined that
Warranty deed number was reviewed and revealed the following information:
This warranty deed reveals that
b6 b7C
The address for above property is shown as
.
LEADS
PORTLAND
AT EUGENE, OREGON. Continue background investigation
regarding to determine if he is a logical suspect. b6 b7C
- 2* -
DB Cooper-43206UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
TO
: SA RALPH P. HIMMELSBACH (164-41)
DATE:
1/24/80
FROM BART
SAC ARTHUR G. BARGER
SUBJECT:
NORJAK
00:
SEATTLE
BUFILE :
164-2111
The following telephonic information was furnished by an anonymous source on 1/24/80:
, an employee Portland, Oregon, is a lookalike of "D. B. COOPER." Other circumstances surrounding the conduct of suggests possible identity as D.
was furnished by an anonymous source on 1/24/80:
, an employee Portland, Oregon, is a lookalike of "D. B. COOPER." Other circumstances surrounding the conduct of suggests possible identity as D. B. COOPER. In addition to the likeness of the composite publicized, he is of slight build. between 5'10"-6', approximately 165-175 pounds and is between years of age. His parents are from Texas and have an Air Force background. and this past year attended the annual D. B. COOPER Where Are You celebration in Ariel, Washington. Recently he announced to some co-employees
b6 b7C
is presently working at
in Salem Portland and rides his bicycle
He apparently lives in .
b6 b7C
The foregoing information is being furnished for whatever value it may be and for appropriate investigation as deemed necessary, You are reminded that is b6 b7C
and I am sure he would be happy to be of assistance in any way he can in this matter.
DB Cooper-43207 164-41-1175
SEARCHED SERIALIZED.
DEXED ED
b6 b7C
JAN 2 4 1980
ABook 81 - PORTLAND
Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll
b6 b7C Post Office Box 709 Portland, Oregon 97207 January 30, 1980
Reno, Nevada
Dear
b6 b7C
Thank you for
Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll
b6 b7C Post Office Box 709 Portland, Oregon 97207 January 30, 1980
Reno, Nevada
Dear
b6 b7C
Thank you for your letter of December 22, 1979, furnishing information about a possible suspect in the so-called "D.B. Cooper" hijacking case.
Investigation of major cases such as this one is difficult and would not be possible without the cooperation of civic minded citizens. I want you to know your thoughtfulness in providing the information you did is appreciated.
Very truly yours, ARTHUR G. BARGER Special Agent in Charge
BY : Supervisory Special Agent
b6 b7C
RAHAF?
1 - Addressee (1 - Portland (164-41) RP.H : (2)
b6 b7C
164-41-1776 Searched 7
FelixHard
b6 Inday d
b7C Eilod
DB Cooper-43208b6 b7C
Reno Nevada
Dear Dw Ralph Himmeltack. 12/22/79.
The enclosed news paper Column bring to my mind of a happening in Kens Kada. a week before the D. B. Cooper Iti- Jacking.
Iwas a passenger on the local Read Bus leaving the Holiday Hotel on Center St. Leading In Park Lane Shopping Center a man Now to the bees and it was leaving.
Iwas a passenger on the local Read Bus leaving the Holiday Hotel on Center St. Leading In Park Lane Shopping Center a man Now to the bees and it was leaving. I banged on the door, the bus stopped -> the man boarded and said in a loud voice "Take me to the Cupst. The bus driver informed him, the bees did xat go to the auport. The drive informed the man he Could let him off a a curtain black during the trip, & he could walk a few blocks and arrive at the airport. DB Cooper-43209
sulThe man who boarded the huis was." 2 a poled stocky men of good height, wore a brown dress suit, horn Remmed glasses Te pat on the edge of his seat port famous When the bus came to the black, the driver Called to the man that we were at the block he mentioned, The man said to the driver - "I just wanted to look the area over, and see how Close Id Cometo the airport. I'm not getting off ..
The next time then the same man. it was a week after the hi-jacking- This mean turned the Corner of West Second St axto north Virginia St - he was herring - then he started to sprint.
it was a week after the hi-jacking- This mean turned the Corner of West Second St axto north Virginia St - he was herring - then he started to sprint. He Crossed the Street toward Harolds Club" Running fact There was a north bound freight train Coming through - he turned Commercial Row and hopped on the freight . This man fot the Description of S.B. Cooper. Maybe this may be of some help - Respectfully DB Cooper-43210
b6 b7C8th anniversary marked in D.B. Cooper hijacking
By CLYDE JABIN.
PORTLAND, Ore. (URL) -SD.B. Coo- per, who made America's criminal ball of fame when he pulled off the world's first aerial hijack for ransomzand escaped by parachuting with the; money, remains at, large eight years after his daring deed.
A man using the name Cooper, whose first name turned out to be Dan, board- edia Northwest Orient Airlines Boeing. 727 bound for Seattle on a cold and rainy night in Portland on Thanksgiv- ing eve, 1971:
A few moments after takeoff he ad- vised a stewardess he had a bomb in his briefcase and would blow in the plane if his demands were not met.
and rainy night in Portland on Thanksgiv- ing eve, 1971:
A few moments after takeoff he ad- vised a stewardess he had a bomb in his briefcase and would blow in the plane if his demands were not met.
He ordered the crew to have $200,000 in $20 bills and three parachutes wait- ing for him in Seattle? They were deli- vered on landing. He then ordered the crew to fly the tri-jet, which had a rear door that opened below the tail, to Reno.
En route, he buckled on a parachute, ordered the crew to slow the airliner to about 200 mph and had a stewardness open the rear door. Out he went with the money, never to be heard from again .. No trace of him or the money ever has been found
FBI agent Ralph Himmelsbach was
on duty the night of the hijack, and he's been chasing Cooper ever since, put- ting in thousands of Hours checking out every lead, and pursuing some of his own notions:
After eight: yours,. Himmelsbach -is just as enthusiastic in his pursuit as that first night. *
"It lias " been frustrating," he said. "It has been fascinating, Interesting every step of the way.
Himmelsbach said he believes Coo- per is dead, possibly with the money at the bottom of Lake Merwin in a south- west
