This is Your FBI: Misery Chiseling 07/27/1945

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode: This is Your FBI: Misery Chiseling
Host/Author: Choice Classic Radio
Release Date: August 3, 2025

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Overview

In this gripping episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives, titled “This is Your FBI: Misery Chiseling”, listeners are immersed in a suspenseful narrative set against the backdrop of post-World War II America. The story delves into the cunning operations of a "misery chiseler," a fraudster who exploits the grief and desperation of war-affected families for personal gain. Through meticulous FBI investigation and relentless pursuit, the episode underscores the Bureau's commitment to safeguarding national security and the financial well-being of citizens.

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Defining the Misery Chiseler

The episode opens with the FBI defining the menace they are up against:

FBI Agent (01:51): "Crawling on one of the lower rungs of the criminal scale is the breed known as the misery chiseler. Defined in dignified terms, he is one who preys on the misfortunes of another for profit."

This sets the stage for understanding the psychological manipulation and deceit perpetrated by such criminals, particularly in the emotionally charged post-war environment.

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The Case of Mrs. Henry Miller

The central plot revolves around Mrs. Henry Miller, a widow anxiously awaiting news about her missing son. Her encounter with the seemingly benevolent Colonel Addison Bramley sets off the chain of events:

Mrs. Miller (03:02): "You don't know how I've prayed, Colonel Bramley, that this might be true. I understand that my son was alive even though a prisoner of the Japanese."

Colonel Bramley convinces Mrs. Miller of her son's well-being and suggests an avenue to send money to her son:

Colonel Bramley (04:18): "With a little money, Mrs. Miller, your son could purchase special favors and comforts from the Japanese guards. They're very susceptible to petty bribery."

Persuaded by Colonel Bramley's authoritative demeanor and the apparent backing of her pastor, Reverend Morley, Mrs. Miller entrusts him with a significant sum of $500, hoping to aid her son.

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FBI's Investigative Process

Suspicion arises when Mrs. Miller receives conflicting information from the War Department, prompting her to contact the FBI:

Mrs. Miller (05:52): "This message, Mr. Hartley, from the War Department. Oh, I seen there had been a mistake. My son was not missing. He was wounded, and they're sending him home."

Special Agent Hartley from the FBI begins the investigation, cross-referencing Colonel Bramley’s story with official records and leveraging Mrs. Miller's detailed description:

Special Agent Hartley (05:55): "I'll get it."

The FBI swiftly checks hotels, airlines, and other establishments but finds no record of Colonel Bramley, leading to the discovery of his true identity:

Special Agent Hartley (10:01): "Thomas Edward Bradley, born Chicago, Illinois. 40 years old, 5ft 11, 175 pounds. Served New York prison term forgery. Paroled on request of chaplain who Bradley served as secretary."

This revelation exposes Bramley as a former con artist exploiting wartime vulnerabilities.

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Tracking the Modus Operandi

As Bradley, under various aliases, continues his deceit across different cities, the FBI maps out his pattern of operation. Each interaction leaves subtle clues:

FBI Agent (13:05): "Mrs. Miller in San Francisco did not report her case for three days...giving the criminal, Thomas Edward Bradley, a three day start."

By establishing Bradley's descriptions and methods, FBI agents nationwide are on high alert, tightening the net around him.

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The Chase Across America

Bradley's relentless pursuit takes him from San Francisco to Salt Lake City, Denver, and Cleveland. Despite his attempts to alter his pattern—such as impersonating different military ranks and adjusting his tactics—the FBI remains ten steps behind.

In Salt Lake City:

Colonel Bramley (08:16): "My dear madam, that was a most delightful meal."

His interactions showcase his ability to gain trust swiftly, making each encounter a potential trap.

When Bradley arrives in Cleveland, he attempts another swindle:

Colonel Bramley (23:31): "Some more tea, Colonel Barton?"

