The Bridge Podcast - The Real D.B. Cooper Revealed: A Son's Irrefutable Proof - Rick McCoy III

The truth about D.B. Cooper has finally landed. 🪂 💰
In the latest episode of The Bridge, Travis Haley sits down with Rick McCoy III, son of Richard Floyd McCoy Jr., the man Rick claims is the real D.B. Cooper. For the first time, Rick reveals untold stories, never-before-seen evidence, and the truth behind the infamous skyjacking that captured the world's imagination.
This isn't just a retelling-it's a revelation that could finally close the case on one of America's greatest mysteries.
Are you ready to learn the real story?
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Bridging gaps within our industry one conversation at a time. The Bridge is not a show about firearms, training, or the military as some might expect. It’s about people; connecting with others, sharing experiences, exchanging perspectives, and healing together through sometimes vulnerable conversations about difficult topics. We hope to help and heal others as we do so for ourselves by airing these conversations for all to hear. Thanks for listening! We hope you enjoy the show.
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[@kilcar]

Thanks to the gentlemen for coming forward. It took a lot of courage, and reflects very positively on his high character. Hopefully the public and press will be kind to this stellar gentleman.

[@Strokes1983]

They will be because it's not his son

[@geoffhipwell2198]

Thanks guys, that was fantastic!! I've always been fascinated with the story from here in Australia!! Can't wait for Pt.2. Thanks again. ✈️ 👍🏼

[@jeffreycoon9634]

I’m born and raised 30 minutes from Cove City NC. I remember watching something on tv about DB Cooper when I was a kid and my dad saying that there was a rumor that one of the McCoy guys in Cove City was DB Cooper. I’ve always remembered that because of how big of a deal it was.

[@ReggieMcNutt]

DB Cooper a real man kudos to his son for telling the story of his dad!

[@pmccoy8924]

Wasn't us.

[@wilsonwebber7086]

yes it’s true his family was my neighbors in cove city nc

[@cameronweeks9313]

Nice. My mom's maden name is McCoy. Both her parents are buried in Cove City.

[@timothypeitsch4904]

I’ve lived in Oregon my whole life. I was born in the 70’s. I remember my dad, grandpa and their friends admiring the guts that Cooper had to try and pull this off. I think that was the general attitude of everybody that I grew up around.

[@johnscanlon2598]

They still have D.B. Cooper day in this town I forget in Oregon , people dress up as him and whatnot

[@phillipstroll7385]

All over the country because what kids don't realize today is ppl in the 70s had real adversity. Although, this guy's dad is NOT Dan Cooper. I think people forget there were two stewardess' on that plane. One remained with him. She was up close to Cooper and when asked if this guy was Cooper she didn't identify him as Dan Cooper. Why don't / didn't these ppl simply ask the people on the gd plane instead of pretending.

[@busterbiloxi3833]

Trailer Trash love criminals.

[@lisacarden1309]

Ditto , I always hoped he got away safely with the money..

[@SupremeWillis]

It’s funny how people can idolize a criminal if they do something crazy and insaine without hurting people 😂

[@janeferguson4455]

I REALLy enjoyed this interview. What an enigma was Richard McCoy ! I loved hearing about all the Good things he did in his life.

[@awakenasleepsheep6000]

My dad had horrible PTSD from Vietnam. He was sprayed with Agent Orange, my brother was born with short gut syndrome because of it too. He had to have 80% of his intestines cut out at 36 hours old. He was the first person to get a small intestine transplant in I believe 1999 and is now 46 yrs old and doing great. He spent the first 9 yrs of his life in Dayton, Ohio's Children's Medical Center and my teenage yrs were spent at a Ronald McDonald house every weekend, but I am glad he is alive. My dad died in 2021, had been diagnosed with lung cancer, but fell and died from a blood clot a day before his 71st bday. Heartbreaking!!!😢😢😢

[@kimberlybrown6397]

What a challenging life, both your brother and father. 💔

[@taviaturner3070]

So confused as to how this comment has anything to do with this story.

[@2degucitas]

​@@taviaturner3070 McCoy/DB Cooper was in Viet Nam and decorated for bravery. That's the connection.

[@awakenasleepsheep6000]

@taviaturner3070 It's about how Vietnam effected EVERYONE INVOLVED EVEN D.B. COOPER, THAT IS HOW!!!

[@KB-Say]

Your brother should sue

[@AshleyKacz]

I always felt bad for the Vietnam vets.... treated so bad when they came home. So.. people calling this man a thief or criminal... it doesnt feel right. "A reasonable man driven to do unreasonable things."

[@benjaminkitaura498]

It’s all veterans nobody gives a damn about veterans…..not family not the military once you’re out you’re on your own…..definitely not the VA whom profits from taking things away from veterans to put more money into corrupt politicians pockets…..nothing has changed since Vietnam war still veterans dying everyday and the government agencies don’t even want to give them their hard earned military funerals…….yeah as a veteran myself nobody cares…..my dad was a Vietnam veteran served with honor when he died the military (even though I was a active duty Marine at the time) the government said they didn’t have any resources to send a military honor guard to my fathers funeral……so some local veterans and hells angels did the ceremony. It still hurts me today……I served most of my life on the military and nobody really cares….civilian corporations definitely don’t want to hire veterans that’s why so many end up homeless…..yeah even most other veterans organizations put money in their own pocket before helping any veterans and now the govt is giving funding to illegal criminals while veterans are dying.