Himmelsbach said he believes Coo- per is dead, possibly with the money at the bottom of Lake Merwin in a south- west Washington wilderness area about 30 miles north of Portland.
But, whether Cooper is dead or alive, Himmelsbach says the FBI is dedicat- ed to checking out every tip, every clue;
There have been clues, but most of them have proved to be false or phony, such as :"discovery" - of a. parachute, with rusty buckles, found a week ago in the suspected Cooper drop area. So was a pair of pants, believed worn by Coo- per, found hanging from a tree limb a. few years back.
The veteran FBI agent is working his ast Thanksgiving anniversary of the. search for Cooper, because mandatory retirement from the FBI comes his way next Sept: 30.
Nevada State journal, Thursday, 11/22/79
DB Cooper-432111/30/30
SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
NORJAK (00: Seattle) Bufilo 164-2111
Re suspect (ph) , Woodland, Washington. ৳6 b7C
For information of Seattle, on 1/15/80, an adult male telephonically contacted the Portland Office to furnish the following information:
Me considers as a possible suspect
৳6 b7C
For information of Seattle, on 1/15/80, an adult male telephonically contacted the Portland Office to furnish the following information:
Me considers as a possible suspect in this matter one (phonetic), a white male in his 50's who has brown hair, balding, who fits the physical description of Unsub and who resembles the composite that has been published numerous times in the media. This complainant stated that drives funds, the source of which is unknown, hangs out at bars in Woodland, Washington, claims to Woodland, although the complainant stated he has reason to believe the individual . Complainant stated that -
2 automobile with a black vinyl top, has considerable
The above complainant declined to furnish his name, b6 but he furnished his Social Security number as He stated he reads the newspapers and should be identified ৳7D
b7C 4 and arrested, he will come forward and reveal himself.
LEAD
SEATTLE
AT WOODLAND, WASHINGTON. Will, if has not b6 already been processed and eliminated, consider him as a possible suspect in this matter.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
164-41-1777
2 - Seattle
Portland
(4) RPH
b6 b7C ished
-
Filed
DB Cooper-43212
b6 b7C
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
164-41-1777
2 - Seattle
Portland
(4) RPH
b6 b7C ished
-
Filed
DB Cooper-43212
b6 b7C
b7C 1/31/80
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
SA
b6 b7C
UNSUB, aka Dan Cooper; CRIME ABOARD AIRCRAFT - AIRCRAFT HIJACKING (A) (00: Portland)
On 12/27/79, Lieutenant of the Yamhill b6 County Sheriff's Office, McMinnville, Oregon, advised that b7C
a
of , McMinnville,
Oregon, telephone , had come into his office today and advised that he had information on the identity of DAN COOPER.
told Lieutenant that
evidently had lived next to an individual who he believes is the UNSUB COOPER,
Lieutenant advised that he would contact the FBI and have them make contact with him regarding this matter.
On 12/28/79,
was contacted b6 b7C at his residence,
? licMinnville, Oregon, by SA
advised that
had told them that he was sure that the individual being sought for aircraft piracy using the name DAN COOPER was, in fact, a former neighbor of his by the name of supposedly was Oregon,
, Oregon. According to told him that the composite that he saw in the newspapers of DAN COOPER was exactly the same in
According to told him that the composite that he saw in the newspapers of DAN COOPER was exactly the same in appearance as the individual by the name of further advised that told him that is now living somewhere in Canada.
advised
resides at b6 b7C
at telephone
, Oregon, and can be contacted He advised he is employed as a area. He further stated 164-16-1778
H'bach
1
(2
J
DB Cooper-43213
b6 b7C
2 ) Portland
GLARCh-D SERIALIZED
b6 b7C PD 164-41
that was a previous neighbor and not a neighbor of address.
b6 b7C
LEADS
PORTLAND
b6
AT
OREGON. Contact
b7C
regarding information he has concerning
DB Cooper-43214
-2 *- FD-36 (Rev. 3-24-77)
TRANSMIT VIA:
PRECEDENCE:
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype Immediate Priority TOP SECRET- Facsimile SECRET CONFIDENTIAL Routine ERTO CLEAR
043 3300
Date
2/12/80
FM PORTLAND (] 64-4] ) P
TO DIRECTOR (] 64-2] ] ] ) IMMEDIATE BT UNCLAS ATTN: CID, ATTN:
NORJAK.
CONFIDENTIAL Routine ERTO CLEAR
043 3300
Date
2/12/80
FM PORTLAND (] 64-4] ) P
TO DIRECTOR (] 64-2] ] ] ) IMMEDIATE BT UNCLAS ATTN: CID, ATTN:
NORJAK. 00: SEATTLE.
RE PORTLAND TELCAL TO MR. HOMER A. BOYNTON, JR., EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, FEBRUARY 12, 1980. TO CONFIRM INFORMATION SET FORTH IN REFERENCED TELCAL, OF VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON, CONTACTED PORTLAND OFFICE REGARDING PARTIALLY DECOMPOSED $20 BILLS WHICH THEY FOUND ON A STRIP OF LAND BETWEEN THE COLUMBIA RIVER AND LAKE VANCOUVER. AT LEAST NINE OF THESE BILLS ARE IDENTICAL WITH RANSOM LOOT THIS MATTER. EXACT TOTAL AMOUNT INDETERMINABLE DUE TO CONDITION, BUT BELIEVED TO BE SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS.
164-41-1779
Searched
Serialized
Indexed
Filed
005 2354Z
P
(Time)
FBI/DOJ DB Cooper-43215
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
Approved
Transmitted (Number)
FBIFD-36 (Rev. 3-24-77)
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype Facsimile
FBI
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority CLASSIFICATION: Routine TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL EFTO CLEAR
Date
PAGE TWO PD ]64-4] UNCLAS
PURSUANT TO
Priority CLASSIFICATION: Routine TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL EFTO CLEAR
Date
PAGE TWO PD ]64-4] UNCLAS
PURSUANT TO INSTRUCTIONS OF E.A.D. BOYNTON, NATIONAL PRESS CONFERENCE BEING HELD IN PORTLAND OFFICE 3 P.M., P.S. T. THIS DATE, AND SAME BEING HELD BY SEATTLE DIVISION, 3 :15 P.M., P.S.T.
A SEARCH OF AREA WHERE BILLS FOUND BEING CONDUCTED BY PORTLAND AND SEATTLE AGENTS.
AT EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY SUBSEQUENT TO PRESS CONFERENCE, RANSOM BILLS WILL BE FORWARDED TO FBI LAB. BT
#
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
Per
FBI/DOJ DB Cooper-432161
FBI* teletype Facsimile
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Priority Routine
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EP TO UNCLAS
Date
2/12/80
045
32900
FM PORTLAND
TO SEATTLE (164-81)

