Cloak and Dagger: The Trap (A0016)

Summary

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Cloak and Dagger: "The Trap" (Original Airdate: July 9, 1950)

Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Episode Date: September 6, 2025
Host: Adam Graham

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Episode Overview

This episode features a suspenseful WWII spy story from the classic radio series Cloak and Dagger, entitled "The Trap." The dramatization is set behind enemy lines in German-occupied France, following OSS (Office of Strategic Services) agent Sergeant Irwin Hazen as he attempts to verify a report of massive German fortifications and prevent a looming disaster for advancing American troops.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Mission Briefing and Personal Stakes

[03:23]

• Main Character: Sgt. Irwin Hazen, a self-deprecating, comic book artist-turned-OSS mapmaker, volunteers for a dangerous mission after a friend and fellow agent, Lt. Miller, dies bringing back vital intelligence that a French town harbors unexpected German artillery.
• Notable quote:

  "Before the war, I loved flashy ties and babies. Girl babies, about 21. So what was Irwin doing being an OSS spy in a German held town in France after D Day? Listen, my children, and you shall hear."
  — Sgt. Irwin Hazen, [03:23]

2. Into Enemy Territory

[07:59 – 09:41]

• Paired with Father Robert, a courageous local priest skilled in "convincing lies," Hazen is smuggled into the town of Bruyere under the guise of being a nephew visiting his dying aunt.
  • The close call at the German checkpoint showcases quick thinking and the precariousness of undercover work.
• Quote (on blending in):

  "Do not worry. Out of necessity, I have become adept at making up very convincing lies."
  — Father Robert, [08:56]

3. Establishing Cover and Local Connections

[12:16 – 13:54]

• Hazen is taken in by Madame Jeannette, who plays along as his grieving (but miraculously revived) “aunt.”
• He integrates with the household, with layers of real loss beneath invented stories—Jeannette’s family was indeed lost to the war.
• Emotional moment:

  "It has been good these last days. Cooking for you, making up another bed. As if I had my family again."
  — Madame Jeannette, [14:47]

4. Investigation and Discovery of ‘The Trap’

[15:24 – 18:20]

• Hazen discreetly scouts the town, finding it appears thinly garrisoned, but trusting his fallen comrade’s warning seeks out fortified positions.
• Assisted by Madame Jeannette, he sneaks into the forest and discovers the elaborate German defenses: heavy artillery, barbed wire, tanks, and obstacles poised to ambush American forces.

5. Close Calls and Growing Suspicion

[18:48 – 21:08]

• The German Commandant visits, warning Hazen not to leave the town, but Hazen resolves to finish his recon mission.
• Madame Jeannette helps him hide his initial sketches and devises a new, riskier route to finish his survey.

6. Capture and Interrogation

[21:49 – 25:25]

• Hazen’s luck runs out as he strays too close to the enemy. He’s caught, interrogated, beaten, and his partial map discovered.
• Using a desperate, self-injurious ruse (wounding himself to create a diversion), Hazen escapes custody in a tense action sequence, commandeering a German motorcycle and eluding his pursuers with skill and luck.

7. Loss and Twist

[26:54 – 28:41]

• Hazen discovers his hidden sketches are gone, and Madame Jeannette is supposedly dead.
• In a final debrief with the Colonel, it’s revealed Jeannette is alive—she and the Resistance safely delivered the plans to Allied command, cementing the mission’s success.
• Memorable exchange:

  "Colonel, you know that tavern about a half mile from headquarters?"
  "Yes, I do."
  "Well, do you mind very much if I go there and get very drunk?"
  — Sgt. Irwin Hazen & Colonel, [29:06]

8. Historical Note & Aftermath

[29:19 – 29:46]

• Narration confirms that Hazen’s intelligence allowed the American army to avert disaster and conduct a successful counteroffensive, paving the way into German territory.
• Mission ends with:

  "The report of another OSS agent closes with the words—mission accomplished.”
  — Narrator, [29:33]

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On undercover stress:

  "Monsieur le Commandant is not very bright, but unfortunately he is not a complete idiot."
  — Father Robert, [13:37]

• Desperate improvisation:

  "I broke off a piece. And then I cut myself severely about the face. I guess it doesn't sound pretty and it didn't look very pretty, but that was the effect I wanted."
  — Sgt. Irwin Hazen, [24:48]

• On the resistance’s crucial role:

  "But without all the help from all the little people along the way, none of the work of the OSS could have been done."
  — Sgt. Irwin Hazen, [13:54]

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Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:23 | Introduction to Sgt. Irwin Hazen and the mission setup | | 07:39 | Hazen volunteers to enter enemy territory | | 09:41 | Smuggling into Bruyere with Father Robert’s help | | 13:54 | At Madame Jeannette’s—building local connections & cover | | 16:55 | Hazen discovers German artillery emplacements | | 18:55 | Hazen questioned by the Commandant | | 21:49 | Second reconnaissance and eventual capture | | 24:48 | Hazen’s escape from Nazi custody | | 26:54 | Jeannette presumed dead—mission appears lost | | 28:21 | Reunited; the plans are safe and mission is accomplished | | 29:46 | Narrator’s closing remarks on the OSS and mission success |

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Host Commentary Highlights

[31:37+]

• Adam Graham praises the episode’s tension and craft, noting how it captures the uncertainty and peril of espionage behind enemy lines.
• Discusses the real-life involvement of comic book artists with WWII intelligence, but cautions against over-speculation about biographies matching the story.
• Responds thoughtfully to a listener’s concern about the “gritty” and unsparing nature of the series, especially regarding wartime morality.
• Previews upcoming OSS-focused episodes and future plans for the podcast, indicating a continued emphasis on historically grounded, tense drama.

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Summary & Takeaways

• This Cloak and Dagger episode stands out for its taut suspense, moral ambiguity, and portrayals of unlikely heroes and the large but quiet role played by local civilians in the underground resistance.
• The episode balances nerve-wracking infiltration scenes with moments of emotional warmth and loss, all underpinned by Hazen’s irreverent, self-effacing narration.
• Not just a thrilling spy story, "The Trap" showcases the real sacrifices and clever improvisation required in wartime espionage—both on the battlefield and behind the scenes.

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For listeners seeking suspense, history, and a dash of gallows humor, “The Trap” remains a prime example of Golden Age radio drama at its best.

Transcript

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Adventurers of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of Cloak and Dagger. But first, I do want to encourage you, if you're enjoying the podcast, to follow us using your favorite podcast software. And I also want to encourage you to become one of our patreon [e-mail] this is our listener support and appreciation campaign, and I truly appreciate everyone who supports the program and all the things that we do here. Of course, Great Adventurers is relatively new, but we've got more exciting things planned and we'll talk about some of our immediate plans after the episode. But now, from July 9, 1950, here is the Trap.

[Colonel]

Are you willing to undertake a dangerous mission behind the enemy lines, knowing you may never return alive?

[Narrator]

What you have just heard is the question asked during the war to agents of the OSS ordinary citizens, who to this question answered, yes.

[Colonel]

This is cloak and dagger.

[Narrator]

Black warfare, espionage, international intrigue. These are the weapons of the oss. Today's story the Trap, about an OSS agent who prevented an American advance onto German soil from turning into a massacre, is suggested by actual incidents recorded in the Washington files of the Office of Strategic Services, a story that can now be told.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Did you ever notice the name Irwin signed in a fancy flourish on the COVID of those kid comic Books, you know, all about moon men chasing the earthman into the stratosphere. Well, that's me, Irwin Hazen. I'm a little guy about five foot four. Before the war, I loved flashy ties and babies. Girl babies, about 21. So what was Irwin doing being an OSS spy in a German held town in France after D day? Listen, my children, and you shall hear. Sergeant Irwin Hazen reporting, sir. Here are those overlay maps you requested, Colonel.

