CIA Officer Edward B. Johnson, Key Figure in 1979 Iran Rescue, Dies at 81
Edward B. Johnson, a CIA officer who helped rescue six American diplomats from Iran in 1979, has died at 81. His identity, hidden for decades, was recently revealed by the CIA.
Edward B. Johnson, a Central Intelligence Agency officer who played a crucial role in the daring rescue of six American diplomats during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, has passed away at the age of 81. The CIA confirmed his death on September 9, 2024, marking the end of a life shrouded in secrecy for decades.
Johnson's involvement in the operation, which later inspired the Academy Award-winning film "Argo", remained undisclosed until 2023 when the CIA revealed his identity through a podcast. Known only by the pseudonym "Julio" for years, Johnson's contributions to the mission, dubbed the "Canadian Caper", were finally brought to light.
The rescue operation took place amidst the tumultuous aftermath of the Iranian Revolution. On November 4, 1979, Islamist students stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, initiating a crisis that would last 444 days. Six American diplomats managed to evade capture and found refuge at the residence of Canadian Ambassador Ken Taylor.
Johnson, along with fellow CIA officer Antonio Mendez, devised an audacious plan to extract the diplomats. Posing as a Canadian film crew scouting locations for a fictitious science fiction movie, they entered Iran on January 25, 1980. The operation's success hinged on meticulous preparation and the ability to maintain cover under intense scrutiny.
"Working with the six — these are rookies. They were people who were not trained to lie to authorities. They weren't trained to be clandestine, elusive."
Johnson's expertise in exfiltration, honed during Cold War operations, proved invaluable. His multilingual skills, including French, Spanish, and Arabic, facilitated the team's navigation through potential pitfalls. On January 28, 1980, the group successfully boarded a Swissair flight, marking the operation's triumphant conclusion.
For their efforts, both Johnson and Mendez received the CIA's Intelligence Star, the agency's second-highest award for valor. This accolade recognizes voluntary acts of courage performed under hazardous conditions, reflecting the perilous nature of their mission.
Johnson's CIA career, spanning several decades, began after his service as an infantryman in the U.S. Army. His journey to the agency included studies at the Sorbonne and teaching English in Saudi Arabia, experiences that shaped his understanding of the Middle East.
After retiring from the CIA in 1995, Johnson pursued his passion for photography while working as a contractor. His family described him as both "the ordinary man next door" and "an extraordinary agent of the state", highlighting the duality of his life.
The revelation of Johnson's identity comes amidst a broader reassessment of CIA operations in Iran. The agency's involvement in the 1953 coup that overthrew Iran's democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh has been acknowledged as a pivotal event that contributed to the 1979 revolution and subsequent U.S.-Iran tensions.
As we reflect on Johnson's legacy, it's crucial to consider the complex history of U.S. intelligence operations and their long-term consequences. The "Canadian Caper" stands as a testament to individual courage and ingenuity, while also serving as a reminder of the intricate web of international relations that continues to shape global events.