However, Special Agent Hartley is hot on his trail, having tracked his movements meticulously.

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The Final Capture

Bradley’s overconfidence leads to his downfall. After another failed attempt to swindle a widow in Cleveland, Agent Hartley confronts him:

Special Agent Hartley (24:47): "I'm a special agent of the FBI."

Colonel Bramley (24:55): "Bradley?"

Special Agent Hartley (25:00): "Artist, forger, swindler, misery chiseler. Wanted for impersonating an officer of a country with whom the United States is at peace."

Cornered and unable to continue his deceit, Bradley is apprehended, marking another victory for the FBI.

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Lessons and Public Awareness

The episode concludes with a powerful message emphasizing the importance of public vigilance and cooperation with authorities:

FBI Agent (25:32): "Thanks to the cooperation of the citizens on whom he preyed, the FBI was able to chalk up another victory in its war on the misery chiselers."

Listeners are encouraged to verify information through official channels and refrain from dealing with unsolicited individuals claiming to have special knowledge about missing loved ones.

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Conclusion

“This is Your FBI: Misery Chiseling” intricately portrays the battle between law enforcement and cunning fraudsters in a wartime setting. By highlighting the investigative prowess of the FBI and the critical role of community cooperation, the episode serves both as an engaging narrative and a cautionary tale. Through authentic dialogue and compelling storytelling, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by the FBI and the resilience required to combat deceit during tumultuous times.

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Notable Quotes

• FBI Agent (01:51): "He is a parasite who exists on human sorrow, heartache and misery."
• Colonel Bramley (04:18): "With a little money, Mrs. Miller, your son could purchase special favors and comforts from the Japanese guards."
• Special Agent Hartley (05:52): "We've uncovered the fact that Bradley had boarded an eastbound bus two stations out of Denver and had reached his destination by now, Cleveland."

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Final Thoughts

This episode not only entertains but also educates listeners on the deceptive tactics employed by criminals and the critical importance of skepticism and verification. Choice Classic Radio Detectives continues to bring historical narratives to life, offering valuable insights into the golden age of radio and the timeless battle between good and evil.

Transcript

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[FBI Narrator]

This is your FBI. This is your FBI. An official broadcast from the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, presented as a public service by the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. To your FBI, you look for national security and to the equitable society for financial security. These two great institutions are dedicated to the protection of you, your home and your country. Tonight, the story of a crime against the people. Misery chiseling.

[FBI Agent]

Crawling on one of the lower rungs of the criminal scale is the breed known as the misery chiseler. Defined in dignified terms, he is one who preys on the misfortunes of another for profit. In language more becoming him, he is a parasite who exists on human sorrow, heartache and misery. The war, with its backwash of heartaches here at home, has given the misery chiseler a rich field in which to work. Through the cooperation of the victims, however, the FBI has already bagged scores of these despicable criminals and is continuously warring against them. But a misery chisler is not too easily caught because he has robbed his victim and disappeared before the victim realizes or even suspects that he or she has been robbed. The story of tonight's case begins in San Francisco, in the modest little home of Mrs. Henry Miller, a widow whose son was reported missing in action some time ago. But just now, from a man introducing himself as Colonel Addison Bramley of British army intelligence, Mrs. Miller has heard good news.

[Mrs. Miller]

You don't know how I've prayed, Colonel Bramley, that this might be true. I understand that my son was alive even though a prisoner of the Japanese.

[Colonel Bramley]

Yes, it is much better to know that than nothing at all.

[Mrs. Miller]

I know.

[FBI Agent]

Will I?

[Colonel Bramley]

Here, madam, I must be dashing along now.

[Mrs. Miller]

Oh, must you leave right away, Colonel Bramley?

[Colonel Bramley]

Yes, I must. I have so little time, sorry to say. Oh, I'm en route to Washington on a special mission in connection with the work of the underground in Indochina, you say?

[Mrs. Miller]

Oh, of course. Well, you'll never know how deeply Grateful I am to you.