[Colonel]

Good, good. Fast work, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Thank you, sir.

[Colonel]

I'll look them over now. In the meantime, I want you to do something for me.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Yes, sir.

[Colonel]

I just had word that one of our agents, Lieutenant Miller, who was sent ahead into Royere for advanced reconnaissance, has returned.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Lieutenant Miller? Yes, sir, I know him.

[Colonel]

He's in that tavern about a mile from headquarters getting very drunk. Can't understand it. Doesn't sound like Miller.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

No, sir.

[Colonel]

He should have reported immediately. I want to go down and bring him back to headquarters.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Yes, Colonel. Right away, sir.

[Colonel]

Oh, Hazen, I saw that cartoon you submitted to Yank. Oh, good, good. Not very flattering of me though.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

No, sir. I'll. I'll get Lieutenant Miller for you. Colonel. Sir, not all of the 12,000 people working with the OSS parachuted blind into enemy territory. Some of them stayed in Washington making up secret codes. Some of them, like me, sat behind a desk in France and drew maps. But I was through sitting behind a desk. The minute I walked into that tavern, Lieutenant Miller was slumped over the bar swaying back and forth. And he looked very drunk. Hey, Lieutenant, what's with you? Colonel wants you to report to headquarters right away. Irwin, is that you?

[Narrator]

Irwin?

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Boy, you get your ear chewed off for this? What's the idea? Couldn't this wait till later? No, I couldn't wait. You'll make it. Otherwise. Gotta get to the colonel. A bartender. How many has he had? Only two very little ones, Sergeant.

[Unknown Male Voice]

Oh yeah.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Tell the colonel couldn't make it otherwise. Glad you came. Can't make it now. Maybe. What are you talking about? Tell Colonel Brier. Heavily fortified. More than we thought. Saw myself 80 pieces of 105 millimeter artillery behind the lines. Germans are digging in. Well, come on, sit back and tell them yourself. Hey, couldn't you have celebrated later? Made it this far? Needed to drink to make it all away. Tell colonel we're heavily fortified. Heavily. Miller. The lieutenant, he is pass out. The lieutenant, he is dead. You see, Miller had been slumped over the bar, Colonel. So I couldn't see those bullet wounds in his chest until he fell over.

[Colonel]

Germans must have Caught on to him and given him a chase. No wonder he got as far as he did. Sergeant, you're sure about everything he told you?

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Yes, sir.

[Father Robert]

But we were positive the Germans didn't.

[Colonel]

Have that much artillery on the 7th army front. If this is true, and we had walked in not knowing what was ahead, our men could have been massacred. Thank you, Sergeant. You may go now.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Colonel, if you're going to send another agent into that territory to get a more complete picture of what's going on, I'd like to volunteer.

[Colonel]

Sergeant, a mission like this calls for an agent who's had experience along these.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Yeah, yeah, I know. But you see, Lieutenant Miller was a friend of mine. Besides, I'm sick of spending the war behind a drawing board.

[Colonel]

Sergeant.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Look, I can do it, Colonel. I can speak French fluently, and I'll do more than just look around and come back. I'll come back with sketches and maps and diagrams. Everything you want to know. Look, Colonel, the next time I send a cartoon to Yank, I'll. I'll make a very flattering one of you. Please, Colonel, what do you say? The OSS placed me in the custody of a French priest who had sneaked through the lines from Bruyere to tell the Americans about underground activity there. A few days later, the priest and I were on the road 30 miles away from the American held town, walking smack into enemy territory. The priest was in full clerical garb. Me, I was dressed like a French peasant.

[Father Robert]

Then the German stoplist. My son, let me do the talking.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

I hope we get away with it.