[@primesspct2]

@@benjaminkitaura498 I do give a damn, I am thankful for your heart of service for your country. It feels like your'e absolutely right. though. Military health care is bad as it is, but once you're no longer serving, they are never really there to help you; when you are back in your home, that you fought to defend. All too many times you don't even have that, a home in your homeland. How is that right, or honorable?! It's not! The least they could do is help you through the hard times. You earned that. My brother in law is a vet, served twice. He is the best guy you could ever meet. That said, the army has not taken good care of him. It is a very hard process to take care of anything. He lives hand to mouth on retirement ,from another job he suffered through, due to injuries incurred during the time he served. No check, nothing, He is married still and with my sister. They love each other, and have been very poor for years even though her hubby is hard working and very intelligent. ( she is disabled, so how good is this guy) The government did nothing to help. It is only part of society that cares about vets, but not enough to make a difference in their lives. So many like me though, are thankful, and frustrated ,but we care. As a woman I always tend to trust a military man more, and definitely respect it. Thank you for your service! Hugs and prayers,

[@charleecooney3091]

Your father is a legend, i am so glad you love him and will never change your mind about him. Never let anyone tell you that you shouldnt.

[@libby2012]

@@benjaminkitaura498 Not everybody. I know it looks that way. All this nonsense is finally being recognized for what it is. Life is both simple and complicated. My family never took veterans for granted. Thank you.

[@danielmybrother3686]

Was there a Declaration of War, here? How can those humans be labelled as vets?

[@bobwebb1580]

I am enjoying this interview ! I was 17 when this story happened. I thought it was interesting that he went to college in Utah, which made me look on family search and come to find out he was my 10th cousin!

[@Cameron_X_Davis]

What no way?

[@vickiewilliams81]

Married to a military guy for 32 yrs. He served in a lot of secret missions. A risk taker. After retirement, he searched out more risk taking. He became entangled in illegal activities and paid a high price. I agree that the warriors search for a purpose and that high/rush they experienced in the military.

[@Crosshatch1212]

You are correct ,it's looked for every day ,

[@firewaterbydesign]

*TRUTH 💯%!!! My son did Iraq and Afghanistan, came home, suffered from a lack of purpose, and would seek risky adrenaline activities. This included sky diving, climbing waterfalls, drugs, alcohol etc... It's difficult to watch a loved one go through this.*

[@Jamster869]

Can you please explain, what types of illegal activities and what was the heavy price he had to pay?

[@joemamabiden3893]

@@Jamster869 apparently he fought in ukraine

[@seanriley1184]

Being a Retired Army Veteran there are so many points raised through this interview that bring this story home. Also hearing a son speak about his Father and stll having respect for him although he knew his Father had issues from Military Service brought tears to my eyes.

[@Julia3wcd]

Fantastic interview, thank you Rick McCoy for sharing your story. I’ve been always been intrigued by DB Cooper, it’s awesome to know how it was. Looking forward to hearing a part 2. Back in the day collect calls would show up on your phone bill showing the city and state the call was made from. I know this because my husband was supposed to be working out-of-town for 2 weeks, he called home collect 3 times, he was calling 1/4 mile from home lol…

[@maplebear6527]

What was HER name?

[@loveandgutstv]

I noticed you said husband and not ex-husband…so what was his excuse

[@Julia3wcd]

@ He’s been my ex-husband for over 30 years, he was definitely cheating…

[@DJuan-q5l]

Rick is so damn humble 😅 He’s a Jiu Jitsu black belt, a Judo black belt, and a Sombo black belt. He’s carved out his own legacy, and he has absolutely nothing to gain by lying about anything. EVERYONE who knows him respects him. He’s a successful businessman, coach, and mentor to damn near 4 generations of fighters. He’s as solid as they come, and though I don’t use this term because the bar is so damn low, he is a good man. We love you Coach 🫶🏿

[@phillipstroll7385]

All anyone need do is show his picture to the stewardess. That's it. It's that simple. If he was Dan Cooper she would have said as much when he was arrested. She didn't identify him as Dan Cooper. I don't know why people so wilfully ignore this.

[@dennisnbrown]

@@phillipstroll7385 you can’t believe anything a stewardess says

[@charleecooney3091]

I saw an interview with the stewardess, she said he was polite, kind curteous person. I dont think she cared if he was caught.​@phillipstroll7385

[@cheechdubinsky6709]

You run the fan club?

[@leeinwis]

@@cheechdubinsky6709 he's sooo cute, giggle giggle

[@gtfob4shtf]

My father was a Washington state trooper and then became an FBI agent and I remember when I was young he would mention this case. He was an agent in salt Lake City and Los Angeles but anyway I came across your podcast or it came by me and my feet and you have a new subscriber here because I really admire your interview style and I really admire the character of this man's father despite the actions he chose to take merely because of the circumstances he was dealt. His whole entire life upon returning from giving his life for us was jacked. I applaud this guy for coming on and I hope that more people understand what a remarkable man has dad was. New subscriber here so you're number three next to Shawn Ryan and Joe Rogan!

[@pammyrogers]

I was a senior at a high school in Tacoma, Wa when this story broke. It was fascinating and I always wondered what happened to him. Most reports were that he never survived. lol So glad I got to hear this story.

[@walkercustoms]

I was fascinated by the Cooper story since I was a kid, always wondering what really happened. Thanks to Richard telling his story I finally know. Thank you both.

[@jabronisauce6833]

You can’t be this gullible you don’t finally know hahahahaha

[@joinjen3854]

The McCoys are liars and grifters like Dan Gryder.

[@KirkBeaulieu]

He came back a hero and was not treated that way by America. Most Vietnam Veterans experienced this. VA’s answer was to take his pilots license. That would have been devastating to his psyche.

[@Gershwin48]

Kirk, I was in uniform during Vietnam but never in harm’s way. I had friends who were V-vets when we were both still in uniform, they were reluctant to chat about anything concerning combat - at all. It was an unwritten rule quickly learned to never probe - only other combatants could talk with these fellas. It was off limits. Later on I’ve met a few who were in the heat of combat still unwilling or unable to relate to outsiders…and they suffered from that isolation. Oddly, many had dads who were WWII vets - none of whom disparaged a combat vet. It was the younger voices in the States who looked down on “warriors” as if it was a noble thing to do. Those young people are old today and would never admit they were responsible for alienating folks in uniform during that era.