LOS ANGELES	DENVER
SAN FRANCISCO	LAS VEGAS
SACRAMENTO	SALT LAKE CITY
SAN DIEGO	MINNEAPOLIS

BT
UNCLAS
NORJAK, 00 SEATTLE.
FRANCISCO	LAS VEGAS
SACRAMENTO	SALT LAKE CITY
SAN DIEGO	MINNEAPOLIS

BT
UNCLAS
NORJAK, 00 SEATTLE.
FOR INFO RECEIVING OFFICES, AT 3:00 PM, PST, TODAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1980, PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD IN PORTLAND OFFICE WHICH WILL ANNOUNCE THE FOLLOWING: COPY ATTACHED PRESS RELEASE.
SE 2319
b6 b7C
Mp 2347 2343
164-41-1780,
Searched
Senializod indosod Filed (1)
Lr?
SE 2328
SC 2334
50 2322
b6
b7C
Approved:
Transmitted
Per (Number) CON LV 2314. SUtes 2331
DB Cooper-43217A
*
R
X
11
B
*
Y
H
In Reply, Please Refer to File No.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
Portland, Oregon January 12, 1980
PRESS RELEASE
Arthur G. Barger, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for Oregon, has announced a development in a crime which began on the night of November 24, 1971, at Portland International Airport, Portland, Oregon, and has become widely known since that time as the D. B. Cooper Hijacking Case.
On the night before Thanksgiving, 1971, a man who gave the name Dan Cooper bought a one-way ticket on Northwest Airlines Flight 305 from
On the night before Thanksgiving, 1971, a man who gave the name Dan Cooper bought a one-way ticket on Northwest Airlines Flight 305 from Portland, Oregon, to Seattle, Washington. Upon departing Portland International Airport, Cooper notified a stewardess that he was hijacking the aircraft and displayed to her what he said was a bomb in his briefcase. The flight proceeded to Seattle, where after maintaining a holding pattern for several hours, it was permitted to land and refuel. After $200,000 and four parachutes demanded by the hijacker were brought on board, he released all of the passengers and all but four members of the crew. The flight then took off and proceeded south through Washington toward Reno, Nevada. The hijacker instructed that the flaps and gear remain lowered and the rear stair door open. As the aircraft passed over LaCenter, Washington, cabin
2
(164-41)
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43218pressure fluctuation was observed, which was later determined to indicate his departure from the aircraft through the rear stairwell door.
As the aircraft passed over LaCenter, Washington, cabin
2
(164-41)
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43218pressure fluctuation was observed, which was later determined to indicate his departure from the aircraft through the rear stairwell door. Since that time no trace of the hijacker, the parachutes, or the money has been found until Sunday, . February 10, 1980.
On that date while on an outing with their children, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Dwayne Ingram of Vancouver, Washington, discovered a sum of money partially buried by sand in the north river bank of the Columbia River, approximately five miles down river from the U.S. Interstate 5 bridge crossing between Portland and Vancouver, Washington. The Ingrams contacted the FBI and an examination of the badly decomposed $20 bills reveals that they bear serial numbers identical to a portion of those given to the hijacker. Because of the decomposed nature of the bills an exact estimate of the recovered money is not possible pending a laboratory examination, however, it appears to be several thousand dollars. The packaging and the numbered sequence indicate that the bills have not been separated and are in much the same order as when given to the hijacker.
The packaging and the numbered sequence indicate that the bills have not been separated and are in much the same order as when given to the hijacker. The bills will be sent immediately to the FBI Laboratory for additional examination.
It appears logical that the package of bills could have been carried downstream on one of the Washington tributaries of the Columbia River to the site where they were found.
Special Agents of the FBI from Oregon and Washington have secured the area and commenced an intensive search.
-2-
DB Cooper-43219For the information of the media, those present at a news conference conducted at the office of the FBI, Portland, at 3:00 p.m. on February 12, 1980, were William M. Baker, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI for Oregon, Ralph P. Himmelsbach, Special Agent of the FBI, and Mr. and Mrs. Harold Dwayne Ingram.
DB Cooper-43220Airtel
2/13/80
TO:
DIRECTOR, FBI (164-2111)
b6 ATTN: FBI LABORATORY, DOCUMENT SECTION, SA &
b7C IDENTIFICATION DIVISION, LATENT FINGERPRINT SECTION

FROM:	SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
NORJAK

Re
2/13/80
TO:
DIRECTOR, FBI (164-2111)
b6 ATTN: FBI LABORATORY, DOCUMENT SECTION, SA &
b7C IDENTIFICATION DIVISION, LATENT FINGERPRINT SECTION

FROM:	SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
NORJAK

Re Portland teletype to FBIHQ, attention , 2/12/80.
b6 b7C
Forwarded under separate cover to the Bureau are 12 plastic packets, each containing an unknown quantity of U. S. currency in a deteriorating condition.
REQUEST OF THE FBI LABORATORY, DOCUMENT SECTION
Separate curreny to determine exact amount contained therein. Examine soil residue co-mingled with currency, to determine soil type, to assist in determining possible other location where currency may have been besides sandy beach ares.
REQUEST OF THE IDENTIFICATION DIVISION, LATENT FINGERPRINT SECTION Examine currency for any latent fingerprints contained. thereon.
4-Bureau (Enc. 12) (1 Package) (Federal Express) 1-Seattle (164-81) 2-Portland
(7)
164-41-1781
Searched Serialized
Indexed Filed
b6 b7C
H'bad
DB Cooper-43221TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
164-41-1782
KRATO
b6 b7C
are parties to this bill of lading that:

SEARCHED SERIALIZED.
164-41-1782
KRATO
b6 b7C
are parties to this bill of lading that:

SEARCHED SERIALIZED.
FEB 1 3. 1980
It is mutually agreed and understood between the United States and cartiers, incatinBORTLE

This bill of lading is governed by the regulations relating Thereto as published in Title 4, Part. 52.of tha Code of Federal Regulations.
Except as provided in 4, CFR 52 or us otherwise stated hereon, this bill of lading is also subject to the. same rules and conditions as govern commercial shipments made an the usual forms provided therefor by the carriet. Prepayment of charges shall 'n no way be demanded nor shall carrier make any collection of charges at time of delivery.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTIONS
1. Continuat or sheets of the prescribed form should be used and attached-hereto when space-under. - "De- scription of Articles" on the face of this bill of lading.
Continuat or sheets of the prescribed form should be used and attached-hereto when space-under. - "De- scription of Articles" on the face of this bill of lading. is inadequate.
2. Where accessortal or special services, such as exclusive use of cat. of truck, expedi ed. service," protective service, reconsignment, etc., are ordered incident to the line-haul transportation, the bill of lading shall be er- dorsed to show the name of the carrier uponwhich the request was made. dnd the kind and scope of the special services ordered. The endorsement may be placed on the face hereof under the "Description of Articles" or in the block reserved for "Marks," if space is available, or in the space provided on this page for "Special Services Ordered," and shall be signed by or for the person who ordered the services If such an endorsement is im - practical, the same information may be set forth in a statement bearing the number of the covering bill of lading, which shall be signed by or for the person who ordered the services and, if possible, attached to the bill of lading.
person who ordered the services If such an endorsement is im - practical, the same information may be set forth in a statement bearing the number of the covering bill of lading, which shall be signed by or for the person who ordered the services and, if possible, attached to the bill of lading. If the bill of lading is not available, the original and one copy of the statement shell be sur- rendered to the carrier from which the services were ordered, the original to be transmitted to the last line- haul carrier for presentation in connection with the bill for line-haul transportation charges.
Where accessorial or special services are shown as ordered but were not furnished, the bill of lading shall be so annotated.
3. Shortage or damage reports shall be made on, agency-designated forms, not on the bill of lading. Con- signees shall observe the instructions on the reverse of the Consignee's Copy of the bill of lading.
4. 5 GAO 3. issued by the Comptroller General of the United State's conlains detailed billing instructions. Copies may be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.
SPECIAL SERVICES ORDERED
DB Cooper-43222U.S.
Copies may be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.
SPECIAL SERVICES ORDERED
DB Cooper-43222U.S. GOVERNMENT BILL OF LADING MEMORANDUM COPY
VL NO.
L- 0683547
ORDER/RELEASE NO.
TRANSPORTATION COMPANY
FEDERAL EXPRESS
TENDERED TO STOP THIS CAR OR TRUCK AT
FOR CAR, TRUCK OR CONTAINER INITIALS AND NO.
KIND
IMPORTANT Issuing office to retain one memorandum copy and send one copy to fiscal office.

CAR-TRUCK-CONTAINER {Length/Cube)	MARKED CAPACITY '+	DATE FURNISHED +	DATE B/L ISSUED
ORDERED	FURNISHED
ORDERED	FURNISHED
Furnish this Information In case of carland or trucklood shipments only.