[Colonel Bramley]

Not at all, madam. One is never too busy to perform an errand of mercy. Let us both rather be grateful to your good pastor, Reverend Morley, for bringing us together.

[Mrs. Miller]

Oh, he's been so kind trying to get some news for me.

[Colonel Bramley]

It was just luck, you know, really. Somewhere en route from Burma, I mislaid the slip of paper with your son's name. But thank heavens I did recall that you're both members of the Hillside Church here. So I made him. Yes.

[Mrs. Miller]

I hate to bother you, but could you get a letter to my son through the underground?

[Colonel Bramley]

I believe so, yes.

[Mrs. Miller]

I'd be so great solo.

[Colonel Bramley]

And I have a suggestion.

[Mrs. Miller]

Yes?

[Colonel Bramley]

With a little money, Mrs. Miller, your son could purchase special favors and comforts from the Japanese guards. They're very susceptible to petty bribery.

[Mrs. Miller]

Could you get that to him too?

[Colonel Bramley]

Well, we have managed from time to time to transmit sums of money from parents to their sons.

[Mrs. Miller]

Oh, that'd be wonderful. I haven't much, but, Well, I have $500 in my savings account. Could you get that to my son?

[Colonel Bramley]

Certainly. And I can assure you, madam, that such a sum would improve your boy's circumstances. Measure.

[Mrs. Miller]

Then I'll go to the bank the first thing in the morning. Oh, but that'd be too late for you.

[Colonel Bramley]

No, no, not at all. My plane for Washington doesn't leave until 11am I could meet you in the lobby of my hotel just before going to the area.

[Mrs. Miller]

Oh, thank you, Colonel Bradley.

[Colonel Bramley]

My dear madam, it's been a pleasure.

[FBI Agent]

You can understand Mrs. Miller's readiness to give this perfect stranger $500. Outweighing her normal caution was her anxiety for her son and Colonel Bramley, so called. His important bearing and credible story and the fact that he had contacted her through her pastor. These things were enough to allay any suspicion. And no doubt her disillusionment would have been delayed for a long time had not something occurred a few days later which brought her to the San Francisco office of the FBI.

[Special Agent Hartley]

And what caused you to suspect this Colonel Bramley? Mrs. Miller?

[Mrs. Miller]

This message, Mr. Hartley, from the War Department. Oh, I seen there had been a mistake. My son was not missing. He was wounded, and they're sending him home.

[Special Agent Hartley]

That's fine.

[Mrs. Miller]

I'll not tell him anything about it, of course.

[Special Agent Hartley]

But we're mighty glad that you told us.

[Mrs. Miller]

A neighbor of mine said that I should.

[Special Agent Hartley]

You've done exactly right. These things are embarrassing to the victims, I know. But unless they report the cases, we don't know that they exist.

[Mrs. Miller]

I only hope I haven't come Too late.

[Special Agent Hartley]

You've given us an excellent description of the man, and we'll go to work at once.

[Mrs. Miller]

Do you have to say anything to my pastor? He'd feel so badly about it.

[Special Agent Hartley]

You'll be as anxious for us to catch this man as you and we are, I'm sure.

[Mrs. Miller]

Of course, but.

[Special Agent Hartley]

And he might have a helpful clue. We'll teletype this description to Washington headquarters at once.

[FBI Agent]

During the next few hours, every hotel, every airline, railroad and bus ticket office in San Francisco was checked by FBI agents, but no trace of any Colonel Bramley or anyone fitting Mrs. Miller's general description of him. Later that evening, a teletype message is coming into the FBI office as Special Agent Hartley enters.

[Special Agent Hartley]

What's coming in, John?

[FBI Agent]

Answer from Washington. They say no information on Colonel Bramley or anyone fitting general description in personal files. Try to get fingerprints.

[Special Agent Hartley]

Well, I did just that, and I got them.

[FBI Agent]

You did?