[@lastofthefinest]

I’m a Marine and Army OEF veteran and this story moved me to tears. Mr. McCoy take special care of yourself. It took me 10 years of fighting the VA to be compensated. So, I get your dad’s frustration with the VA. P.S. I just subscribed to your channel. I’m looking forward to hearing more from Mr. McCoy. Semper Fi!

[@ladanacrews4857]

@sdt8764he’s talking about McCoy III….the son

[@lukasethan6429]

A lot is said about Richard Floyd McCoy, but man, what a woman he was married to, for real. How many of us lost our wives the first moment of PTSD signs, she watched them evolve and was RIDE OR DIE TO THE END. How many of us would have been loyal to that kind of woman?!

[@danielstrother2494]

A lot of women leave now as soon as it doesn’t live up to their little fairy tale idea. Maybe I’m projecting but I see everywhere..that goes both ways of course….very sad. I pray my kids will know better

[@danielstrother2494]

A virtuous act by his wife

[@johnscanlon2598]

@@danielstrother2494it’s all by design we’re weaker without strong family bonds

[@kelb1880]

We're here. Life is not about us. With a strong faith and knowing God will restore me, I keep on showing love, and sometimes fighting my man by telling him I'm not leaving. I have friends that I can cry to. Sometimes I cry alone. That's how I handle being strong for him. He has a hurt that can't be fixed, and memories he doesn't want to speak of. So I stay present, show him how amazing I think he is, and we find good fun together. I battle depression and anxiety for other reasons. Helping others is a way to forget your own troubles. Together, we do a lot of volunteer work. It really opens our eyes to how we have been blessed and it feels great to share the blessings we have. (Near Tampa, where all the houses around our neighborhood flooded from Hurricane Helene's storm surge and roofs were ripped apart by Hurricane Milton. Recovery, of buildings and souls, takes a long time)

[@constancegreiner906]

Choose better hunny. There are good and bad in every group. War is not glamourous . Unlike the movies. It is by design. 2 destroy families. Give the govt more control. Over the population. And make the rich richer. Be a soldier for your family and your community. Not the mic.

[@DanielArnett]

Timestamps for those interested in the DB Cooper parts: 4:00 - He found his dad's parachute, which he showed to a local reporter, who set up a connection with the FBI. Rick III then agreed to turn it in- leading the closed-case to be reopened by the FBI. 24:34 - He says his sister has a paper, written by their dad, on the "perfect crime", written before the DB Cooper incident, about this type of skyjacking. 28:30 - He says his dad's logbook shows multiple jumps occurred in the days before the DB Cooper incident- practice jumps for the heist. 29:33 - When the FBI received the parachute they asked to see the building it was found in. Multiple officers show up to take photographs, and Rick III agrees to give saliva DNA as evidence 31:47 - Rick III agrees to give saliva DNA swabs as evidence, so they can match against the Cooper DNA sample 32:37 - "And then they ask me if they can dig up my dad [for DNA]" (Reminder: this guy's dad was definitely shot by the FBI, also that tie was handed around the room before DNA was a thing) 35:30 - "Sister says... what's the matter with you just tell them yes." 36:34 - "I've talked to the FB- they have a description of the parachute. It fits it... 'Your parachute's with the expert'." Then he gives some backstory- the apparently the FBI doesn't have a record of the serial numbers on the original parachute given to DB Cooper, so they can't just look up the serial numbers. But he's saying it matches the description given by the original creator of the DB Cooper rig: Earl Cossey. 47:20 - He felt abandoned by the government and the VA. When he had medical issues from Vietnam, instead of helping they took his pilot's license. Richard McCoy Jr. lived an amazing, albeit tragic, life. I want to believe Rick, I just refuse to completely believe something just off of a KZbin video (especially one with the gall to have "irrefutable proof" in the title). But I really like listening to Rick, he doesn't seem like someone that has any lies to keep straight. If the FBI case stays on the backburner, here are some concrete ways I could be properly convinced: * Does anyone else have a datestamped copy of their dad's article on his "perfect crime"? That would indicate he's not a copycat. * Is there a written testimony from Earl Cossey on the container modifications? Then that could be easily matched with the photos. * Obviously the DB Cooper case being properly closed would be convincing as well, which it sounds like is making a lot of progress. Edit: after watching the D.B. Cooper Sleuth video "Not the real McCoy" I'm doubting this a lot more. His video actually has quite a bit of evidence from FBI's testimony from Earl Cossey and the original owner of the parachutes demonstrating that this one doesn't match.

[@manicalt8910]

its true i promise i know him

[@baystreetblues]

He is a dead ringer for the witness sketch. I think the mystery is definitely solved.

[@maryj4787]

Thank you for your great summary and helpful timestamps! The actual FBI investigative files on the Cooper case are available, and they do in fact include the parachute serial numbers and description. It's clear based on the documents, that this parachute found at the McCoy property is not really the Cooper chute.

[@1972dsrai]

@@maryj4787If that were the case why have the FBI reopened it and requested dna and not say its not him if the serial number doesn’t match?

[@daves6851]

Could he have used a different parachute,, one not traceable to himself or one that waa intended never to be recovered ?

[@gilchrist31]

IT'S ALSO CALLED A 'FINAL RESTING PLACE'.... You did nothing wrong. Who cares? The feds got burned by a smarter man. If yur dad is DB Cooper good on him. Also yur family's cooperation can't be questioned. Awesome story dude. Yur family a legend.

[@libby2012]

@@GilligansIslandSurferDuke Only smart slaves, right? In the eye of the beholder. The beam in your own eye. Cast not the first stone.

[@jeremyevans5861]

That dudes so full of shit. 5 black belts 1 in each discipline. So tell us who you got your black belts from as well as what mma events have you fought in.