RECEIVED BY THE TRANSPORTATION COMPANY NAMED ABOVE, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS NAMED ON THE REVERSE OF THE ORIGINAL BILL OF LADING, THE PROPERTY HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED, IN APPARENT GOOD ORDER AND CON- DITION (CONTENTS AND VALUE UNKNOWN), TO BE FORWARDED TO
TO CONDITIONS NAMED ON THE REVERSE OF THE ORIGINAL BILL OF LADING, THE PROPERTY HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED, IN APPARENT GOOD ORDER AND CON- DITION (CONTENTS AND VALUE UNKNOWN), TO BE FORWARDED TO DESTINA. BON BY THE SAID COMPANY AND CONNECTING LINES, THERE TO BE DELIVERED IN LIKE GOOD-ORDER AND CONDITION TO SAID CONSIGNEE.
CONSIGNEE (Name, address and ZIP code) DIRECTOR: FBI WASHINGTON D.C. 20535 Attn: Leb.)
DESTINATION (Name of installation)
F.B.I.
HASHINGROR D.C. 20535
(Street address)
(City)
(State or country)
(ZIP code)
VIA {Route shipment when advantageous to the Government).

SEAL KOS.	FOR CARRIER'S USE ONLY WAYBILL NO. OR FREIGHT BILL ND.
APPLIED BY:

MARKS
CHARGES TO BE BILLED TO DEPARTMENT OR AGENCY U.S. DEPP_OR JUSTICE BUREAU OR OFFICE Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington D.C. 20535 (Street address) (City) (State or country} (ZIP code}
APPROPRIATION CHARGEABLE
CONTRACTORS WILL RETURN UNUSED OR CANCELED BILLS OF LADING TO GOVERNMENT OFFICE FROM WHICH RECEIVED.

PACKAGES	DESCRIPTION OF ARTICLES (Use carrier's classification
PACKAGES	DESCRIPTION OF ARTICLES (Use carrier's classification or tariff description if possible; otherwise use a clear nontechnical description)	NUMBERS ON PACKAGES	WEIGHTS"
NO.	KIND
1	box	Evidence	1	2 1b8.
IF THIS SHIPMENT FULLY LOADS THE CAR OR TRUCK USED, CHECK YES	TARIFF OR SPECIAL	RATE	AUTHORITIES.(CL, TL. or Vol. 'only)

CARRIER FURNISHED	 PICKUP	B/L HO.
SERVICE AT ORIGIN. TRAP-CAR INITIALS OF SHIPPER'S AGENT	L-0683547

FOR USE OF ISSUING OFFICE
CONTRACT OR PURCHASE ORDER NO. OR OTHER AUTHORITY DATED.
F.O.B. POINT NAMED
NAME OF ISSUING OFFICER
COMPANY
DATE OF RECEIPT OF SHIPMENT I
INITIAL CARRIER'S AGENT, BY SIGNATURE BELOW, CERTIFIES HE RECEIVED THE
POINT NAMED
NAME OF ISSUING OFFICER
COMPANY
DATE OF RECEIPT OF SHIPMENT I
INITIAL CARRIER'S AGENT, BY SIGNATURE BELOW, CERTIFIES HE RECEIVED THE ORIGINAL BILL OF LADING.

SIGNATURE OF AGENT	PER

b6 b7C
Et-HOKLISTID SHORTAGE DAMAGE
CARRIER FURNISHED DELIVERY TRAP-CAR SERVICE AT DESTINATION.
thin BEACHES STUDIED - STANDARD FORM 110%
* SHOW ALSO CUBIC MEASUREMENTS FOR SHIPMENTS VIA AIR, TRUCK OR WATER CARRIER IN CASES WHERE REQUIRED.
Jonygry 1974 5 GAO,3 1103-212 DB Cooper-43223
NAME OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL EXPRESS
DATE 2/13/80m Support Services Supy. ISSUING OFFICE Federal Bureau of Investigation 1500 S.W. FIRST, PORTLAND , OR 97 201 (Street address). (City) (State or country) (ZIP code).
THIS CONSIGNMENT DELIVERED COMPLETE AND IN APPARENT GOOD ORDER EXCEPT AS MAY BE INDICATED HEREAFTER. CARRIER OS&D REPORT ATTACHED.
FROM PERERAL BUREAU INVESTIGATION 1500 S.W. FIRST, PORTLAND OR 97202 (bonipping porr)
FULL NAME OF SHIPPER U.
FROM PERERAL BUREAU INVESTIGATION 1500 S.W. FIRST, PORTLAND OR 97202 (bonipping porr)
FULL NAME OF SHIPPER U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIONFD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype
PRECEDENCE: Facsimile Immediate Priority Routine
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EF TO UNCLAS
6200 2
Date
FEBRUARY 12, 11980
FM PORTLAND (164-41) P
TO DIRECTOR ROUTINE BT UNCLAS
ATTN. : FBI LABORATORY, DOCUMENT SECTION, SA
NORJAK; 00 : SEATTLE.
RE PORTLAND TELETYPE TO FBIHQ, ATTENTION:
, DATED FEBRUARY 12, 1980. 1
BEING FORWARDED TO FBIHQ BY FEDERAL EXPRESS IS A PACKAGE CONTAINING EVIDENCE TO BE EXAMINED BY THE LABORATORY DIVISION AND THE IDENTIFICATION DIVISION, THE BILL OF LADING NUMBER IS L-0,683,547.
PACKAGE IS TO ARRIVE AT FBIHQ AROUND NOON ON FEBRUARY 14, 1980.
AM COPY BEING FORWARDED TO SEATTLE. BT
1-Seattle (164-81) (AM) 1Portland
(2
164-41-1783
Searched
Serialized
Indexed
b6 b7C Filed
045 J
Approve
Transmitted
(
BT
1-Seattle (164-81) (AM) 1Portland
(2
164-41-1783
Searched
Serialized
Indexed
b6 b7C Filed
045 J
Approve
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time) 03222 Per
FBI/DOJ
DB Cooper-43224
b6 b7C
¢OPTIONAL FORM NO, 10 JULY 1973 EDITION GSA FPMR (41 CFRI 101-11,6
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
TO
:
FILE (164-41)
DATE:
2/12/80
FROM
:
ASAC WILLIAM M. BAKER
SUBJECT:
NORJAK
Pursuant to being notified by SA RALPH P. HIMMELSBACH that serial numbers from partially-decomposed $20 bills turned over to him on 2/12/80 matched serial numbers used in ransom money of captioned case, the following steps were immediately taken:
The individual who found the money, was interviewed by SAs HIMMELSBACH and exact location where the money was found, on a strip of land between the Columbia River and Lake Vancouver, was pinpointed. The complete cooperation of obtained and they agreed to accompany FBI Agents to physically determine the locate site.
,
b6
The b7C
was
Simultaneously, the Seattle Division ASAC, and
b6 b7C
SA
Vancouver RA, Seattle Division, were notified of this development.
,
b6
The b7C
was
Simultaneously, the Seattle Division ASAC, and
b6 b7C
SA
Vancouver RA, Seattle Division, were notified of this development. Mr. HOMER BOYNTON and SAC BARGER, Portland Division, were telephonically advised at FBIHQ of above and that ASAC proposed a major press conference be held at 3:00 p.m. this date. This was approved and Seattle Division was advised to hold a similar press conference. Media Representative SA telephonically advised appropriate media contacts that a press conference was to be held to reveal a major development in captioned case.
Agents of the Portland Division were sent home and instructed to dress in appropriate warm clothing for cold weather search and all Agent conference scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
, Northwest Orient b6 b7C
Airlines, Portland International Airport, was notified, as were Northwest
? both Minnea- , polis, home office, telephone (612) 726-2331. SAC Secretary, Minneapolis, also was apprised of above contacts.
164-41-1784
b6 b7C
›
Himmelsbach 7916
5010-110
Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
DB Cooper-43225PD 164-41
Arrangements were made
b7D b7E
in
Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
DB Cooper-43225PD 164-41
Arrangements were made
b7D b7E
in order to maintain confidentiality
DB Cooper-43226
-2 *-File - Serial Charge Out FD-5 (Rev. 10-13-89)
Date 2.11.97
File
164.41
Class.
Office of Origin
Case No.
Last Serial Pending Closed

