Archives On The Air 199: Accused Of Espionage—The Joseph Patrick Kauffman Papers

By Wyoming Public Media

Published June 18, 2020 at 2:30 PM MDT

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Joseph Patrick "Pat" Kauffman's brother Michael Kauffman provided morale support to his brother during Pat's ordeal. This photo of Pat sat on a dressing table in Michael's home. Box 1, Joseph Patrick Kauffman papers, American Heritage Center, UW.

American Heritage Center

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American Heritage Center

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Joseph Patrick Kauffman sued to have his court-martial conviction and sentence declared void on the ground that they rested upon violations of his constitutional rights. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Kauffman's sentence and conviction were valid.

American Heritage Center

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American Heritage Center

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After prison Joseph Patrick Kauffman pursued a career in private business and is seen here in 1982 enjoying a vacation. Box 1, Joseph Patrick Kauffman papers, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

American Heritage Center

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American Heritage Center

Joseph Kauffman graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1941 and became a respected Air Force captain. But in 1961 he was accused of espionage.

East German spy Guenter Maennel had defected to the West. He alleged that Kauffman was a spy for East Germany.

Kauffman was on trip to East Berlin when he met Maennel. The men partied together. Kauffman was then detained by East German police for three days and allegedly agreed to be a spy.

Kauffman said he refused to be a spy but did give them the address of a contact so they would release him.

The court case was Kauffman's word against Maennel's. Kauffman was found guilty of passing U.S. defense information to the East Germans and sentenced to 20 years, although his sentence was later reduced

Learn more in Kauffman's papers at UW's American Heritage Center.