[Father Robert]

Do not worry. Out of necessity, I have become adept at making up very convincing lies.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Yeah, but do you think the Germans will believe this phony story?

[Father Robert]

What reason will they have to disbelieve it? Besides, I am well known and respected in town. The Germans have enough trouble now without stirring up the antagonism of the people by disciplining me for so small a reason.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Well, all I can say is I hope it works.

[Father Robert]

We have a chance to find out. Now, there's the town. Ah. And there is a welcoming committee. Remember, let me do the talking.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Say halt. Why?

[Herr Commandant]

Oh.

[Father Robert]

Bonjour. I am Father Robert, priest of the church in this town. This man. Friend.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

You are from this town.

[Herr Commandant]

What are you doing behind the border?

[Father Robert]

Do you have permission?

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Let me see your papers.

[Father Robert]

You pass this? Most unfortunately, I did not wait to request a pass.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Sergeant CeCe Hampney.

[Father Robert]

Come with me to the commandant's office. With pleasure.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Come, my friend. Might as well. There's no way back now. Father.

[Herr Commandant]

You have been given too much freedom in this town. Father Robert, this insolence is. Is too much.

[Father Robert]

But Monsieur le Commandant, this poor lad.

[Herr Commandant]

You beat your name again?

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Francois. Francois Jovin.

[Herr Commandant]

Call me by my title.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Francois Jovin, Herr Commandant.

[Herr Commandant]

Now go on with your story, Father Robert.

[Father Robert]

It is a sad, sad story of a dying woman and her last wish to see her nephew, this lad, last remaining member of her family. Her husband and two sons were killed in the early days of the war. You see, I have the holy oils with me to give this poor woman the last sacrament.

[Herr Commandant]

And why did you not ask permission to get this boy?

[Father Robert]

I was afraid, Monsieur le Commandant, that by the time the permission was granted, it might be too late, the woman might die. So I slipped out.

[Herr Commandant]

When did you last see your Aunt Johan?

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Why, over three years ago, Herr Commandant.

[Herr Commandant]

And this is most irregular, surely, the.

[Father Robert]

Request of a dying woman.

[Herr Commandant]

Well, I'll let you go this time, Father Old bear, there's enough unrest in this town without starting a tempest in a teapot. One more question.

[Father Robert]

Yes, Monsieur?

[Herr Commandant]

If you managed to slip through the lines going out, why is it you did not attempt to sneak back into town instead of walking boldly up to the borderline?

[Father Robert]

Sneak back into town? Why, Monsieur le Commandant, that would be against regulations.

[Madame Jeannette]

But I do not understand either, Father Robert. How is it that you did not try to sneak back into Brier?

[Father Robert]

Our American friend Erwin, he can tell you that.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Well, you see, Madame Jeannette, this way, if the Germans know I'm in town and supposedly staying with an aunt, I can move freely about without being suspected.

[Madame Jeannette]

Ah, I see, I see.

[Father Robert]

The time is late. I must go now. Oh, Madame Jeannette.

[Madame Jeannette]

Oui?

[Father Robert]

If Monsieur le Commandant should inquire. I did administer the last rites to you, but the sight of your dear nephew brought to life, flowing back into your veins.

[Madame Jeannette]

Of course. Will you not have something to eat before you go? I have not much to.

[Father Robert]

Much work to do. By the way, at last meeting of the underground.

[Herr Commandant]

When?

[Father Robert]

Very well, don't you think?

[Madame Jeannette]

Ou mon Pierre? Very well indeed.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Well, I can't thank you enough, Father, for everything you've done.

[Father Robert]

Perhaps we shall meet again. Who knows if not? God be with you on your mission.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Thank you, Father.

[Father Robert]

And my son, be very careful. Monsieur le commandor is not very bright, but unfortunately he is not a complete idiot.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

That was the last I saw of Father Robert. It happened like that all during the war. A member of the underground would come along, get us over a rough spot and then disappear. But without all the help from all the little People along the way. None of the work of the OSS could have been done. They helped. They wished us luck. They left after a few days of staying with Madame Janet. I almost felt that she was a relative. The old girl practically adopted me.