Serial No.	Description of Serial	Date Charged
1785	Missing when purging care
Canto LocatedU

Do Not Remove_

56
b7C
RECHARGE
Date
To
From
Initials of Clerk
Date
Date charged
Employee
Location
FPI-RBK DB Cooper-432275
F
OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 JULY 1973 EDITION GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11,6 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
TO
:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
DATE:
2/15/80
FROM
:
SA
SUBJECT:
NORJAK
(00: Seattle)
On 2/15/80, , Oregon, 1 work
10 JULY 1973 EDITION GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11,6 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
TO
:
SAC, PORTLAND (164-41) (P)
DATE:
2/15/80
FROM
:
SA
SUBJECT:
NORJAK
(00: Seattle)
On 2/15/80, , Oregon, 1 work number appeared at the Portland Office of the FBI in response to newspaper article concerning D.B. COOPER.
had altered a picture in the paper somewhat to accurately describe an individual they knew as located at last known to be at the
1 Norfold, Virginia, where he was an
he and had hunted the Cascades
outdoor living.
advised he and
advised additionally named
there was an individual
who
disliked very much.
advised their last contact with
and that
was in would
and has not been heard from since. is described as having pretty eyes, effeminate appearance, was quiet and a loner.
been
advised he believes he has a picture of at home as is currently
and can locate in Portland
advised he would make this picture and if contacted in .
available
LEAD
PORTLAND
164-41-1786
AT
1 OREGON. Contact
in
effort to obtain picture of for future references.
and obtain
CUMALIEL
3 Portland
uy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
b6 b7C
៛
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
PORTLA H'bad Boi DB
Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
b6 b7C
៛
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
b6 b7C
PORTLA H'bad Boi DB Cooper-43228
b6 ৳7C
Norfold in the latter part of now be approximately years old.
advised that seemed to have
advised while they was quite familiar with 533072224
005275;
A.P. photo
Federal Bureau of Invullenlow covoral thousand dollars d to D.B. Cooper. Brian on a picnic ar Vancouver, Wash.
ig ran several pages of purport- interview with Cooper, and two sap County men were arrested selling a fake interview with oper to a former contributing tor of Newsweek for $30,000. Five months ago, two Tacoma en said they had talked with
Staff photo by Bruce. McKim
D.B. Cooper, who, they said, was living in Puyallup. The ,man told them that the money was buried under a pile of garbage at the Puyallup dump.
Mostly, however, people just have had fun with the D.B. Cooper story.
The ,man told them that the money was buried under a pile of garbage at the Puyallup dump.
Mostly, however, people just have had fun with the D.B. Cooper story. T-shirts with the picture of D.B. Cooper in his sunglasses and bearing the legend, "D.B. Cooper, 'Where Are You?".became popu- lar, and there even was a song written about him. '
The residents of Ariel, Cowlitz County, near where Cooper sup- posedly bailed out, started holding an annual "D.B. Cooper Day" to commemorate the event. The fes- tival, called the "Cooper Caper," featured bear stew and sky divers and attracted more than 800 peo- ple. But not, apparently, D,B .: Cooper,
As for the two Federal Bureau of Investigation agents who have been on the case since it began, they say they believe D.B. Cooper probably died the night he went out the plane.
"It is my personal opinion that he is dead," said Joseph O'Con- nell, who has retired. "He jumped out of a plane at 10,000 feet on a cold, raw night and he jumped in ani -area densely populated with Douglas fir and ponderosa pine."
Ralph Himmelsbach, Portland- F.
"He jumped out of a plane at 10,000 feet on a cold, raw night and he jumped in ani -area densely populated with Douglas fir and ponderosa pine."
Ralph Himmelsbach, Portland- F.B.I. agent who is to retire Feb- ruary 29, said he was "delighted" about the money being found. He said the find reduced the chances of tonner ever being found alive
they find some bones," Fisher said. Then the telephone rang in the next room, Fi-her raced to an- swer it, laughed d announced, "San Jose calling.
Ralph Himmelsbach-
A.P. pho
These are sketches of Cooper made from the recollections of passengers and crew of the hi- jacked airliner.
Freight-train crash kills 1, injures 5
ORLEANS ROAD, W.Va. - (AP) - Two Chessie System freight trains crashed head-on be- fore dawn yesterday, killing an en- gineer and injuring five crewmen.
The crash killed Barbara Jean Hopkins, an engineer who was driving the westbound train, ac- cording to Ted Fisher, a trainmas- MTA
b6 b7C
DB Cooper-43229Portland, Oregon 13 February 12, 1980
PRESS RELEASE
Arthur G. Barger, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation for the District of Oregon, advised Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of
Barger, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation for the District of Oregon, advised Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, assisted by officers of the Clark County, Washington, Sheriff's . Depart- ment, conducted a search of a section of beach on the bank, of the Columbia River approximately nine miles downstream from the Interstate 5 Bridge between Portland and Vancouver. Nothing was located in the search during the day except for a few more . small fragments of bills similar to those found on February 12, 1980, at the same location as that from which the bills were removed by the Ingram family on February 10, 1980.
It has been determined through the records of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that the material on the beach was deposited there as the result of a dredging operation in. the Columbia River in August, 1974. The assistance of a geologist has been obtained in an effort to determine whether or not the money was depoisted at that location as a part of of the spoilage of the dredging operation.
The assistance of a geologist has been obtained in an effort to determine whether or not the money was depoisted at that location as a part of of the spoilage of the dredging operation. The meticulous search 14 of the beach area will continue on February 21, : 1980.
DB Cooper-43230
11)
(Original - SA (D-164-41)
(1-Ea. Supv. ) (5)
(11
(1-Ea .. SC). (2) (1-Switchboard)
164-41-1787
b6 b7C
Searched
Serialiaod Indoxed FiledPortland, Oregon February 15, 1980
NEWS INQUIRY RE D. B. COOPER MATTER
The search of the pertinent Columbia Riverbank area has been completed. The total find consisted of the bills found by and a few fragments of bills.
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The results are now being evaluated to determine what future investigative efforts will be feasible.
1 - Press (SA
I - 164-41 I -
1 - SA HIMMELSBACH
1 - Switchboard
1 - Each Supervisor (5)
