Former Resident Executed for Role in Plot to Overthrow Fidel Castro

A bizarre incident that occurred prior to the 1960 U.S. presidential election and was unrelated to the later also failed Bay of Pigs Invasion. Allan Dale Thompson, a Korean War veteran, was captured by the communists at Navas Bay, Oriente province, Cuba and executed by firing squad along with two others - Anthony Zarba and Robert Fuller. They had been sentenced to death by a Revolutionary Tribunal during a summary trial that lasted only 20 minutes. The appeal and execution were carried out that same day.

 Source:  Monroe (LA) News Star 17-Oct-1960

Source: Stevens Point (WI) Daily Journal 17-Oct-1960

The event occurred  16-Oct-1960, just over two weeks before the  U.S. Presidential Election between Richard Nixon and John Kennedy. Zarba had been executed three days earlier. This was part of a plot by Rolando Masferrer, a supporter of prior dictator Fulgencio Batista who had ties to teamster boss Jimmy Hoffa and Mafia figure Santo Trafficante. The plan was to start a guerrilla movement to overthrow Fidel Castro's communist regime. The United States government disavowed any involvement in the plot or operation.

Thompson was listed as being from Queen City, TX at time of his death, but also reported to have grown up in Mooringsport, LA; where he had worked around various fishing camps. He had been raised by foster parents Oscar   and Rachel Corn , who lived near the Caddo Lake dam.

Below is a picture of them at the time of their being notified of his death.

Source:  Oakland (CA) Tribune 17-Oct-1960, Page 3

Below are various links that provide additional information. The first is to a magazine article from the time describing the incident, while the others provided related information.

• Yanks Executed By Castro

•  U.S. Citizens Who Were Killed Or Who Disappeared By Cuba's Communist Regime

•  Timetable History Of Cuba After The Revolution