[Special Agent Hartley]

Where? I think our Colonel Bramley made a mistake calling on Mrs. Miller's pastor.

[FBI Agent Jaeger]

What do you mean?

[Special Agent Hartley]

The pastor had Bramley sign his guest book. Huh? Look. Bramley signed on the right hand page and had to press down the left hand page with his left fingers while he signed. Reverend Morley saw him do it.

[FBI Agent]

Well, he certainly left some fingerprints.

[Special Agent Hartley]

Yes, they were going to send these specimens off to Washington right away.

[FBI Agent]

Ironically enough, while his fingerprints and handwriting are speeding across the continent, Colonel Bramley, a few hundred miles away in Salt Lake City, is just complimenting his young hostess on an excellent dinner. On this occasion, however, he has demoted himself to a major. Major Romney Richards.

[Colonel Bramley]

My dear madam, that was a most delightful meal.

[Mrs. Miller]

Well, it was very simple, really. Major Richard.

[Colonel Bramley]

Oh, come now. I haven't dined so well in quite a spell. A bit of rhyme.

[Special Agent Hartley]

What?

[Mrs. Miller]

And pure flattery, and you know it.

[Colonel Bramley]

Oh, nonsense. I'm quite shamelessly a phylogastric, an ardent epicurean. And I declare, I envy your good husband. Such an excellent cook.

[Mrs. Miller]

Well, Major, this was all too little in return for what you're going to do for him.

[Colonel Bramley]

I must repeat. Nonsense.

[Mrs. Miller]

I. I don't know how I can ever thank you enough for. For either of us.

[Colonel Bramley]

Just thank your good pastor, my dear, for bringing us together. And you may rest assured that through my agents in Russia, working with the Manchurian underground, the money will reach and bring relief to your dear Hus.

[FBI Agent]

Another day, another city and another victim. And still free to pursue his loathsome profession. But in San Francisco, he had left a trace. And in both cities he had left a pattern of operation. Therefore, although unaware of it. His race against time had begun. For the moment, the advantage was his because the FBI had not yet established his identity. But an hour later, as he boarded a bus out of Salt Lake City to continue his misery chiseling trek eastward, the teletype brought a report to the FBI San Francisco office. Got something for you, Hartley.

[Special Agent Hartley]

What is it?

[FBI Agent]

Report from Washington. They identify those prints.

[Special Agent Hartley]

Good.

[FBI Agent]

It says Bramley. Fingerprints identified with swindler, whose description tallies with description furnished by Mrs. Miller.

[Special Agent Hartley]

Here, let me see. Your man is Thomas Edward Bradley, born Chicago, Illinois. 40 years old, 5ft 11, 175 pounds. Served New York prison term forgery. Paroled on request of chaplain who Bradley served as secretary.

[FBI Agent]

That explains the Minister Angle and his operations.

[Special Agent Hartley]

Exactly. I'll get it.

[FBI Agent]

Hello?

[FBI Narrator]

Yes.

[Special Agent Hartley]

Salt Lake office calling. Hello? Yes. Hardly speaking. Oh, hello, Jaeger.

[Colonel Bramley]

What?

[Special Agent Hartley]

Yes, yes, that's enough for me. Teletype. Your report to Washington. Goodbye.

[FBI Agent]

What's up?

[Special Agent Hartley]

Mr. Bradley pulled a job in Salt Lake City last night. I'm going there on the next plane.

