European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - July 15, 1959, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Cowpokes invade Madrid s bullring Spanish aficionados of death in the afternoon get a new slant on cattle at Rodeo staged by american servicemen by Thurston b. Macauley staff writer it was real rip roaring. American Rodeo but instead of the traditional yells of ride in Cowboy the crowd cried ocl the setting was unique Madrid s celebrated Reddish Brown Brick moorish arched Plaza de Toros. Some 100 dyed in the Wool cowboys now serving As enlisted men in the air Force Marine corps Navy and army took Over Spain s biggest bullring and for one eve Ning made it their own. And in the doing they made history too for it was the first Rodeo Ever staged in Spain. Two men were behind the project sgt Tim Hinton of Monroe la., and Thomas Nelson Simons of port Arthur Tex. Both Are stationed at Torrejon air base near Madrid Headquarters of the 16th air Force. Hinton who has Ridden in rodeos since he was 13, was the Star of the show taking part in every event including a Eback Riding wild co w milking into Coke bottle wild horse racing Bull Riding and clowning in Many comic interludes. He was acclaimed Best All around Cowboy. His wife acted As time keeper and Secretary. Simons who shared some of the $800 pre Money with Hinton and the others Speaks Spanish like a native and helped in lining up influential Spanish backers including Don Antonio Gullon prominent government official. Although the Rodeo was arranged Only several weeks in. Advance of the. Perform Ance the bullring which has a 23,000-seat capacity was about two thirds full. Be fore the Rodeo began 32 couples from the Madrid squares led by t sgt Sal Cela Quez from Torrejon did Square dancing to recorded music in the Arena. M sgt Bill Burkepile of los Angeles was caller promptly at 6 pm the time when Bull fights Start the cowboys Rode in a. Parade into the Arena with the first two riders carrying the american and Spanish flags. Continued on pity .12 if the picadors1 horses Ever Cut up like this Bronco they d outshine the Brave bulls. A Cowboy experiences the moment of truth. Opening Parade. Spanish audience proved enthusiastic Over yank style fiesta   the stars and stripes