GODS OF METAL PLOWSHARES
On May 17, 1998, the 30th anniversary of the Catonsville Nine action, Sr. Carol Gilbert, OP, and Sr. Ardeth Platte, OP., previous plowshares participants from Jonah House; Fr. Larry Morlan of the Silo Plowshares; Fr. Frank Cordaro, from Des Moines, Iowa; and Kathy Boylan, past plowshares participant, disarmed a nuclear-capable B-52 bombers during the Department of Defense Open House at Andrews Air Force Base. As hundreds of spectators looked on, the five poured blood and hammered on the inside and outside of the bomb bay missile hatches and doors of the plane. Ardeth was temporarily restrained by a spectator but was able to rejoin the others. As the group began their action, Fr. Cordaro shouted: “Sisters and Brothers, let us disarm these gods of metal.” The group then unfurled their banner, prayed, passed out leaflets to those nearby and explained to onlookers the meaning of their action. They were then arrested and placed under arrest by base security. They were charged with depredation of government property and released.
On September 22, they were tried by a judge in US Federal Court in Greenbelt, MD. Their two-day trial included moving testimony from each defendant, and International law expert, Francis Boyle, was allowed to testify. Following their conviction they requested immediate sentencing. When they were denied this request, they informed the court they could not promise to return for sentencing. They remained in jail until January 4, their sentencing date. Frank, Carol and Ardeth were sentenced to six months in jail while Larry was sentenced to four months imprisonment. Due to her previous record, Kathy was given a 10-month prison sentence.