[FBI Narrator]

We momentarily close the Federal Bureau of Investigation file on Thomas Bradley, Misery Chisler. We will reopen this file in just a moment. In the office of President Thomas I. Parkinson of the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States is a folder filled with letters that come straight from the heart of America. These letters were written by the fathers and mothers and wives of Equitable Society members who have died while serving with the armed forces of the United States. Since the Equitable is truly a society in which all policyholders belong to one big family, we would like to share the inspiration of these letters with all our members. Here, for example, is one from a father who has given us permission to read it on this program. He writes. Dear Mr. Parkinson, your kind letter of sympathy made us feel more like living and carrying on as. From the way it was written, I know the words came direct from your heart. It's very easy to see how a society like yours could achieve so much. It couldn't be otherwise. Your consoling letter would make our son proud to know that he belonged to a society like yours. The principles for which he fought and gave his life make us proud to be the parents of a son like him. While he was called upon to make the supreme sacrifice, we know now that he did not give his life in vain. Letters like these keep us continually conscious of our responsibility to members of the Equitable Society and to all America. Now, back to the file on Thomas Bradley, misery chiseler.

[FBI Agent]

Unfortunately, a misery chiseler nearly always leaves a Large number of victims in his wake. But the more promptly the victims report their cases, the shorter becomes the criminal's trail. Mrs. Miller in San Francisco did not report her case for three days, although she was not to blame for that. But this gave the criminal, Thomas Edward Bradley, a three day start. The FBI lost another day establishing his identity. And a four day start in an area as broad as America is quite a handicap in pursuing a criminal who must keep on the move. The FBI now had Bradley's description and his pattern of operation. And all FBI field officers throughout the country had been alerted. His race against the FBI in time had begun in earnest and already he had lost ground. The report of the fresh case in Salt Lake City had cut Bradley's lead from four days to 36 hours. At this moment, Special Agent Hartley, bent on picking up Bradley's trail, has landed in a passenger plane on Salt Lake City's airport.

[FBI Agent Jaeger]

Hartley.

[Special Agent Hartley]

Oh, hello, Jaeger.

[FBI Agent Jaeger]

Not much use in you stopping off here.

[Special Agent Hartley]

What's the story?

[FBI Agent Jaeger]

When Washington alerted us this afternoon, we contacted all ministers.

[FBI Narrator]

Yes.

[FBI Agent Jaeger]

One of them reported a Major Richards. He had sent him to a Mrs. Warner. Her story is in this report here.

[Special Agent Hartley]

What about Bradley?

[FBI Agent Jaeger]

We checked and he left on a bus at 9:30 last night for Denver.

[Special Agent Hartley]

It's loose in Denver by now, I guess.

[FBI Agent Jaeger]

Yes, we got the information too late to have him picked up at the Denver terminal.

[Special Agent Hartley]

But the Denver office is working on the case. Yes.

[FBI Narrator]

All ministers there alerted?

[FBI Agent Jaeger]

Yes, and all railroad and bus officers are being watched.

[Special Agent Hartley]

Good. Thanks, Jaeger. I'm heading for Denver.

[FBI Agent]

Special Agent Hartley arrived In Denver about 4am The FBI agents there had uncovered no trace of Bradley. But he had to be somewhere in the city. Hotels and rooming houses were checked. No Bradley. And by that afternoon, no minister had reported any contact with him. But Bradley was at work that afternoon just the same.

[Colonel Bramley]

What a glorious drive this is, Mrs. Curtis.

[Mrs. Miller]

I never tire of it, Colonel Ashley.

[Colonel Bramley]

I dare say you couldn't. If it weren't for this beastly war and the work I must do. I should love to tarry in the midst of this scenic splendor for a season myself.

[Mrs. Miller]

You must come back someday.

[Colonel Bramley]

You may be sure I shall. But for now, I'm afraid we must be turning back toward the city.

[Mrs. Miller]

Oh, Colonel Ashley.

[Colonel Bramley]

Yes?

[Mrs. Miller]

How soon will the money reach my son?

[Colonel Bramley]

The underground in occupied China is doing a splendid job, Mrs. Curtis. Your son should receive the money within a fortnight.

