Pseudonym: Santoro
1960-1961: "Ernie Sparks...was the off-again on-again (Chief of Base) from the time of the establishment of MADD throughout the course of that activity.
104-10162-10453: CABLE:FOLLOWING IS SUMMARY POINTS COVERED AND ARRANGEMENTS
4/29/60 cable MIAM 056 from Miami to Director: "Following is summary points covered and arrangements made with Joe Vidal regarding assessment program. (Joe Vidal) stated he under instruction by Sparks proceed with all speed begin assessment of 14 trainees of BIDDY group who ready to go. Felt since this initial effort limited to those 14 repeat limited to those 14 his approach placing them in hotels completely secure and since group is small not excessively costly. After discussion inclined to concede his handling this small group is all right. However, took opportunity preach a little for benefit of all that for same maintaining prestige of Bender Group everything done in its name must present image of organization which not only resourceful, efficient but also has high regard for a buck."
104-10301-10004: OFFICIAL HISTORY OF THE BAY OF PIGS OPERATION, VOLUME III
During the "early fall of 1960...Ernie Sparks (was) the overall Liaison Officer for JMATE for (Chief of Station) Guatemala..."
10/17/60, DIR 11993 cable from Director to Eglin AFB: "Request 100 packages Tums, anti-acid tablets be procured and shipped to MADD via first available aircraft. Package should be carried and marked for Santoro (Ernie Sparks) on inner marking."
11/13/60 cable MADD 0541 from JMADD to Director: "In view of local disturbances and rioting in surrounding towns, strongly recommend cancellation of mission GS-46-007. Prepared to defend MADD with US and Cuban personnel. Presently supporting Guat City with C-46 transport of Guat troops to Guat City. Disbursed two B-26s to Guat City per request Santoro."
104-10240-10210: CABLE:FROM POL POINT OF VIEW AMPORT VISIT TO MEEL, TRAV,MADD REASONABLY
2/20/61 cable from JMADD to BELL: "Addresses to troops (by AMBIDDY-1/Manuel Artime and AMDIP-1/Tony Varona) were conducted in receptive atmosphere and question period surfaced relatively few gripes. Numerous trainees manifested close to belligerent interest in whereabouts 13 detained trainees (note: see JMHARP); AMPORT/FRD Executive Committee answer was that all hands under military discipline. AMDIP-1 still truculent over Villafana/LITAG-1 writing letter then reading it to trainees. Santoro concurs above and adds full and final effect of visit can not be assessed locally until trainees digest remarks which could take a week." For more context, see 1993.11.10.08:36:26:340005 - pp. 12-13.
104-10228-10305: CABLE:WILL BLACK FLT REF GO DIRECT GUAT CITY?
3/27/61 cable MADD 2263 from JMADD to BELL: "Santoro sends (ref WAVE 4900) 1. Will black fleet ref go direct Guat City? 2. Will Crabanac/Howard Hunt accompany?"
Bradley A. Ayers, The Zenith Secret (Vox Pop, 2006), p. 105
1964: "...the Elliott Key operation, for which I had been responsible, was placed under the control of the training branch. Cal had departed for a new assignment in Washington at the CIA 'farm' in Virginia. Rudy (Enders) temporarily assumed duties as chief of training. I had always gotten along well with him, and he gave me all the freedom I needed to carry out my tasks. Eventually, an old training officer, Ernie Sparks, arrived and took over as chief of the branch...Ernie was well known in CIA circles for his gruff, flamboyant character. Ernie dressed in Western style, with cowboy boots, jeans, and an open collared riding shirt. Often he would have a big revolver holstered at his side. He was about 50, with grey hair, a droopy moustache, ruddy complexion, and piercing blue eyes. He had been nicknamed 'Sitting Bull' while serving as a training officer in Guatemala, preparing Cuban exile Brigade 2506 for the Bay of Pigs invasion. As time went by, I learned he had a penchant for booze, women, and sports cars. Ernie and I got along pretty well, but I often had the feeling he was having a hard time taking care of business and that compounded my concerns about maintaining the training structure we had worked so hard to create."