[Madame Jeannette]

Erwin, one thing. What Father Robert told the commandant, it was not a lie.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Well, what was that?

[Madame Jeannette]

I did lose my husband and two sons in the early days of the war.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Oh, I'm sorry.

[Madame Jeannette]

Hello. But it has been good these last days. Cooking for you, making up another bed. As if I had my family again. Are you being very careful?

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Well, I mind my own business. Look around the town. From all I can tell, there are just a handful occupying it. Just the way headquarters thought. Looks like a pushover.

[Madame Jeannette]

Perhaps it is. Perhaps the agent who was here before, he was mistaken, Miller.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

The Nazis didn't pump air into him for nothing. He saw something. Madam Chanad.

[Madame Jeannette]

Oui. Here, let me fill you up. Later.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Look, what's the best way to get through the forest to the river north of Briere? I'm going to take a look around there.

[Madame Jeannette]

Ah, oui, oui. Webs. The river. There may be something there. A guard is always posted. I thought it was just to keep the townspeople from leaving, but. But perhaps. Perhaps there is something else.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Is there a way past the guard?

[Madame Jeannette]

Ah, I have lived here all my life. I know a way. I will show you. Even take you part way myself.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

The woods began about a hundred yards back of Madame Janette's little. And early the next morning we started through them. I followed her through the thick brambles, through the narrow path she knew so well, through the brush and the high grass that moved gently in the wind. Madame Jeanette's skirt caught on the brambles and she stopped just long enough to rip off that part of her hem and leave it behind, swaying in the wind. Then she moved on me, right behind her. Maybe this would turn into a wild goose chase, but I had a hunch I'd find what I came for. Then we came to a slight clearing.

[Madame Jeannette]

I will go back now, Erwin. Return later the way we came. You remember?

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Yes. Yes, I remember.

[Madame Jeannette]

Go now. Along the outskirts of this little wood, you'll see a hill. From there you'll have a good view of the river and anything that might be there.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

All right, I'll see you later.

[Madame Jeannette]

Careful. Careful now.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

A minute afterwards, she was swallowed up in the woods. A little while after that, I was on top of that hill, flat on my stomach under a clump of bushes, looking down through strong binoculars. My hunch was right. It Was all there. And I began to sketch it quickly but accurately. From somewhere. The Nazis had gotten real reinforcements and their high command had decided to make a stand, dig in and hold there at the river. There were heavy artillery positions all set up. Machine gun and anti tank emplacements. There was barbed wire, lots of it. There were anti tank obstacles and the 105 millimeter artillery. Miller had seen all of it there. A nice big booby trap all set for our men to walk into when they tried to advance north across the river. I couldn't hear them, but I could see them. Swarms of German soldiers working hard, working fast, digging in, getting ready. I took down everything I saw and I had it complete. Except for the west bank of the river near the bridge. There were too many trees blocking my vision. I had to get closer. By the time I got to the bottom of the hill and crawled along through the brush to the west bank, I didn't just see the Germans, I could hear them as well.

[Herr Commandant]

Oh, and Leutnant?

[Father Robert]

Hello.

[Herr Commandant]

See that more guards are posted at the edge of the town.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

The Commandant wants no one snooping around here. Anyway, no one will get through. There were too many of them all around. I knew it would be crazy to try to get any further without a plan. I had to have time to think about a way. I waited until they left. Then I slipped back the way I came. Up the hill and through the woods to Madame Janet's. I went around the back, so I didn't see the Commandant until I walked in.

[Madame Jeannette]

Ah, Francois. You are back.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Yes, I. Bonjour, Herr Commandant.

[Herr Commandant]

I have been waiting for you.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Well, is something wrong?

