From the Author
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has always been a unique federal law enforcement agency. It has had the responsibility of enforcing unpopular laws since its beginning but has performed the task with determination and dedication. Enforcing liquor laws is difficult, especially in the southeast where moonshiners have always been depicted as poor innocent mountain people struggling to feed their families. In most instances this was not true. When a distillery is producing 800 gallons of whiskey a day seven days a week, it is a big business.
When ATF began enforcing laws passed by Congress regulating the possession of machine guns and sawed-off shotguns, and especially after the assassination of President Kennedy and the enactment of the 1968 Gun Control Act, ATF was subject to constant criticism from various groups including the National Rifle Association.
Despite all the sniping and distorted stories promulgated by these groups, ATF agents have continued to do their jobs. Some have lost their lives in the process.
These are but a few of the thousands of humorous, violent and gut- wrenching episodes that happened during the 1960's and 70's. If they give the reader some insight into the work done by the agents of that era along with some of the laughs, I have accomplished my goal.
About the Author
Since his retirement as Chief of Air Operations for ATF in Washington, D.C., Weems has flown as a charter pilot and worked as a private investigator and as a consultant for the Inspector General's Office of the Tennessee Valley Authority and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
His experience and dedication to his country make him well qualified to tell this story.
