◆ SpookStack

a single AWOL would return to MAnD with me, as they said they would not serve under him. Although, overall I felt then, and now, it was not a serious impact. , I do not remember the exact number of the R&R Cubans who refused to return, but there were a few and [it was] well known by all that they would not return. They packed their belongings at MADD and took [them] with them, not to return. Surpris- ingly, some that [sic] packed out did return. They, (AWOL's) as a rule, were non-producers and were not missed. 41/ Seigrist apparently had an unusually good rapport with the Cuban pilot trainees, including those who bugged out at the end and also those who were contem- plating a return from Miami to the air bases. "Simpson" (Seigrist] was the one the Cubans looked to for reas- surance should they decide to come back. 42/ In his own words, Seigrist said: The only thing I kept intact was my pseudo of "Seig Simpson." I believe the Cubans had high respect for me, and I also believe they knew my name, because they had everyone else pegged immediately. But because or their respect, they were not really interested in exposing me. 43/* * Aside from the fact that he was a top pilot and in- structor, that Seigrist flew a B-26 out of MAnD in sup- port of the Government of Guatemala at the time of the November 1960 attempted overthrow of Ydigoras Fuentes also added to his favorable reputation among the Cubans. See Volume II of this history, Participation in the Conduct of Foreign PoZicy. - 126 -