[Madame Jeannette]

No, no, of course not, Francois.

[Herr Commandant]

I am here to talk with him. Francois Jauvin, I believe. Father Robert told me that is your name.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

That is correct.

[Herr Commandant]

It was through the kindness and understanding of the German High Command here that you were allowed to see your sick aunt. You understand that, do you not?

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Oh, yes.

[Herr Commandant]

I appreciate that it was irregular, but we let you in. However, I am here to tell you that you had better have no illusions about leaving Bruya now. Going back through the American lines to your village there.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

No, no, I have no wish to leave. Why, you. You've anticipated me here, Commandant. I was going to request permission to stay here with my aunt from now on. I was in the square today, looking for work.

[Herr Commandant]

They're good. As long as you understand, Madam. If you will allow me to say so, you look very well indeed.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Oh, she was very ill when I came. Father Robert gave her last rice.

[Madame Jeannette]

I'm not talking to you, my nephew is correct. But, sir, you. Herr Commandant. I was very ill, but I'm very well now.

[Herr Commandant]

Well, that was all I wanted. I will go now. But remember, you are not to leave Bruyere.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

What the Commandant didn't know was that I had no intention of leaving until I made the sketches of the west bank of the river. Late that night, Madame Janet helped me bury the plans and diagrams I had already drawn.

[Madame Jeannette]

You are right, my boy, to bury these deer behind the house rather than leave them inside. It is safe.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Okay, that's deep enough. Now I put this rock on top of them. There, that's done now.

[Madame Jeannette]

You will go back tomorrow.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

No, I've got to get a good look at the west bank of the the river.

[Madame Jeannette]

It is wise you did not try to press further ahead today. It would have been too dangerous. I know another way through the forest.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Well, tell me.

[Madame Jeannette]

It is a roundabout way, but it will bring you closer to the west bank. Or close enough at least, so that you will have a better view than before. But if there are so many troops, as you say, do not get too close. When you have finished, come back to the woods the same way. I will be waiting.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

I did exactly as she said. Took the long way round across little streams, watched for landmarks, dropped from high rocks and landed on rough little paths that were hidden by the brush. I did everything she said. Except one thing. I got too close.

[Father Robert]

Sergeant, you were laying those mines too far apart.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

What are you doing with these defenses?

[Father Robert]

You'll be ready for anything.

[Herr Commandant]

Lloyd, man.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

I decided I better get out of there. And as I started, a twig under me snapped.

[Herr Commandant]

What was that?

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Did you hear something in the brush?

[Colonel]

Probably some small animal in the forest.

[Father Robert]

Go see then what could happen. There's nothing here, Herr Hauptman.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Make sure.

[Herr Commandant]

Remember the fragment of a woman's dress.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

We found in the woods this morning? I was crouched down behind a rock and the German lieutenant came so close I could have reached out and touched his mud cake boot. He stopped for a minute and then he walked right past me. There was nothing there.

[Herr Commandant]

We can't be too careful. Come with me. There's something I want to show you.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

I had everything indicated on my sketches. Minefields, tank positions. I knew everything about the west bank of the river. I wanted to know. When the coast seemed clear, I started back, but I didn't get very far. Keep your hands up in the air. I took a couple of steps and then slammed myself into a shallow ditch. I remember German burp guns and rifles cracking around Me? A bullet went through the heel of my boot and sent a shock up my leg that made me wonder if it had been blown off. Then there was quiet and I waited for them to come and get me. It was all over.

[Herr Commandant]

Perhaps that will convince you we mean what we say.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Look, I. I tell you my name is Francois Jovin. You know my aunt, She's.

[Herr Commandant]

What were you doing near the river?

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

I'm new in Bruyere. I don't know the forest or the woods. I was lost. My.

[Herr Commandant]

Not. Perhaps another taste of your fist.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

With great glit. Ow.