1 - Each SC (2)
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164-41-1
Searched Serialized Inderd Elled
5
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DB Cooper-43231Dissemination Routing Slip FD-417 (9-12-69)
(Copies to Offices Checked)
To: Director, Att .: SAC, (PERSONAL ATTENTION) Omaha Alexandria Albany Houston Oklahoma City :
: SAC, (PERSONAL ATTENTION) Omaha Alexandria Albany Houston Oklahoma City Albuquerque Indianapolis Jackson Philadelphia Anchorage Jacksonville Phoenix Atlanta Kansas City Pittsburgh Baltimore Knoxville Portland Birmingham Las Vegas Richmond Boston Little Rock St. Louis Buffalo Los Angeles Sacramento Salt Lake City Butte Louisville San Antonio Charlotte Memphis San Diego Chicago Miami Cincinnati Milwaukee San Juan Cleveland Minneapolis San Francisco Columbia Mobile Seattle Savannah Denver New Haven
Cincinnati Milwaukee San Juan Cleveland Minneapolis San Francisco Columbia Mobile Seattle Savannah Denver New Haven Dallas Newark New York City Norfolk Tampa El Paso Springfield Detroit 
New Orleans Washington Field Honolulu
Date
2/19/80
RE:
NORJAK
00: Seattle
REMARK 5:
Enclosed is letter from the b6 b7C
Law Offices Minneapolis, Minnesota, dated 2/14/80 which was forwarded to the Portland Office. You may wish to coordinate requests for recovered money by Northwest Airlines and Globe Indemnity Company and correspond with them accordingly.
A
SAC
WILLIAM R. BAKER
FILE #:
OFFICE PORTLAND
.
164-41-1789
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Searched
Serialized Indexad
Filed
DB Cooper-43232b6 b7C
LAW OFFICES
33 SOUTH FIFTH STREET
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55402 TELEPHONE [612] 339-4911 TELECOPIER [612) 339 4181 TWX 910 -576 - 2737
February 14, 1980
. Mr. Bill Baker Assistant Special Agent in Charge Federal Bureau of Investigation P.
MINNESOTA 55402 TELEPHONE [612] 339-4911 TELECOPIER [612) 339 4181 TWX 910 -576 - 2737
February 14, 1980
. Mr. Bill Baker Assistant Special Agent in Charge Federal Bureau of Investigation P. O. Box 709 Portland, Oregon 97207
Re: D. B. Cooper
Dear Mr. Baker:
We have become aware that some of the money given to D. B. Cooper has been recovered. This letter is to advise you that our client, Globe Indemnity Company, reimbursed Northwest Airlines for the money which was given to D. B. Cooper. It is our opinion, based on the terms of the contract pursuant to which such indemnification was made, that Globe Indemnity is entitled to receive any recovery made until the full amount of indemnification has been repaid.
We would appreciate being kept advised of what recovery is or has been made.
Very truly yours,
original to SEatt
SAINT PAUL OFFICE 1ZIO MINNESOTA BUILDING SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA SSIDI TELEPHONE (612) 224-5084
SOUTHEASTERN REGIONAL OFFICE SUITE 550 2690 CUMBERLAND PARKWAY ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30339 TELEPHONE (404) 434 -7100
WESTERN REGIONAL OFFICE SUITE 200 19600 FAIRCHILD DRIVE IRVINE, CALIFORNIA 92715 TELEPHONE (714) BSI-0281
SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONAL OFFICE SUITE 212 4825 LBJ
GEORGIA 30339 TELEPHONE (404) 434 -7100
WESTERN REGIONAL OFFICE SUITE 200 19600 FAIRCHILD DRIVE IRVINE, CALIFORNIA 92715 TELEPHONE (714) BSI-0281
SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONAL OFFICE SUITE 212 4825 LBJ FREEWAY DALLAS, TEXAS 75234 TELEPHONE (214) 300-6754
DB Cooper-43233
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SE 164-81 PD 164-41
1
The following investigation was conducted by SAS on February 13, 1980: b7C
AT PORTLAND, OREGON
Waterways Maintenance Branch, Navigation Division, U.S. Army Engineer District, 319 S.W. Pine, telephone was contacted regarding dredging operations on the Columbia River since November 24, 1971. The purpose of obtaining this information was to determine if it was possible that the bait money located on the beach property on the Vancouver, Washington, on February 10, 1980, could have been placed there through dredging operations on the Columbia River.
after a review of his records, advised that the only dredging operation between November 24, 1971, and the present in the vicinity of the was during August 6 through September 18, 1974.
Material dredged from the river channel in the Columbia River was placed in several locations on or near the as well as one location across the river on the
Material dredged from the river channel in the Columbia River was placed in several locations on or near the as well as one location across the river on the Oregon side.
The dredge material deposited at the site where the money was located came from the north half of the ship channel, which is 300 feet wide, between river mile 96 plus 38 feet and river mile 97 plus 17 feet. This material was deposited on the beach area of the between August 19 through the 25th, 1974, and consisted of 91,100 cubic yards of fill.
The channel is maintained at 40 foot in depth and all the material above 40 feet is dredged out. The dredge "Washington" of the General Construction Company did the dredging on this project. It had a 24 inch pipe with wiper bar inside the pipe. The wiper bar keeps large objects such as rocks from passing through the pipe. Mr. stated it would be possible for a 16x16x4 inch pack- age to get through the pipe; however, it is likely that a package that size or a human body or parts thereof would 164-11-1790 ł
c/A 4 bach 1 /2
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DB Cooper-43234SE 164-81 PD 164-41
2
be broken into
to get through the pipe; however, it is likely that a package that size or a human body or parts thereof would 164-11-1790 ł
c/A 4 bach 1 /2
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DB Cooper-43234SE 164-81 PD 164-41
2
be broken into pieces by the auger then passed through the pipe and deposited on the beach. The material deposited on the beach was spread with tractors probably over a area of 50 yards in each direction. Because of the flow of the Columbia River, sand deposited on the bank by the dredge is washed away. Additionally, an amount of dredge material deposited on the beach slides back into the river. 
added that the dredge works 24 hours a day and any objects such as money or bones would go unnoticed if deposit- ed on the shore during the night.
provided six aerial photographs of the Columbia River which show the area where the 1974 dredge material was deposited on the The September 6, 1974, photographs show the deposit left after the dredging and is marked to indicate where the money was located. The August 9, 1970, photographs show the area before the dredging, and the September 29, 1979, photographs show the area as it appears at present.
The August 9, 1970, photographs show the area before the dredging, and the September 29, 1979, photographs show the area as it appears at present.
