Summary
On the eve of the Nixon resignation, the Soviet Union takes an action that elevates the Strategic Air Command and the North American Air Defense Command to just short of full combat alert status. Under “normal circumstances”, there would be a direct escalation of responses on both sides that could take us to the brink of nuclear launch. On this evening, though, there is an uncharacteristic hesitation on the part of normally hawkish US leadership. Through riveting narrative the story shows that the hesitation was a reluctance to break an iron clad “do not disturb” order from the President. A reluctance based in the fear that the event MUST have a rational explanation - an explanation that will vanish in a conflagration of nuclear exchanges if Nixon, in his depressed and panicked state, interprets the event as an attack (and a way out of the Watergate debacle.) The actions of an observant off-duty missile launch officer cause the Joint Chiefs and SAC commanders to back down from an immanent launch. The story is based on a real event and documented evidence that during the Yom Kippur war it was Kissinger, and not Nixon, who handled elevation in DefCon and preparedness. Nixon, it is reported, told Kissinger to “… handle it. I’m dying. They’re trying to kill me.” This was in reference to the Watergate press feeding frenzy that had pushed Nixon to the point of emotional collapse. The Secret Service agent on duty was ordered to lock the door from Nixon’s Camp David office to the swimming pool for fear he might try to drown himself. The story compresses a series of many such actual events into the evening before the resignation.
About the Author
Steve McCurdy was a Minuteman Missile Combat Crew Deputy Commander at Whiteman Air Force Base during the events of the story. Since leaving the service, Steve has mounted a very successful career as a writer/producer/director in theater, film, and television. Sitting on this story for over 30 years was difficult but until the classifications could be lifted he had no other choice. With the cooperation of intelligence agencies, the Air Force, and dozens of men who shared this night of terror, Steve has crafted a fictional story shot through with the actual events of the times. Steve recently was the producer/director/writer of the award winning movie "I Flunked Sunday School." He lives in Houston with his wife Ruth. They have three grown children and one robust grandchild.
Reviews
"...like hearing my own voice. This is the way it was."
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Col. Andrew Cole, USAF (ret.), Ph. D.
"a well told tale of life as a missile crew member, with a good technical base and GREAT fiction about The Whiteman Scenario."
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Co. Charles Simpson, USAF (ret.) Executive Director Association of Air Force Missileers