[@pattyb1120]

What an incredibly interesting story with a horrific ending. We don’t take care of our veterans 😢 The courage and valor they possess is beyond words! I do believe his Dad was Dan “ DBCooper” and I am glad to know this is solved. I wish the family peace

[@t.mitchellb2766]

Whether he was D.B. Cooper or not is far less important to me than who CWO McCoy was. He spoke of killing in the same way my grandfather did when I finally got him to tell me about what it was like fighting the Japanese on Luzon in WW2. And in my life, I have witnessed that there are "good men" and there are "criminals". I've also learned first-hand that, unbeknownst to your average citizen, quite often the two overlap.

[@1nvisible1]

*We love you Rick, and your dad was **_Legend_** .* *Thanks for clearing up one of the world's favorite mysteries.*

[@t.mitchellb2766]

@@_c_y_p_3 That's a good idea! I have considered writing one, but who would give a shit? LOL

[@Crosshatch1212]

Crimson are more than likely always good people ,in my world not many didn't help others but there's a line you dnt cross ,simple ,if politicians worked this way the world would be a better place ,

[@busterbiloxi3833]

Yee Haw!

[@westynufc90]

Aye and a claim from gary neville​@@_c_y_p_3

[@sentfromdaniel]

Brother, You know who your father was. Please do not solve the case for them by letting them desecrate your father’s grave. Let him rest

[@caseyparks3954]

This is awesome. I can’t believe we’re seeing this in our lifetime. I’ve followed this case tirelessly for the last decade.

[@jabronisauce6833]

You’re so gullible the case is unsolved and this dude is a con artist or attempting too be.

[@caseyparks3954]

@ let the DNA results do the talking, ya damn jabroni.

[@EasternSunset007]

Very cool interview! I’m convinced! 🤘🏼Here’s to D.B. Cooper!😎

[@jabronisauce6833]

Damn y’all are so dumb and gullible… I know who Jack the Ripper was it’s my great great granda here I’ve got a big surgical knife 🤣

[@demef758]

It sounds like sister is well-positioned to find a collaborator to help assemble all of her father's history and put it all in a book. Should be a best seller if/when it's published.

[@AlexEnz-hq1em]

There is a difference between a nice guy and a good man… HELLUVA quote

[@danielstrother2494]

I’ve said that same thing with many times with a lot more words….that quote is so simple and true. Once you have some years under your belt, it doesn’t even need explanation

[@JustinLeon423]

I like this. I'm a great man Not a nice guy. And I'm not cocky I hate my life but I do love my heart as a man with morals. Sometimes the lines blurr

[@addampollock8158]

I'm a big DB Cooper follower. This was a extremely great interview. I had no idea the guy is was and and the letter he wrote and then explaining it on the other side of things regarding the VA.... unreal. Thank you again for this interview. 🙏🤙💯

[@yakfishin4912]

Same here bro.

[@gnlout]

i can't believe it was the guy who looked exactly like the sketch who hijacked the same exact kind of plane 5 months later

[@juliocenteno2360]

Seems so simple right? Lol. I remember watching a documentary and seeing McCoy and the sketch and saying that's him guys lol.

[@charmcrackermusic4250]

What about the witnesses

[@gnlout]

@@charmcrackermusic4250 eyewitness testimony is notoriously unreliable. shockingly so.

[@mayflowerkid4422]

I know right? wierd

[@weldaholic7741]

It doesn’t really look like him and there were over a dozen copycats within the following year

[@frankflstf]

I have nothing but respect for RICHARD McCoy Jr. A solid badass patriot hero who was abandoned by his country,I also respect his son & daughter

[@SilverSergeant]

McCoy was not all good...not all bad. He was a mixture of both....like most people.

[@rusamousika9813]

Say that to the flight crew he terrorized. Mcgay was nothing more than an ex-military criminal. Thank God he was white, anything else and nobody would be romanticizing his pathetic existence.

[@Cameron_X_Davis]

@rusamousika9813 Your entire comment reeks of shallow, performative outrage, designed more to push a tired narrative than to make an actual point. You’re so desperate to project your own biases that you can’t even muster a coherent critique of Richard McCoy Jr. Instead, you fall back on the lazy trope of racial victimhood, pretending anyone defending him is doing so purely because he was white. That’s not just intellectually dishonest-it’s downright embarrassing. McCoy was a decorated veteran who served his country honorably, but you conveniently dismiss his struggles as an "ex-military criminal" without even attempting to understand what led him down that path. He didn’t hurt innocent people, didn’t exploit the vulnerable, and didn’t spread destruction like so many actual criminals. But nuance clearly isn’t your strong suit-you’d rather weaponize his mistakes to frame him as some kind of racial scapegoat. And let’s be real: if the roles were reversed and this was someone you deemed worthy of sympathy, you’d be the loudest voice demanding understanding and compassion. Your lack of self-awareness is staggering. It’s obvious to anyone reading that your comment has nothing to do with justice and everything to do with stoking divisive narratives that serve no one but your own ego.

[@MichelleAllen206]

My Dad was MACVSOG. I am not surprised that DB Cooper was quite possibly MACVSOG. I wish I could call my Dad and talk with him about this. He passed away June 12th, 2024.

[@gnlout]

sorry to hear that. lost my dad a few years ago. it sucks. but it does get better. hang in there

[@FRDOMFGTHR]

Sorry for your loss. Did your father ever happen to mention anything about the phoenix program?

[@PamThompson-ie9vz]

I'm sorry to hear your dad just passed. Such a close missed opportunity for you. I totally understand how you feel 😔 after my mom passed I realized there were so many things I wished I would of asked her. We spend our whole lives with our parents and don't realize until after they're gone how little we really knew about their past. I still have one aunt that is in her 80s and sharp as a tack that can still answer a lot of questions for me and your post reminds me that I need to stop wasting time and go visit her. Thank you!!

[@Rebecca-r7h]

Thank you for his service

[@paulvon2378]

black ops type of stuff?