also provided a chart titled Columbia River Willow Bar, dated December 4, 1979, which has been marked to show the location of the money, dredge material, and area of the channel that was dredged.
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DB Cooper-43235FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
FBI
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority
001 2300 
CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EF TO INCLAS 
Date
FEBRUARY 20,
980 
FM PORTLAND (164-41) P
TO DIRECTOR (164-2111) PRIORITY SEATTLE (164-81) PRIORITY BT
00042
UNCLAS
ATTN. : PERSONAL CRIMES UNIT
NORJAK; OO: SEATTLE.
RE TELEPHONE CALLS FROM SUPERVISOR
PERSONAL CRIMES UNIT, TO PORTLAND, FEBRUARY 19 AND 20, 1980.
IN RESPONSE TO BUREAU REQUEST FOR SUMMARY OF INFORMATION ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THIS MATTER, THE FOLLOWING IS SET FORTH:
AT APPROXIMATELY 5:00 P.M., FEBRUARY 11, 1980,
F VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON, TELEPHONICALLY CONTACTED THE PORTLAND OFFICE TO ADVISE HE HAD FOUND SOME
, FEBRUARY 11, 1980,
F VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON, TELEPHONICALLY CONTACTED THE PORTLAND OFFICE TO ADVISE HE HAD FOUND SOME OLD DE- COMPOSED $20 BILLS, AND HE WANTED TO KNOW WHETHER THE BILLS WERE BEING SOUGHT BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES. NCIC CHECKS OF THREE SERIAL NUMBERS FURNISHED BY DISCLOSED TWO WERE ON NORJAK RANSOM LIST. THIRD SERIAL NUMBER FURNISHED CONTAINED TOO MANY
164-41-1791
RALF
RPH (1)
Searched Serialized Indexed Filed
Transmitted Kool
Approved:
(Time) 2347
(Number)
Per
₣ 81/DOJ
DB Cooper-43236
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TRANSMIT VIA: Teletype
PRECEDENCE: Immediate Routine SECRET FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
TRANSMIT, VIA: Teletype
FBI PRECEDENCE: Immediate
CLASSIFICATION: Facsimile Priority TOP SECRET SECRET Routine 
CONFIDENTIAL UNOLAS EFTO UNCLAS
Date
PAGE TWO PD 164-41 UNCLAS
DIGITS AND WAS NOT A HIT.
Facsimile Priority TOP SECRET SECRET Routine 
CONFIDENTIAL UNOLAS EFTO UNCLAS
Date
PAGE TWO PD 164-41 UNCLAS
DIGITS AND WAS NOT A HIT.
! WHO HAD BEEN CALLING FROM COIN TELEPHONE FROM VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON, CALLED BACK AT APPROXIMATELY 5: 30 P.M. TO DETERMINE RESULTS OF NCIC CHECK AND WAS TOLD FBI WAS INTERESTED IN THE MONEY. APPOINTMENT WAS MADE FOR HIM TO BRING MONEY TO PORTLAND OFFICE, 9:00 A.M., FEBRUARY 12, 1980. AT APPROXIMATELY 9:45 A.M., FEBRUARY 12, 1980, , APPEARED AT PORTLAND OFFICE AND FURNISHED PORTLAND CASE AGENT, SA RALPH P. HIMMELSBACH, WITH PLASTIC BAGGIE CONTAINING SEVERAL CLUMPS OF $20 BILLS, INCLUDING THOSE WITH SERIAL NUMBERS PREVIOUSLY CHECKED, AND ADDITIONAL NUMBERS CONTAINED ON RANSOM LIST AND IDENTIFIABLE AS RANSOM.
STATED THEY HAD BEEN ON FAMILY OUTING ON BEACH OF COLUMBIA RIVER NEAR LAKE VANCOUVER, VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON, SUNDAY AFTERNOON, FEBRUARY 10, 1980, WHEN DECIDED TO BUILD A BONFIRE. HE ASSEMBLED SOME DRIFTWOOD, AND AS HE STARTED TO PLACE IT ON THE BEACH SAND TO BUILD A FIRE, BENT DOWN AND, WITH HIS HANDS, SMOOTHED THE SAND TO CLEAR A PLACE TO BUILD THE FIRE.
HE ASSEMBLED SOME DRIFTWOOD, AND AS HE STARTED TO PLACE IT ON THE BEACH SAND TO BUILD A FIRE, BENT DOWN AND, WITH HIS HANDS, SMOOTHED THE SAND TO CLEAR A PLACE TO BUILD THE FIRE. AT THAT MOMENT, WITH HIS HANDS, A BUNDLE THAT TURNED OUT TO BE THE MONEY IN THIS MATTER. THE MONEY, AT THAT
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Approved:
Transmitted
(Number) (Time> Per
FBI/DOJ DB Cooper-43237 FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
TRANSMIT. VIA :
FBI PRECEDENCE: Immediate
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority SCORET Routine CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EPTO UNCLAS
Date
PAGE THREE PD 164-41 UNCLAS
TIME, WAS IN A PARCEL BARELY HELD TOGETHER BY DECOMPOSED RUBBER- BANDS WHICH CRUMBLED AND FELL AWAY UPON BEING HANDLED. VARIOUS MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY EXAMINED AND HANDLED THE MONEY WHICH THEY THEN TOOK HOME WITH THEM THAT EVENING. THE FOLLOWING DAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1980, RELATED THE STORY OF THE FINDING OF THE MONEY TO FELLOW EMPLOYEES AT U-CART MANUFACTURING COMPANY, VANCOUVER, WHERE 1 AND THEY TOLD HIM ABOUT THE COOPER SKYJACKING CASE AND POSSIBILITY
11, 1980, RELATED THE STORY OF THE FINDING OF THE MONEY TO FELLOW EMPLOYEES AT U-CART MANUFACTURING COMPANY, VANCOUVER, WHERE 1 AND THEY TOLD HIM ABOUT THE COOPER SKYJACKING CASE AND POSSIBILITY THAT THE MONEY MAY HAVE . COME FROM THIS RANSOM. HE THEN CONTACTED THE PORTLAND FBI OFFICE UPON GETTING OFF OF WORK THAT DAY.
AT APPROXIMATELY 3:00 P.M., FEBRUARY 12, 1980, APPEARED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE PORTLAND FBI OFFICE AT WHICH TIME RELATED TO THE PRESS THE ABOVE STORY RELATING TO THE FINDING OF THE MONEY. ON FEBRUARY 13, 1980,
VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON, TELEPHONICALLY CONTACTED SA HIMMELSBACH AT THE PORTLAND FBI OFFICE TO ADVISE THAT THE STORY OF THE FINDING OF THE MONEY BY WAS NOT ENTIRELY ACCURATE. SHE STATED THAT THE MONEY HAD ACTUALLY BEEN FOUND BY
Approved:
Transmitted
Per
(Number)
(Time)
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FBI/DOJ DB Cooper-43238FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
TRANSMIT. VIA:
FBI PRECEDENCE:
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype Immediate TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority Routine SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EF TO UNCLAS Date
PAGE FOUR PD 164-41 UNCLAS
WHO WERE
Teletype Immediate TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority Routine SECRET CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EF TO UNCLAS Date
PAGE FOUR PD 164-41 UNCLAS
WHO WERE PLAYING TOGETHER IN THE SAND BY THE FIRE WHILE, AT THE TIME THE MONEY WAS FOUND, WAS MANY FEET AWAY FROM THE FIRE AND THE PLACE WHERE THE MONEY WAS FOUND AND WAS
ACTUALLY NEAR THE WATER'S EDGE. UNDER CLOSE QUESTIONING ABOUT THE ENTIRE INCIDENT, INDICATED THAT PERHAPS NOT ALL OF THE MONEY HAD BEEN TURNED IN BY
SHE AGREED TO DO WHAT SHE COULD TO SEE THAT THE REMAINDER OF THE RANSOM THAT. HAD BEEN FOUND WAS TURNED IN TO THE FBI. ON FEBRUARY 14, 1980, AFTER MAKING AN APPOINTMENT, APPEARED AT THE PORTLAND FBI OFFICE AND TURNED IN FOUR MORE $20
BILLS FROM THE RANSOM. AT THAT TIME, SHE REITERATED HER PREVIOUS ACCOUNT OF THE MONEY BEING ACTUALLY FOUND BY
TELEPHONICALLY AGAIN ON FEBRUARY 19, 1980,
REITERATED HER EARLIER STORY THAT THE MONEY
HAD ACTUALLY BEEN FOUND BY
WHILE
WAS QUITE A DISTANCE AWAY FROM THE BY THE WATER'S EDGE.
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
Per
FBI/DOJ
DB Cooper-43239
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STORY THAT THE MONEY
HAD ACTUALLY BEEN FOUND BY
WHILE
WAS QUITE A DISTANCE AWAY FROM THE BY THE WATER'S EDGE.
Approved:
Transmitted
(Number)
(Time)
Per
FBI/DOJ
DB Cooper-43239
