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aircraft. This not only means that the USAF will be unable to provide morei but it also means that it will be unable to cover this type any longer. Therefore, any request for B-26's must include pro- vision for removal of this type from USAF bases. This should provide for the four now at Eglin Air Force Base, and should take into consideration the fact that as a result of this situation, none of these aircraft may be returned to USAF bases. You may be assured that upon receipt of a firm request for these aircraft which include sufficient policy guidelines, this office will be ready to assist with this support without delay. In the interim, necessary action offices in the Air Force have been alerted for this requirement. 52/* Prouty's memorandum to Mr. Bissell brought a quick response from Jake Esterline for eight -- rather than six -- additional B-26's from the Air Force for Project CROSSPATCH.** Jake's memorandum indicated appreciation for the problem presented to the Air Force as the B-26's were being phased out, but it , assured Col. Prouty that when the aircraft were ready * Col. Prouty seems to have been a thorn in the side of practically everyone of the DPD officers with whom he came in contacti and, in addition, mention of his name drew forth 'expletives of a strong nature from those WH/4 individuals who had even limited contact with Prouty, notably Dick Drain and Jake Esterline. ** CROSSPATCH was the DOD's identification for Project JMATE support. - 42 -