[FBI Agent]

The criminal who lives by his wits is smart enough to alter his pattern of operation occasionally. That's why no minister in Denver had been contacted by Bradley. With the aid of newspaper files, he had contacted an ex of kin directly. That's why also, Bradley was not apprehended leaving Denver. It was two days later when the FBI uncovered the fact that Bradley had boarded an eastbound bus two stations out of Denver and had reached his destination by now, Cleveland. But five hours later, by plane, Special Agent Hartley arrived in Cleveland too. It is shortly afternoon and Hartley is just entering the FBI office.

[Special Agent Hartley]

Hello, Phil.

[FBI Agent Jaeger]

Oh, come in, Hartley. We've been expecting you.

[Special Agent Hartley]

What's been happening?

[FBI Agent Jaeger]

The town's pretty well covered, but no lead on Bradley yet.

[Special Agent Hartley]

You read his report?

[FBI Agent Jaeger]

Yes.

[Special Agent Hartley]

I hope he goes back to the minister. Pattern here.

[FBI Agent Jaeger]

The ministers have all been alerted, but no report from any yet.

[Special Agent Hartley]

How about the newspaper list of next of kin for the boys missing in action?

[FBI Agent Jaeger]

Three men are working on it. But Bradley may go to work before all next of kin are alerted.

[Special Agent Hartley]

Yes.

[FBI Agent Jaeger]

You figure he worked that way in Denver?

[Special Agent Hartley]

Well, he didn't contact any ministers and the newspaper files are open to anybody.

[FBI Agent Jaeger]

So Bradley went down the list of missing in action, picked out a victim and went to work.

[Special Agent Hartley]

I'm sure of it.

[FBI Agent Jaeger]

Well, we've covered everything. We'll just have to wait for developments.

[Special Agent Hartley]

Yes, but I sure hope they develop, and fast.

[FBI Agent]

It is now 7pm and nothing has developed for the FBI. But at this moment, in a Cleveland suburb, a Mrs. Paul Everett's front doorbell rings.

[Colonel Bramley]

Mrs. Everett?

[Mrs. Miller]

Yes.

[Colonel Bramley]

I'm Major Radcliffe, British Army Intelligence.

[Mrs. Miller]

Oh, yes. Reverend Matthews, housekeeper phoned that you were coming over. Well, won't you come in?

[Colonel Bramley]

Thank you. Thank you. Mrs. Everett, I have news for you about your husband.

[Mrs. Miller]

About my. About Paul.

[Colonel Bramley]

Your husband. Mrs. Everett is alive and I've come to ask you if there is any.

[FBI Agent]

Reverend Matthews, housekeeper sent Bradley to Mrs. Everett's house. But why wasn't the FBI notified? While Bradley goes to work on his prospective victim, the minutes, the hours drag by in the FBI office.

[Special Agent Hartley]

Well, Phil, it doesn't look like things are going to develop. No, Bradley is going into action here. We should have heard by now.

[FBI Agent Jaeger]

I know.

[Special Agent Hartley]

I'll get it.

[FBI Agent Jaeger]

Robert speaking. This is Reverend Matthews.

[FBI Agent]

Yes, Reverend.

[FBI Agent Jaeger]

I was out all afternoon and neglected to tell my housekeeper about your warning. Yes, I have just returned and she tells me she directed a Major Radcliffe to Mrs. Paul Everett's house. Yes, he's probably still there. What's the address? 1625 Lenway Boulevard. Lenway Boulevard. Thank you very much, Reverend.

[Special Agent Hartley]

One of the ministers, Phil.

[FBI Agent Jaeger]

Yes. Here's a name and address. Mrs. Paul Everett. I think Bradley's there.

[Special Agent Hartley]

Good. I'll get a cab. You phone the woman and tell her to hold Bradley.

[FBI Agent]

Right.

[Special Agent Hartley]

Wait for me, driver.

[FBI Agent]

Right.

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[Special Agent Hartley]

How do you do?

[Mrs. Miller]

Yes?

[Special Agent Hartley]

I'm Special Agent Hartley, FBI.

[Mrs. Miller]

Oh, yes. I've been expecting you.

