From Boston to Manchuria: The Incredible Journey of a Cold War CIA Hero
In the shadows of Cold War espionage, a man emerged as an unsung hero, whose incredible journey rivals the most thrilling spy novels. This is the tale of Richard “Dick” Fecteau, a name etched in the annals of CIA history.
He hailed from the streets of Lynn, Massachusetts, and was not your typical CIA officer. He was a recipient of the highest honor bestowed by the CIA, the Distinguished Intelligence Cross, a recognition of his unparalleled heroism.
Fecteau’s journey into the clandestine world began in 1951 after he graduated from Boston University. His life took an unexpected turn as he found himself embroiled in the tumultuous events of the Korean War.
But it was November 29, 1952, when Fecteau’s life transformed into a gripping espionage thriller. Together with his colleague John Downey, they embarked on a perilous mission deep into Manchuria, China. Their goal was audacious — to rescue an agent dropped behind enemy lines. Tragedy struck when their aircraft was shot down, leading to their capture by Chinese authorities.
In the face of adversity, Richard Fecteau displayed unwavering resilience and resourcefulness. His captivity spanned an astonishing 19 years, with nine of them spent in solitary confinement. It was during this time that Fecteau’s ingenuity shone. To protect fellow agents, he used a clever tactic — providing the names and character descriptions of his Boston University football teammates instead of actual agents, thwarting his interrogators.
Then came an unexpected turn in December 1971. Richard Fecteau, who had endured an agonizing ordeal, walked unescorted across a border bridge to Hong Kong, marking the end of a harrowing odyssey that tested his spirit and determination to the limits.
Recently, Boston University recognized this remarkable alumnus by bestowing upon him the Distinguished Alumni Award. This prestigious honor not only acknowledges Fecteau’s incredible contributions but also celebrates the indomitable spirit he displayed during his years of service.
It was a conference organized by Prof. John Woodward, and highlighted Fecteau’s story, diving into the covert world of early Cold War espionage and the sacrifices made by individuals like him.
The event featured discussions on the Early Cold War, secret missions against China, and an in-depth look at Fecteau’s service and sacrifice. The talks were led by Dr. Nicholas Dujmovic, a retired CIA Deputy Chief Historian.
After his retirement from the CIA, Richard Fecteau returned to his alma mater, Boston University, where he served as the Assistant Athletic Director until his retirement in 1989. In a fitting conclusion to the conference, former BU Men’s Ice Hockey Coach Jack Parker shared insights into “Working with Dick Fecteau,” underscoring Fecteau’s enduring impact.
In both the annals of Boston University’s history and the world of espionage, the story of Richard Fecteau stands as a testament to courage, dedication, and unwavering patriotism. His journey, reminiscent of the spycraft featured in the spy thriller novel ‘MISSION OF VENGEANCE,’ showcases the unyielding spirit of those who serve their nation in the shadows.
Robert Morton is a member of the Association Of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and writes the spy thriller series ‘Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster’.