[@78gao420]

Parachute Rigger here, Navy 21 Years, Koch fitting on an NB-8 not common. I would definitely know my work If I saw one of my mods. I'd imagine there was a record somewhere from when the chute was packed. I'd also imagine there are things you have around that has his DNA without having to exhume. Strongest evidence I've seen to date. My Dad served in Vietnam, finally got his VA claim for Agent Orange in 2020, & I've heard the same from quite a few with similar. I served "for my country" & swore to protect the constitution, only after service to find out it was all a lie, all we ever did was serve one interest or another, back home and the system is broke, run by a bunch of crooks that use the constitution as TP. Anyways, great stuff, I expect to read the book next year.

[@SkateGirlAndrea]

I'm confused? D.B didn't bring a modified cute, he didn't bring any cutes. They were given to him with his demands. I'm hung up on that. Plus his parachute, the original one from original jump was never found.

[@78gao420]

@@SkateGirlAndrea DB specifically asked for two NB-8 Parachutes with Koch Fittings (Koch fittings attach it to a torso harness vs the normal integrated harness the NB-8 comes with.) Therefore, it had to be modded. We did something similar when the V-22 Osprey Came out. Parachutes & Torso Harnesses expire 14 Years after manufacture or 12 years after Placed in Service so they are tracked by SN with a Chain of custody Cards (24 Card) from the Manufacturer to Packing Loft and then also when built onto a 138 cards during packing that have to be signed by the Collateral Duty Inspector (CDI) before being ready for Issue (RFI) & placed in service. So, there is/was a record of those Chutes somewhere, even if you somehow got a chute without record you could easily tell which were missing by process of illimitation from the stock on hand/ in pool. In Laos we helped identify remains of POW/MIAs from scraps and bits of debris from various survival equipment like partial SNs from Chutes/Harnesses Etc.

[@billp7070]

This truely need to be a mini series

[@LastLivingOldCowboy]

One of the modifications to the Boeing 727 was to install a wind vane to prevent the airstair from deploying during flight. It is referred to as the Cooper vane.

[@paritoshjain62]

I am from India and have been fascinated by the DB Cooper saga. In my view, this interview concludes the mystery without doubt. Really enjoyed the interview.

[@gtfob4shtf]

Wow that's interesting all the way in India!

[@RenxoLuizArturo1]

South Africa here and I agree,He fits the part to be D.B Cooper😅

[@merrilew]

I am fascinated by this whole story. I started flying in 1989 and my first flight was 727. It was often rumored that our company may have been flying the *one* but I don’t believe it was. Very cool story and I’m sharing this with my aviation geek, friends. Thanks for putting this out.

[@andreww8941]

Super fascinating episode!!!! Excellent interview/conversation gentlemen! Most credible story/evidence I've heard within my lifetime for sure.

[@susanrednour1605]

This podcast interview is honestly the best podcast i have ever watched !!! We have all witnessed a Huge part of History today...well you guys did 7 days ago😂❤

[@BIGWIGGLE223]

Richard McCoy Jr was a dedicated husband and father, an honorable man, a Vietnam hero and the ultimate warrior. The government made him DB Cooper.

[@bendover4154]

My thoughts exactly!

[@SilverSergeant]

Turned criminal.

[@libby2012]

@@SilverSergeant Follow all the rules, do you? Hate all the right things, I guess. Respect others. Truth and love. Cast not the first stone. The beam in your own eye. DB Cooper harmed no one. That’s part of what made the case so fascinating. He was not just a criminal.

[@user-eh5cr4or6k]

​@@SilverSergeantbut still unlike so many in government and American law enforcement.

[@susanrednour1605]

​@@SilverSergeantwow...that was un called for

[@libby2012]

Party way through … it all fits so far. He’s part of the American (and Christian) culture that recognizes that sometimes there’s reasons for not following the rules. Part of the fascination with DB Cooper was that he was a gentleman. He was polite and didn’t harm anyone. He took the risk on himself. I’m not surprised that he was a war hero. I was very young during Vietnam. By the time I was a teenager, it was at the end or over. The Vietnam Vets were one of the first groups to be sabotaged and disrespected. General disrespect for American values, freedom, hard working people, families, etc. was already happening and soon swelled. None of it ever made any sense. Now, it’s easier for all to see that it was sabotage of the good for the benefit of an evil few. I’m so glad you’re sharing your story. Thank you.

[@invictusbp1prop143]

Its unfortunate that Travis isnt able to get this guy more comfortable and able to shake his nerves a bit so he could manage staying calm in the interview and able to stay a bit more focused and avoid rambling so much. It causes the interview to jump around alot and lose direction. But i was totally unaware of this mans father and the story of his life. I tend to believe that its totally possible that he was the man known as DB Cooper and more evidence points his way than anyone else im aware of. I'm fascinated by this story.

[@jabronisauce6833]

How can you when the guy is nervous because he’s talking out of his ass hahahahaha

[@adamofnotrades]

New viewer here. Great interview and production on this. The most surprising thing to me though is how interesting an interview Rick is. He seems like a solid guy, and the DB Cooper world really lucked out having someone like him handling this.

[@LilTexchic]

I don't blame him for not giving the FBI permission to resume his Dad. After the way his Dad was murdered by the FBI I certainly wouldn't help them close this case. Good luck to him and his sister.

[@evelynmahoney3569]

Agreed. DO NOT help the dudes who killed your dad. Do not consent to exhume him..

[@brinta2868]

But I'm sure Rick would like closure, and if that is the only way to get closure...

[@mz6504]

Ummmm…..dude broke out of prison…..and then proceeded to try to kill them……soooo….ya know….

[@awakenasleepsheep6000]

Im a new subscriber, you are a great interviewer. Thank you Rick for sharing your hero and father with us all. You are a great man yourself, dont let ANYONE TELL YOU ANY DIFFERENT!!! GOD BLESS YOU BOTH AND YOUR FAMILIES TOO!!! 🙏🩷🙏🇺🇸

[@pepelepewlsu]

the undisputed hide and seek grand champion

[@loismarch8343]

Did you know that you can get medals replaced? My mother got all of my stepdads medals replaced to give to their son. Don’t know if it cost or not. My brother may remember how they got them. He made a framed display.

