35 Facts About Barry Seal

Early Life and Aviation Beginnings

Barry Seal's life was a whirlwind of adventure and danger. Let's dive into his early years and how he got started in aviation.

1. Barry Seal was born Adler Berriman Seal on July 16, 1939, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His parents were Mary Lou and Benjamin Curtis Seal, a candy wholesaler.

2. Seal's father was a member of the Ku Klux Klan. This controversial background added a layer of complexity to his early life.

3. Seal took his first solo flight at the age of 15. His passion for aviation started young and would shape his future.

4. He began making a living by towing advertising banners from his plane. This early job showcased his entrepreneurial spirit.

Military and CIA Connections

Barry Seal's life took a dramatic turn when he joined the military and allegedly started working with the CIA.

5. In 1955, Seal joined the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) in Baton Rouge. Here, he met some infamous characters.

6. During his CAP training, he met Lee Harvey Oswald and David Ferrie. Both were later implicated in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

7. There are claims that Seal began working for the CIA in the mid-1950s. He allegedly ferried weapons to Fidel Castro's forces in Cuba.

8. In December 1962, Seal joined the Louisiana Army National Guard. He was assigned to the 20th Special Forces Group.

9. Seal attended the United States Army Airborne School. He graduated from the selection and training program.

Commercial Flying and Smuggling

Seal's career as a commercial pilot took off, but it wasn't long before he found himself in trouble.

10. In 1964, Seal joined Trans World Airlines (TWA) as a flight engineer. He quickly rose through the ranks.

11. Seal became one of the youngest captains operating a Boeing 707. His skills as a pilot were undeniable.

12. His career with TWA ended in July 1972. He was arrested for his involvement in a conspiracy to smuggle plastic explosives to Mexico.

13. Although the case was dismissed, TWA fired him. They cited false medical leave as the reason.

Medellín Cartel and Drug Smuggling

Seal's life took a darker turn when he became involved with the Medellín Cartel.

14. Seal was introduced to the Medellín Cartel members under the alias Ellis McKenzie. He began working for them in the early 1980s.

15. He smuggled thousands of pounds of cocaine and marijuana into the United States. His operations used a remote airstrip in rural Arkansas.

16. In 1983, Seal was busted in Florida as part of Operation Screamer. This was an undercover operation run by the DEA.

17. Seal eventually cooperated with the authorities. His information led to several convictions, including those of the Ochoa Brothers from the Medellín Cartel.

Informant for the DEA

Seal's cooperation with the DEA was a double-edged sword, bringing both benefits and dangers.

18. Seal became a key informant for the DEA. He helped secure 17 criminal convictions.

19. His cooperation was not without controversy. He demanded leniency for himself and his associates.

20. The Medellín Cartel put out a contract to kidnap or murder him. His life was in constant danger.

21. Seal was eventually assassinated on February 19, 1986. His death was a violent end to a tumultuous life.

Assassination and Aftermath

The details of Seal's assassination and the aftermath are both chilling and intriguing.

22. Seal was shot and killed in his parked Cadillac. A Colombian assassin used a .45 caliber Mac-10 machine gun.

23. The assassination occurred in front of the Salvation Army building in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Seal was required to spend his nights there as part of his probation.

24. There were conspiracy theories suggesting government involvement in Seal's assassination. However, no concrete evidence has supported these claims.

25. Seal was married to Debbie Seal. His friends described him as confident and charismatic.

Business Ventures and Controversies

Seal's business ventures and controversial connections added more layers to his complex life.

26. Seal ran several businesses, including Seal Sky Service and Aerial Advertising Associates. These were based in Baton Rouge.

27. He also had an office in the International Trade Center run by Clay Shaw. This connection added to the intrigue surrounding his activities.

28. There were claims that Seal was a member of Operation 40. This was a CIA operation aimed at infiltrating and destabilizing foreign governments.

29. Seal's connection to Lee Harvey Oswald is significant. They were part of the same training mission in the Civil Air Patrol.

30. Seal's friend and fellow CAP member, David Ferrie, was also implicated in the JFK assassination. Ferrie convinced Seal to collaborate in his shady business dealings.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Barry Seal's life left a lasting legacy and has been portrayed in various forms of media.

31. Seal's role as a CIA pilot involved ferrying weapons and supplies. He often worked under the alias Ellis McKenzie.

32. Seal's military background included assignments with the 20th Special Forces Group and the 245th Engineer Battalion. His MOS was radio telephone operator.

33. Seal's smuggling activities began early in his career. He started by flying guns for the CIA to revolution fighters in Cuba in the late 1950s.

34. Seal's relationship with the Medellín Cartel was complex. He worked closely with the Ochoa Brothers but maintained a level of independence.

35. Seal's life has been portrayed in several films and books. This includes the movie "American Made" starring Tom Cruise and the book "Smuggler's End: The Life and Death of Barry Seal" by Del Hahn.

Barry Seal's Intriguing Legacy

Barry Seal's life was a whirlwind of adventure, danger, and controversy. From his early days as a gifted pilot to his deep involvement with the Medellín Cartel, Seal's story is anything but ordinary. His cooperation with the DEA led to significant convictions, yet it also painted a target on his back, culminating in his assassination in 1986. Despite his criminal activities, Seal's contributions to law enforcement can't be ignored. His connections to historical events, like the Iran-Contra scandal and the JFK assassination, add layers of intrigue. Seal's life serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of organized crime and the complexities of working with government agencies. His legacy continues to captivate those interested in true crime and espionage, making Barry Seal a fascinating figure in American history.