[Special Agent Hartley]

Is the major still here?

[Mrs. Miller]

No, I'm sorry. He left just a few minutes before your office called.

[FBI Agent]

Another miss. But this time by a margin of only a few minutes, this meant Bradley was still in Cleveland. If he tried to register at a hotel or a trenchant rooming house, clerks were keeping a sharp lookout for a man of his description with a British accent. If he tried to leave the city, airline, bus and railroad ticket officers were alerted by the FBI, all waiting for Bradley to make a move. Four hours passed and no report. Then Special Agent Hartley began a personal round of travel officers. It was 1am when he reached an airline ticket office. He scanned the brief list of passengers booked on the flight, then questioned the.

[Special Agent Hartley]

Girl on duty, Dr. Philip Gibson. Remember him?

[Mrs. Miller]

Yes. He said he was a surgeon here.

[Special Agent Hartley]

I've looked in the telephone directory and there's no Dr. Philip Gibson. Gibson listed.

[Mrs. Miller]

There's no.

[Special Agent Hartley]

No. How old a man was he?

[Mrs. Miller]

Oh, around 40.

[Special Agent Hartley]

British accent.

[Mrs. Miller]

I don't remember.

[Special Agent Hartley]

Notice anything particular about him?

[Mrs. Miller]

Well, no, but. But he did make a mistake. He asked for space to Newark, New Jersey, and we don't stop there anymore.

[Special Agent Hartley]

Newark, eh?

[Mrs. Miller]

Yes. I gave him space to New York and told him how to take the tube to Newark.

[Special Agent Hartley]

When did his flight leave?

[Mrs. Miller]

Oh, it's reached New York by now.

[FBI Agent]

Yeah.

[Colonel Bramley]

Use your phone right here.

[Mrs. Miller]

Of course.

[Special Agent Hartley]

Thanks. Would you book me on the next flight to New York, miss?

[Mrs. Miller]

Yes, sir. That will be about an hour from now.

[Special Agent Hartley]

Hello? Phil Hartley. Contact the Newark office right away to.

[FBI Narrator]

Set the stage for Bradley.

[Special Agent Hartley]

And have them alert ministers and all next of kin. I'm on the next plane to New York.

[FBI Agent]

Hartley arrived at the Newark office of the FBI about 6am by noon, the stage was set. Ministers alerted. Next of kin of boys missing in action alerted. Everything was in readiness. The afternoon hours dragged by. Nothing happened. Six o', clock, maybe. There was a Dr. Philip Gibson after all. Maybe Bradley hadn't dropped his English accent, changed his Name and manner. 7 o'. Clock. 7:30. At 8 o', clock, a Mrs. George Wylie, a resident of Newark, was entertaining a guest in her living room.

[Mrs. Miller]

Some more tea, Colonel Barton?

[Colonel Bramley]

No, thank you. It was delicious, but I can't name the blend for the life of me.

[Mrs. Miller]

Oh, gracious, I wouldn't know either. To me, tea is tea. Except in the Chinese restaurant.

[Colonel Bramley]

A jolly good crypt. Aunt. Well, Mrs. Wylie, I'm afraid I really must be dashing off. You'll be late for your dinner engagement.

[Mrs. Miller]

But it's been such a pleasure talking with you.

[Colonel Bramley]

Thank you. And I find it difficult to leave your charming company. But I have urgent marriage to take care of in New York this evening.

[Mrs. Miller]

Of course.

[Colonel Bramley]

And you may rest assured that as soon as I've cashed your check, the money will be on its way to your brother. The Korean underground has not failed yet.

[Mrs. Miller]

I can't thank you enough, Colonel.

[Colonel Bramley]

Just thank Providence for making it possible for me to be of service to you. Good night, Mrs. Wy.

[Mrs. Miller]

Good night, Colonel.

[Special Agent Hartley]

Oh, just a minute, please.

[Colonel Bramley]

I beg your pardon?