[@joyanndwire6216]

This was a GREAT interview!!

[@karenfuller3187]

Thank you so much for sharing that your dad was so much more!! A good man❤ What a fantastic podcast! Thank you both!

[@FrancoGomezArt]

Amazing pod, thank you for sharing my work! It was awesome working with Jordan on this DB cooper tattoo!

[@Sandy_Loam-088]

My first exposure to Vietnam era vets was as a college freshman in 1968. At a gathering of students at a private home I was told that one guy there just returned from Vietnam. Later that evening this veteran cornered my roommate and me because he wanted to talk. He explained that the Navy trained him to kill people and he had a lot of experience in his specialty. When he rotated stateside he wanted to decompress by teaching others what he had learned, but the Navy discharged him without any opportunity to decompress. He was now a civilian with skills nobody wanted and he was unsure what he would do from that point forward. This kid was a total mess, abandoned by the unit that trained him and utilized his skills, only to be kicked to the curb. I’ve never forgotten that encounter and have often remembered the angst this Navy sailor was still living.

[@robtschudy7378]

The host looks a LOT more like a direct descendant of D.B. Cooper than the guy claiming to be his son lmao. I think we need to see the host’ dad😂

[@johnreeves7356]

The guy sounds like a righteous person that got a bad deal only question i have is where is the money that would close the case

[@j0hnnykn0xv1lle]

This was awesome Travis. Thank you for your service teammate. To Richard McCoy III - I'm sorry for your loss of your father at the hands of the FBI. I think I speak for many but a DB Cooper Museum would be amazing with these artifacts. I don't know that there is enough, but I think you could really turn a negative into a positive with this. I'd love to pay my respects to your father - his gravesite should be a memorial site people can visit. Godspeed.

[@carolaguilera6911]

He should write a book or have his own podcast

[@susanrednour1605]

@j0hnnykn0xv1lle love that idea !! Hell,I'd pay to go into a DB Cooper museum !! Have it built in Tennessee so I won't have far to go😊❤

[@jabronisauce6833]

@@susanrednour1605which is what he wants he’s lying plain and simple.

[@anj3595]

I say, “What would your Dad want to be done, when it comes to opening his grave”? That would be my criteria for allowing it. My Dad was a WW2 Army Vet Radio/Tele Communications. He later worked at Boeing as a lead in the same sort of job. He was no Saint, but was an honest man who hated disloyalty, especially by government officials. I would honor my Dad before I would ever turn his life over to “The Man”. I am an almost 75 year old daughter of a “good man”, who took an oath to defend this country with his life. To me, that is more than any government official has ever done and my loyalty would be to my Dad, only. To what purpose would you assist any further? These are things to think about. This was a very good interview. Making your Dad a a real person is major. So much, imo, is a male pissing contest with little regard for actual administration of Laws.

[@724bigal]

This pod cast is all over the time line Dan gryder is the guy who brought the case to light and solved ultimately. “Probable cause.” Is his KZbin channel he’s got his investigation documentaries posted there.

[@randyjohnson6845]

Probable cause is the name of the youtube channel and Dan Gryder is the guy that probably solved the case and worked for years getting all the information together

[@jeremyhanna3852]

They would fringer printed him when he went to prison those records should be around

[@Third_Verse]

@thebridge thank you so much for this fascinating and insightful conversation. Seeing servicemen and women as people is so important. Thank you for the work you are doing.

[@eddielyles8930]

I'm convinced. I do wish, however, you guys had addressed the 'Cooper' money that was found. That part of the story seems important to me

[@SkateGirlAndrea]

I'm confused? D.B didn't bring a modified cute, he didn't bring any cutes. They were given to him with his demands. I'm hung up on that. Plus his parachute, the original one was never found.

[@Zach845]

Unfortunate what happened to his dad. The guy had more balls than any of us and appears to be a very moral and principled man.. not sure about the bank robbery spree- but I can sympathize with the anti government mentality. What a legend.

[@D.B_Cooper]

Not my son.

[@jeremyhanna3852]

All I want to know is why you were on the grassy knoll on that day in Dallas

[@Justin1337Sane]

You've reached the Expert Hijacking Level 101

[@Venmaylove]

Not my hooman

[@franklinholt8054]

YOUR A LIAR, Sir!

[@sloopy22]

Obviously, since you're lying... or, as they also call it, trolling.

[@danielj1063]

Man, you have an astounding doppelganger here in Canada. A long time friend, yoir mannerisms, tone of voice, everything, Rick, are exactly the same from my perspective here watching U Tube. Both of you are very good human beings

[@duanejackson6718]

I doubt the flight crew during the hijacking would see DB Cooper as a hero. No one really talks about them much.

[@lilyw.719]

That's a good point. He no doubt gave those innocent people PTSD. They are absolutely his victims.

[@hubes96]

@@lilyw.719 🙄 not everyone who goes thru something negative gets PTSD! Especially to people back then!

[@jphellify]

Unplanned flight procedures like opening up a plane brings high risk to all involved

[@stevenbrann4672]

False They Notably Stated How Polite a Kind His was. especially to the Flight Attendants

[@robyoung209]

Good episode! I’ve always been fascinated with the DB Cooper case. I took a forensic photography class probably 15 years ago that was taught by one of the FBI agents who also worked this case. The mysteries behind it is incredible. It was interesting to hear the story from this angle. Thank you for publishing this episode!

[@JohnPaul-gh1fh]

Now that everything has come to light....... I'm very much looking forward to the docudrama movie based on this amazing story... just like there was on Ruby Ridge and Waco! People need to learn about this story....especially his death, as well as the discovery of it all. This video was a very good watch! Thank you!

[@petewilkinson9681]

Fun fact: I’ve watched Rick McCoy III (the man being interviewed) casually steamroll professional fighters in their prime. Dude is the TRUTH!