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TRANSMIT. VIA:
FBI PRECEDENCE:
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype Immediate TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority SECRET Routine 
CONFIDENTIAL UNCLAS EF TO UNCLAS
Date
PAGE FIVE PD 164-41 UNCLAS
ON FEBRUARY 20, 1980,
TELE- PHONICALLY CONTACTED SA HIMMELSBACH, ADVISING THAT SHE HAD HEARD ON THE RADIO THAT THE FBI WAS MAKING AN AWARD TO FOR HAVING FOUND THE MONEY. SHE WANTED TO CONFIRM THIS. SHE WAS TOLD THAT THE PORTLAND DIVISION HAD NO SUCH INFORMATION. SHE THEN ASKED IF HAD VISITED THE PORTLAND OFFICE, WHICH WAS ACKNOWLEDGED, AND SHE ASKED IF BROUGHT ANYTHING WITH HER, AND THIS WAS ACKNOWLEDGED, AND SHE THEN ASKED HOW MANY, AND WAS TOLD FOUR. SHE THEN SAID THAT SHE AND HAD KEPT TWO BILLS EACH FROM THE RANSOM MONEY FOUND FOR SOUVENIRS NOT REALIZING WHAT IT WAS, AND THAT WHEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES WERE EX- PLAINED TO THEM, THEY, RETURNED THE MONEY TO THE
PORTLAND
SHE THEN SAID THAT SHE AND HAD KEPT TWO BILLS EACH FROM THE RANSOM MONEY FOUND FOR SOUVENIRS NOT REALIZING WHAT IT WAS, AND THAT WHEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES WERE EX- PLAINED TO THEM, THEY, RETURNED THE MONEY TO THE
PORTLAND FBI OFFICE. THEN REITERATED THE
ACCOUNT PREVIOUSLY FURNISHED BY AS TO THE FINDING OF THE MONEY BY AND STATED THAT
WAS NOT AT THE POINT PLAYING WITH WHEN THE MONEY WAS FOUND. SHE STATED THAT THERE HAS BEEN SOME ANIMOSITY IN THE FAMILY INASMUCH AS
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Approved:
Transmitted
Per
(Number)
(Time)
FBI/DOJ DB Cooper-43240FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-78)
FBI
TRANSMIT VIA:
PRECEDENCE: Immediate
CLASSIFICATION: Teletype TOP SECRET Facsimile Priority SECRET Routine CONFIDENTIAL UNGLAS EFTO UNCLAS
Date
PAGE SIX PD 164-41 UNCLAS
IN VIEW OF THE ABOVE DISPARITY OF STORIES RELATED BY VARIOUS MEMBERS OF THE THE PORTLAND OFFICE FEELS THAT
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THE INTRAFAMILY RELATIONSHIP OF THE WILL NOT BE ENHANCED +
BY THE RECOGNITION OF THE BUREAU OF THE FINDING OF THE MONEY BY ANY WRITTEN COMMUNICATION.
PD 164-41 UNCLAS
IN VIEW OF THE ABOVE DISPARITY OF STORIES RELATED BY VARIOUS MEMBERS OF THE THE PORTLAND OFFICE FEELS THAT
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THE INTRAFAMILY RELATIONSHIP OF THE WILL NOT BE ENHANCED +
BY THE RECOGNITION OF THE BUREAU OF THE FINDING OF THE MONEY BY ANY WRITTEN COMMUNICATION.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
BT
#
Approved:
Transmitted
Per
(Number)
(Time)
FBI/DOJ DB Cooper-43241SE 164-81 PD 164-41 1
The following investigation was conducted by SA
AT PORTLAND, OREGON
On February 20, 1980, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District,
telephone was contacted regarding the possibility that bait money found near the on February 10, 1980, could have been brought to that area by a river feeding the Columbia River from the north.
The area believed to be the drop zone of the subject in 1971, is described as that area in the State of Washington bounded on the morth by the Lewis River, the east by the Clark County-Skamania County line, and the Columbia River. advised the only likely river feeding the Columbia River within the above described drop zone that would be capable of moving several bundles of money or a package about 16x16x4 inches to the Columbia River would be the Washougal River.
advised the only likely river feeding the Columbia River within the above described drop zone that would be capable of moving several bundles of money or a package about 16x16x4 inches to the Columbia River would be the Washougal River. A logical time, if the money came down the Washougal, would have been during the December 2, 1977 Washougal flood when parts of the river were approximately ten feet over the normal winter flood stage.
There are several other streams that feed the Columbia River upstream from the however, due to size, or the degree of slope of the streams, it is unlikely that a small package would have made it to the Columbia. It is also unlikely that a small package would have passed through Lacamas Lake downstream to the Columbia.
stated that based on the three feet per second speed of the Columbia River, if a small package entered the Columbia River at Washougal, Washington, and floated in the main stream of the river to the a distance approximately b6 b7C
thirty miles, it would take 14.7 hours. This is assuming that the package did not tumble along the bottom of the river or get caught on any snags.
164-41-1792
SEARCHED INDEXED SERIALIZED _.
This is assuming that the package did not tumble along the bottom of the river or get caught on any snags.
164-41-1792
SEARCHED INDEXED SERIALIZED _.____ FILED FEB 2 5 1980 FBI - PORTI AND
7
CA HORA == DB Cooper-43242
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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
- 1 -
Date of transcription
2/14/80
University, home address
telephone number
Portland State
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. home
work telephone number
Tena Bar
was interviewed following in Vancouver, Washington, where portions of $20 bills had been found. These $20 bills were among the money furnished a person identifying himself as D. B. COOPER during a 1971 airplane high- jacking attempt. was interviewed by SA
of the Portland, Oregon, FBI Office.
advised that he found the beach area in the vicinity where the money was found to be in approximately four different layers. These layers consisted of an upper sand layer, a post dredging sand layer, a clay lump (dredge) sand layer, and below that an older sand layer. The upper layer con- sisted of six inches to eight inches of reworked beach sand and is the sand which contained the
The upper layer con- sisted of six inches to eight inches of reworked beach sand and is the sand which contained the fragments and bundles of the recovered money. This sand also contained soda pop cans and other debris, which were not severely damaged or rusted. The post dredging sand contained older soda pop cans, rusted nails and spikes, and other rusted artifacts, which were in a much more deteriorated condition. The clay lump (dredge) sand was a mix- ture of course sand and fragments of organic clay material, ranging from one inch to five inches in size. Based on U.S. Corps of Engineering records which reflect that they dredged the Columbia River at this site in 1974, stated this clay layer in all probability, was deposited during that 1974 dredging. The older sands, which were light in color and uniform in texture and which were found below the clay lump sand, were deposited prior to the 1974 dredging.
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advised that in the post dredging layer, he found cross bedded course and medium sand, which in- dicated the river and river waves had worked repeatedly on this layer since 1974.