Court-martial ordered for A-missile officer

An Air Force-judge ordered a young nuclear missile officer to face a general court-martial on charges of passing secrets to the Soviet Union. Defense lawyers, led by F. Lee Bailey, maintained that the Air Force promised 2nd Lt. Christopher Cooke immunity from prosecution for his cooperation but that it reneged on the deal.

Lt. Col. David Orser ruled that Lieutenant Cooke was not granted immunity by competent authorities.

The defense immediately said it intended to appeal Colonel Orser's decision to the Court of Military Appeals, a three-man civilian body.