[Herr Commandant]

Get him up. Put him back on the chair. Now listen to me, Jauvin, whatever your name is. We found this sketch of the bridge and the west bank of the river in your pocket.

[Unknown Male Voice]

Look.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

I don't know. I don't know anything.

[Herr Commandant]

That part of the sketch is quite complete. Every detail. The rest is diagrammed in lightly. Where are the rest of these plants?

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

I don't know.

[Herr Commandant]

Have you hidden them? Where? Have you given them to somebody?

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Whom?

[Herr Commandant]

Where are the rest of them? Kind of antwater. What not. Try twisting his arm again.

[Father Robert]

He has fainted.

[Herr Commandant]

Have him thrown in a cell. I will question him more tomorrow.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

That was the German way of questioning. Beating you up, twisting your arm. I was sure they had a lot more ways of questioning. But I didn't intend to stay and find out what they were. I had to figure out a way to escape. And then I noticed it. The glass of the window in front of the bars had been shattered. I broke off a piece. And then I cut myself severely about the face. I guess it doesn't sound pretty and it didn't look very pretty, but that was the effect I wanted. I heard the guard coming back quickly. I threw myself on the floor in front of the door so that when the heavy door was was open it would crash in my head.

[Colonel]

The commandant wants to see you, sister.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

I must get help. My hair was matted with blood and my cut up face looked pretty horrible. Not that the guard was worried about the state of my health. He was afraid of what the commandant would do to him if I wasn't able to be questioned. He left the cell door open and ran. And so did I in the other direction. I ran up the stairs to the second floor of the small town jail the Germans had taken over. Down below I could hear voices. I didn't wait to hear any more. I slid down the sloping roof and landed right next to a German soldier. It was a good thing it was my left arm they had twisted. I was better with my right. Anyway, I took his gun and ammunition belt and shot the front tires of the German cars. Then I borrowed a parked motorcycle. Just as the Germans were spilling out the front door, I drove off, headed back to where I'd buried the papers. But the papers were gone. Everything I had worked on so painstakingly. The maps, the diagrams, the sketches, the plans. They were gone. Madame Janet. Maybe she had them. Madame Janet. Madame Janet. Open up.

[Madame Jeannette]

Yes, what do you want?

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

What? Madame Janet. Where is she? I've got to see her.

[Madame Jeannette]

You cannot.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

But I've got to. It's important. Look. Who are you? Where's Madame Janet?

[Madame Jeannette]

She died.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

What? What did you say?

[Madame Jeannette]

She died yesterday.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Died? But I don't. The Germans.

[Madame Jeannette]

If they're after you, go.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

I want no trouble. Go. That motorcycle ride through enemy held territory with that car full of Nazis firing at me was wilder than the stories of the comic books I used to draw for. There was a phosphorus grenade on the ammunition belt I had taken from the soldier outside the prison. I pulled the pin with my teeth and tossed it back over my shoulder. Through the side mirror, I could see the German car slowing down. It stopped right over the grenade. And a minute later, there was a car full of very dead Nazis. Well, that's all that happened, Colonel. The sketches are gone, but I think I can remember most of them. The ones I drew last. The west bank of the river. I know completely. For the rest, I'll do the best I can.

[Colonel]

Did your sketches look anything like this, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

What? Well, those are the sketches. I don't understand. Where did you go?

[Herr Commandant]

Yes, Colonel?

[Colonel]

Send in the woman.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Woman? What woman? I don't get this.

[Herr Commandant]

This way, ma'.

[Madame Jeannette]

Am. Hello, Erwin.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Madame Jeannette. I. I heard you were dead.

[Madame Jeannette]

Your face. What happened to your face?

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Never mind that. Just tell me.

[Madame Jeannette]

Oh. When I learned you were arrested, I dug up the plans. And with other ground help, I got them to through the lines to deliver them for you. Yes, but that woman, she had her orders. She was doing as I told her.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Colonel, you know that tavern about a half mile from headquarters?