[Special Agent Hartley]

You should, for making me chase you all the way from San Francisco.

[Colonel Bramley]

What the devil are you talking about, sir? And just who are you?

[Special Agent Hartley]

I'm a special agent of the FBI.

[Colonel Bramley]

The FBI?

[Special Agent Hartley]

That's right. I'd like to ask you some questions.

[Colonel Bramley]

Look here, young man, do you know to whom you're speaking?

[Special Agent Hartley]

Yes, I do, Mr. Bradley.

[Colonel Bramley]

Bradley?

[Special Agent Hartley]

Yes. Thomas Edward Bradley.

[FBI Narrator]

Bad check.

[Special Agent Hartley]

Artist, forger, swindler, misery chiseler.

[Mrs. Miller]

Heyman.

[Special Agent Hartley]

Wanted for impersonating an officer of a country with whom the United States States is at peace.

[Colonel Bramley]

Gad, man, is that true?

[Special Agent Hartley]

It is.

[Colonel Bramley]

Then I trust the FBI will exhibit proper regard for this country's international relations and take such an utter scoundrel out of circulation.

[FBI Agent]

And so, thanks to the cooperation of the citizens on whom he preyed, the FBI was able to chalk up another victory in its war on the misery chiselers. Bradley's final capture was made possible in this case when Mrs. George Wiley, who had been alerted, took long enough at making a pot of tea to also telephone the FBI. Scores of Bradley's kind have been arrested, but not all. Their arrest depends on your help. And you can make their miserable racket unprofitable by dealing only through government agencies and through reputable public service organizations in seeking information concerning loved ones in the service reported missing. Also by checking first with the FBI before dealing with any individual professing to have special knowledge about the missing person. Remember, the FBI belongs to you. It operates for your protection.

[FBI Narrator]

You'll hear about the disposition of this case in just a minute. Do you know what would happen if every single piece of farm machinery in America wore out tomorrow? Well, among other things, it would mean that war production would come to a dead stop. People now living in cities would have to hurry back to the farm. Actually, to get in the wheat crop alone without the aid of mechanical equipment would require the services of every able bodied person in America plus millions of foreign workers. So will you join the Equitable Society in a salute to an indispensable industry? A salute to the men and women who manufacture and the dealers who service farm equipment who have built the huge backlog of tractors, binders and combines that have sowed and harvested our record wartime crops for many years. Funds of the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States have been invested in this industry which has done an incredible job of war production and at the same time has manufactured the parts necessary to keep farm equipment from wearing out. Today, although thousands of young farmers have exchanged their overalls for Uncle Sam's uniforms, America is still well fed thanks to the farm equipment industry. In wartime Equitable Society dollars are fighting dollars and at all times they are security dollars for you, your home and your country.

[FBI Agent]

Thomas Bradley, charged with impersonating an accredited official of a country with which the United States is at peace, was sentenced to a long term in a federal penitentiary.

[FBI Narrator]

The incidents used in tonight's broadcast are taken from the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. However, all names used are fictitious and any similarity thereof to the names of persons living or dead is accidental. Programs in this series of particular interest to service men and women are broadcast overseas through the worldwide facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service Tonight. The music was under the direction of Van Cleave. The author was Frank Perry and your narrator was Frank Lovejoy. This is your FBI is a Jerry Devine production. And now this is Carl Frank speaking for the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States and inviting you to tune in again next week at this same time. For this is your FBI. August 1st is Air Force Day. A day for air minded America to look backward at her achievements on the battleground of the sky and forward to the promise of peace. The shadow of her wings over the world.

[Special Agent Hartley]

Forecast.

[FBI Narrator]

On August 1st, your Army Air Forces will have completed their 38th year of Pioneer service in the taming of a new frontier. Sword for victory and shield for peace. Your army air forces rule the sky. Salute them on August 1st, Air Force Day. This is the American Broadcasting Company.