[@manicalt8910]

He is i know him in real life he is a great dude

[@markengland6265]

I was on the original fight team with him out of the American Karate Center in the late 90's. Retard strength. Impassible guard. Insane ankle locks.

[@manicalt8910]

@@markengland6265 haha sounds like him, my mom always tell me abt how his bones are made of steel

[@Dan_Soundgar]

Its some B.S. what they did to this vet, if he was D.B., in addition to the fact that Cooper didn't harm anyone, I hope the agencies don't mistreat his alleged family.

[@Philippians--vz1mi]

This was fantastic. Thank you most kindly gentlemen.

[@MatthewDavidT]

Pumped for this episode!

[@parkerposey8155]

PNW native here. I remember when that happened. I was super young but my ears always perk up when I hear the name DB Cooper.

[@dianacouch2551]

This is intriguing to me, I have always been fascinated with this case. My grandmother was an McCoy, my father's mom, from Pound Virginia. My dad was drafted for Vietnam as well and stayed 21 years and is 78 now still working full time for the Federal Government. He is also a pilot on the side for over 40 years and has his own plane in Dinwiddie County Virginia. So many parallels...would love to help you go through things and FYI don't ever be sorry for getting a Lawyer, that was smart. LE are not your friends when it comes to investigating 🤣.

[@fredflintstoner596]

HOPE IS OWN PLAN WASN'T TEACHING YOU TO SPELL PLANE ! YOU FAILED AND LET HIM DOWN

[@Watteriswettererabby]

Check your own spelling ​@@fredflintstoner596

[@susanrednour1605]

​@fredflintstoner596 ?

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

This is a remarkable interview. Thank you both for sharing the story. I was troubled by the lack of structure of the interview. That was until around 1:34. The paper from Richard was so compelling. I would like to meet Richard II someday. Nothing more than a handshake and an apology for what he went through. Godbless the McCoy family. Do not let them exhume your father. He deserves to rest in peace.

[@rm-dc6tx]

Biggest question I have is what happened to the money from both hijackings??? Did he ever see his Dad buy anything , that in hindsight , was out of the ordinary? Why ask for $200,000?

[@Smokingdabsandgaming]

Don't let this distract you from the the fact that in 1966, Al Bundy scored four touchdowns in a single game while playing for the Polk High School Panthers in the 1966 city championship game versus Andrew Johnson High School, including the game-winning touchdown in the final seconds against his old nemesis, "Spare Tire" Dixon.

[@HatredMMA]

As horrible as it would be I would let them get the DNA sample. At this point this case needs solving. I respect your wishes Rick. I really wish you would change your mind buddy. Any decision I'll definitely support. This is the most reliable evidence ever found with this case.

[@UnknownUser-fe5zu]

He’s just saying it for attention, he knows he’s not his son. It’s 2024, do a DNA test 🙄

[@greg7129]

@@UnknownUser-fe5zu I would not give my DNA. If you have to ask why then you would not understand the answer

[@TheDeepSeaCreature]

@@HatredMMA closure is an illusion

[@duanejackson6718]

Why does it have to be solved?

[@randallanthony1794]

Its basically solved Dan geyser did all or most of the work on it.his dad is the eh Cooper guy.its his dad.

[@susanrednour1605]

I'm so happy he actually lived !! I cant wait to tell all the guys that did that movie Without A Paddle !😮

[@Petergalvan]

I am a DB Cooper geek and have read, watched, researched and compared various theories and have no doubt McCoy was DB Cooper. The FBI didn’t want to solve this mystery because of the cover up of his death. Hearing this 2 hour interview solidifies my belief. I wish I could help make the screenplay for the movie.

[@susanrednour1605]

@Petergalvan have you saw Without a Paddle? It's my favorite movie!!

[@kyloren114]

@@susanrednour1605I have, it’s a stoner flick and I’m just now remembering it was about DB Very great movie

[@Nciswit1]

Those murdering fbi agents need to be held accountable! The murdering agent admitted to letting him bleed out and sending the ems away; along with putting a notch in his shotgun. I hope jr goes after them/ family. And it’s still the same agency, but now they lie, and meddle with elections. Great interview.

[@susanrednour1605]

They have for God knows how many years!!

[@GolfRemoEchoGolf2]

As a Jummper a Veteran and a Huge fan , im super fukin excited!!

[@MarineX1124]

Same here brother

[@rickrunyon5086]

Outstanding show gentleman. Thank you for the insight.

[@jolene59901]

May I suggest taking a course in intervieing people. This is all over the place.

[@DavidHBurkart]

It seems to me Rick has taken the best qualities of what his dad had to offer and rolled those attributes into great contributions from and of his own life.

[@donnelson7797]

My first question is why didn’t the flight attendants who worked with D.B.Cooper make a positive identification of McCoy? Why depend on a scotch when you had the actual person?

[@davidgray1887]

He should open a museum or even a wing of museum in is martial arts dojo or in a restaurant and put all of the artifacts all of the evidence all of the letters the photos the metals and awards should be on display. He should be showing the video of the cop talking about shooting McCoy. All of the articles about the bank robberies and the sky jacking. And he could just call it the Real McCoy the dB Cooper museum. Maybe this guy can earn a little money on the side from this and show his dad's side of the story. I would like to see this person humanized and not demonized simply because he's a veteran Who went a little off the reservation.

[@drew7155]

Sounds like a great idea

[@ewolf734]

People would come from all over there 🌎 world !!!

[@warrenwalker2665]

Really great attention to detail within your whole concept of this episode regarding Mr. Cooper, D.B. and His son. i feel your pain regarding Washington's neglected and reluctant Warriors and America's Heroes. i pray to CHRIST JESUS every single day regarding my Brothers and Sisters that carry the weight of America's freedom upon their bleeding shoulders. This episode brought painful but necessary memories to remind us that you never know what another human being is suffering in silence with and we should approach with awareness and compassion to stem futher suffering and painful escalation of what can become a hardened, unnecessary scenario or outcome. Thank you for your Service to our GOD, Family country and the American people who need real Heroes now, more than ever. ACTS 2: 38, II CHRONICLES 7: 14, DEUT 29: 27-29. The LION OF JUDAH is coming to judge all to include EL's which willingly exchange blood and youth with ink and paper. GOD Bless your endeavors Sir...