[Colonel]

Yes, I do.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Well, do you mind very much if I go there and get very drunk?

[Narrator]

The maps, diagrams and information which Sergeant Irwin Hazen provided allowed the American army to prepare a counteroffensive. Three days later, they were on German soil. And the report of another OSS agent.

[Sergeant Irwin Hazen]

Closes with the words mission accomplished.

[Narrator]

Listen again next week to another adventure based on actual incidents from the files of the OSS on.

[Colonel]

Cloak and Dagger.

[Unknown Male Voice]

Heard in today's Cloak and Dagger adventure as Irwin was Everett Sloane, the priest, Barry Kroger the the Commandant, Stefan Schnabel, Madame Jeanette, Virginia Payne, the Colonel Raymond Edward Johnson. Others were Carl Weber, Jerry Jarrett, Ralph Bell and Lotta Stavitsky. The script was written by Winifred Wolf and Jack Gordon and the music was under the direction of John Gart. Today's true OSS adventure was based on the book Cloak and Dagger by Corey ford and Alistair McBain. This has been a Louis G. Cowan production in association with Alfred Hollander and was under the direction and supervision of Sherman Marks. Programs get your programs here. Simon Templar plays hide and seek with a friendly killer who has been commissioned by underworld sources to handle the Saints. Hear another top notch adventure with the Saint and also listen for the Sam Spade caper with Howard Duff starring as America's favorite fast moving, fast talking private eye. Next exciting high adventure, then the Big Guy on NBC.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Really a great episode that delivered some very tense moments that really exemplifies what makes this such a great adventure series. This does make me a little curious what comic book artists secretly served in the oss? Several comic book artists were drafted in the war, but we shouldn't speculate too much that it was some comic book artists that were well known. There was a whole boom of comic book artists before and during World War II and then a bit of a bust period. Alright, well, listener comments and feedback now and a listener emails regarding the episode direct line to Bombers and the listener writes in I know it was part of the plot, I know it was part of the story, but I could not listen to this episode after they murdered the dog. Yes, I know in the story they didn't have much of a choice, but I'm a firm believer in you can tell a decent story without hurting animals. Thank you so much for the email. I'd be lying if I said I was a fan of that decision. I do understand it. Cloak and Dagger is one of the most gritty old time radio programs you'll find and it's unsparing in its portrayal of how the war went and what was done in the course of fighting. This is one case where I kind of wish that they had been a bit more restrained, but I do understand why they showed it. And in many ways it can be helpful to us to understand what war demands of those who are conducting it. And while it shouldn't necessarily turn us into pacifists, it should make us properly cautious about the price that is so often paid in war and help us not to be cavalier about entering that state, but I definitely hear your concern. Thank you for the email. Now I do want to talk about some of what you're going to hear on Saturday on the Great Adventurers. We are going to be in Cloak and Dagger, if my calculations are correct, right up until the podcast takes its Christmas break. Then we will have some OSS related specials including at least one of the encores. And then we will be getting into counterspy, which should be the series that we are focused on for I think close to two years. There are also a couple additional adventure series that I have designated as things that we will do eventually. These include the Whisperer and the Adventures of Clyde Beatty. Again, these will be some years down the line, but I'm continuing to research these series and pick out programs that I think folks are going to enjoy. All right, well now it's time to thank our Patreon Supporter of the Day and I Want to thank one Rob Patreon supporter since May 2024, currently supporting the podcast at the rookie level of $2 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Rob, and that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying the podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel and mark the notification bell. We'll be back next Saturday with another episode of Cloak and Dagger on the Great Adventurers Podcast, will return on Tuesday with an episode of Flash Gordon and on the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio. Join us back here tomorrow as we will bring you our next Listener Support and Appreciation special. In the meantime, send your comments to box Thirteenreatetectives.net Follow us on Instagram insta Graham. Com Great Detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.