Francis Gary Powers

Profession: Pilot and Spy

Biography: Powers is best known as the pilot of the CIA U-2 spy plane that was shot down over the Soviet Union in 1960. His plane was equipped with a state-of-the-art camera intended to take high-resolution photographs of military installations and other sensitive sites from an extremely high altitude. As the U-2 spy plane flew and took photographs from the stratosphere, the Soviet Union initially lacked any effective way to respond.

Then in 1960, when Powers was on a mission already deemed risky, the Soviet Union launched a total of 14 S-75 Dvina surface-to-air missiles. One missile hit Powers' aircraft and he crashed. Unfortunately for the United States, Powers failed to activate the plane's self-destruct mechanism and the advanced aircraft was captured intact.

This proved awkward when the United States sought to inquire under cover, claiming that a weather plane had ended up off course. Powers was convicted by a Soviet court and imprisoned, admitting his guilt and apologising for violating Soviet airspace. As a result, the American media who initially portrayed him as a hero now implied cowardice.

Meanwhile, Powers' wife in the United States was up to all sorts of shenanigans and, indirectly as a result of this, President John F. Kennedy approved a prison swap: Powers for KGB Colonel William Fisher.

Born: August 17, 1929
Birthplace: Jenkins, Kentucky, USA

Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Snake
Star Sign: Leo

Died: August 1, 1977 (aged 47)
Cause of Death: Helicopter crash