[@evelynmahoney3569]

It sounds like he's considering allowing his dad to be exhumed. That's very disappointing to hear. I would say, WHO would you be doing it for? Certainly NOT for your dad, not for your Mom, your Grandma, or your sister. That only leaves doing it for yourself. It is your story too and youve been thru hell and back. Without a doubt its still taking a toll on you. Just trying to process it all, not to mention how yiu grew up. If people only knew . . . because they don't have a clue. The FBI has no need for your dad's exhumation except to pat themselves on the back. No matter how helpful they tell you that YOU would be if you allow it, they're blowing smoke up your ass. Don't be fooled, don't let them appealal to your ego. That's pure manipulation and you would totally be disrespecting your dad. You're better than that & you're not that dumb, so respect your father and don't get sucked in. If you let them, you'll forever regret. It because you knew it was the wrong thing to do and did it anyway. Just say no. Let him rest in peace. The FBi murdered him. Tell them to FBI off. If you want people to know the truth, keep telling it. Plenty of podcasters would love to have you as a guest. Write a book, make a movie or otherwise tell YOUR story, but don't sell out Dad due to your own needs.

[@ts4143]

Fascinating. But due to lack of time I had to skip thru it randomly this time. Was the hijack money discussed? He said the parents were poor. Were there any signs while he was growing up that they suddenly had money to spend? I read that the serial numbers on the bills never showed up except for the riverbank find.

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

This is wild! Awesome podcast.

[@kenjgood]

Fantastic Interview filled with great insights and "real" conversation. Thank you.

[@bradwildin5209]

I wish the interviewer would let him talk

[@susanrednour1605]

He has/is

[@jabronisauce6833]

The guy hasn’t shut up with his bull crap.

[@pub6023]

I feel for both Mr McCoy’s children who have suffered through all of this, however I am also understanding why the man did what he did. His wife and mother were made of the right stuff needed for loyalty and support…..amazing lives lived by very special people. Thank you for the video and thank you Rick for sharing your story.

[@evanburton1271]

Too bad Richard Floyd McCoy jr was ruled out of the Dan Cooper case 50 years ago for the same exact reasons you can still definitively rule him out today. Nothing personal, nor discrediting what RFM actually did, but anyone who’s studied the case knows without a shadow of a doubt it was not his father.

[@herenow8491]

They found the parachute Cooper jumped with. You’re relying on an eyewitness account based off human memory of a person wearing dark sunglasses and a hat.

[@IAM_Reedy]

😂 ok. So why would the FBI send an entire investigation team to NC? They already had the parachute in their possession and could have easily debunked it and not wasted 20+ agents time. They went to NC because the chute was convincing, so what else grandma was hiding. They knew McCoy was their guy. They went to NC to gather the remaining evidence that said McCoy did this in order to dispose of it. This case has been a 53 year embarrassment for them. This is the same FBI that ruled him out 51 years ago, the same FBI the bummed the case from the beginning, the same FBI that lost key DNA evidence, the same FBI that shot and killed McCoy.

[@MichaelBrooks-c6l]

Anyone ever took a minute to think about some of the very first GB’s some of em came to very odd ends in the 70’s. C.w. McCoy, sgt Sadler, just to name a few, awesome hero’s who meet odd ends..

[@DCJNewsMedia]

Total respect for DB Cooper, his son and daughter. I always thought that he was the man who jumped. Now I am satisfied. God bless you and your family Brother.

[@donaldduncan7095]

Many people conclude that the message of the Yin/Yang is balance,☯ but what I have learned through years introspection and observation is that the most important message is "DISTINCTION" (black & white, no gray). Especially when we practice and apply it to the two sides of the brain. (mind your mind)😉☯(The inner-peace sign)☯ All pieces of this mystery puzzle point to Richard McCoy, especially when you ask > If not him than who ? (just the eye-witness sketch is convincing) Thanks.👍

[@OrdinaryAmerican]

Great interview! Very cool story.

[@dawnroberts1040]

Dan Gryder solved this case he spent over 20 years to do so , not to mention what the corrupt FBI has put him through doing so. I was so disguted with the haters and liers who after Dan had solved this ridiculed him , threatened him , and I believe attempted to silence him with death.Thank You Rick and The bridge for this interview. God Bless you.

[@TheEscapedGoat]

Gryder’s description comes from what Cossey told author Bruce Smith in 2011. What Cossey told the FBI in 1971 is totally different.

[@randallanthony1794]

Geyser solved the TV Cooper case

[@kilcar]

Recall that event as it happened in Portland as the local KOIN tv broke in to regularly scheduled programming. Years later, the bundles of cash found on the Columbia river resulted in the finders suing each other. Years later I was visiting the law firm for one of the finders, and saw the notes encased in plastic sleeves. I could look, but not touch. It was quite a shock

[@henrycross8776]

Did the Stewardess in the 1st skyjacking say McCoy was Cooper ? Just curious

[@FreddyRuger-b6s]

The stewardess and others on that flight said McCoy was definitely not DB Cooper. That's why they leave it out of these stories

[@henrycross8776]

@@FreddyRuger-b6s Thanks for the civil reply

[@jabronisauce6833]

Yeap said it wasn’t this dudes dad lmfao this whole podcast is clickbait

[@anitafowler622]

We built a Restaurant and in the training course had a question on the quiz about DB Cooper and why he asked for.2 parachutes. A great story!

[@bccsivxx-xxivvii]

Why would DB keep the parachute? Doesn't make any sense to keep something that could definitively connect you to the crime.

[@noahschmartz2354]

not to mention the hassle of dragging it with you all that way back home without getting noticed . makes no sense.