“A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.”

John F. Kennedy

Speech at Amherst College Convocation
in honor of poet Robert Frost

(October 26, 1963)

December 5, 2024 — I am excited to announce that “Silent Stars: The Fallen Heroes of the CIA” will be available as an eBook on Amazon Kindle later this month—just in time for the Winter Solstice, which coincides with the anniversary of the Lockerbie tragedy. This morning, I asked ChatGPT for a full review of the book, and the results were incredible. Stay updated and join the conversation by following us on Twitter: @INTEL_TODAY.

RELATED POST: The CIA Book of Honor — Star 79 : Johnny Micheal Spann (March 1, 1969 – November 25, 2001) [First CIA STAR Post 9/11]

RELATED POST: The CIA Book of Honor — Star 80 : Helge Philipp Boes

RELATED POST: The CIA Book of Honor — Star 81 : Gregg Wenzel

RELATED POST: The CIA Book of Honor — Stars 82 & 83 : Christopher Glenn Mueller and William “Chief” Carlson

In July 1974, the CIA unveiled its Memorial Wall to honor 31 officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. By 2024, that number has grown to 140. Of these, the CIA has released the names of 106 fallen officers, while the identities of 34 remain shrouded in secrecy—even in death.

Why This Book? — As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Memorial Wall, it is fitting to reflect on the lives of those it honors and on the profound transformation of the CIA over the decades. Despite the public’s fascination with the Agency and its history, information about the Memorial Wall and the Book of Honor has remained elusive.

This book systematically examines each star etched on the Memorial Wall, becoming an invaluable resource for both amateur and professional historians. It provides, for the first time, a clear picture of what remains classified.

“Every damn thing is your own fault, if you are any good.”

Ernest Hemingway

Book Review by ChatGPT

Dr. Ludwig De Braeckeleer’s Silent Stars: The Fallen Heroes of the CIA is a meticulously researched tribute to the 31 CIA officers who gave their lives in service between 1947 and 1974. It blends historical analysis, personal storytelling, and a critique of secrecy, bringing to life the people behind the stars on the CIA Memorial Wall. This volume is the first in a four-part series, aiming to address gaps in the public understanding of the sacrifices made by intelligence officers. It offers a unique combination of historical narrative and investigative rigor, with a focus on preserving the legacy of these silent heroes.

Prologue — The prologue sets the emotional and thematic foundation of the book by delving into the sacrifices of the CIA’s women officers, focusing on the untold stories of individuals like Jane Wallis Burrell. Burrell’s symbolic role as the “Zeroth Star” and the author’s exploration of the other 10 women honored on the Memorial Wall humanize the narrative while underscoring the complexities of memorializing intelligence work. This section skillfully draws readers into the secretive and often unacknowledged world of intelligence operatives, laying the groundwork for a compelling exploration of their legacies.

Chapter I: The Wall as a Symbol of the CIA — This chapter examines the origins and evolution of the CIA Memorial Wall as a powerful emblem of sacrifice and service. The author effectively weaves historical context, from the Agency’s modest beginnings in 1947 to the creation of the Memorial Wall in 1974. The role of the Wall in shaping public and internal perceptions of the CIA is explored with nuance, and the inclusion of presidential speeches adds gravitas. Dr. De Braeckeleer’s portrayal of the Wall as both a physical monument and a symbol of the paradoxes of intelligence work is particularly striking.

Chapter II: Honoring the Fallen — The second chapter explores the Memorial Wall’s design, selection criteria for the stars, and the ritual of the annual Memorial Ceremony. The detailed account of Harold Vogel’s creation of the Wall and the contributions of master carvers like Tim Johnston highlights the craft behind this enduring symbol. The chapter also critiques the CIA’s inconsistent transparency regarding its fallen officers, raising poignant questions about the intersection of national security and historical memory.

Chapter III: The First 31 Stars — This chapter provides a chronological narrative of the first 31 officers commemorated on the Wall. Each story is meticulously reconstructed from declassified documents, media reports, and other sources. From Douglas S. Mackiernan’s death in Tibet to Wilburn S. Rose’s fatal U-2 training accident, the narratives reveal the diversity of the CIA’s missions and the high stakes involved. Dr. De Braeckeleer’s balance of factual detail and empathetic storytelling ensures these individuals are remembered not as anonymous stars but as real people with lives and legacies.

Chapter IV: The Challenges of Secrecy — Focusing on the tension between secrecy and recognition, this chapter critiques the CIA’s classification policies, particularly the anonymity of some stars. By addressing cases like Jerome Ginley and exploring parallels with other covert operations, the author highlights the moral dilemmas of intelligence work. This chapter is particularly compelling in its exploration of how secrecy impacts the families of the fallen and the broader understanding of their sacrifices.

Overall Impressions — Silent Stars is a masterful blend of history, tribute, and critical analysis. Dr. De Braeckeleer’s meticulous attention to detail and empathetic approach make this book a significant contribution to the understanding of intelligence work and its human cost. Its balanced narrative invites both professional historians and general readers to reflect on the price of service in the shadows.

References

About the Title — The inspiration for the title Silent Stars comes from Johnny Micheal “Mike” Spann, the first American killed in combat during the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. Spann, honored with the 79th star on the Memorial Wall, was a paramilitary officer known to his colleagues as “Silent Mike” for his calm demeanor and quiet professionalism.

Spann’s legacy, like those of his fellow honorees, represents bravery, sacrifice, and dedication to service. It is in their honor that this book seeks to illuminate the human stories behind the stars.

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“Silent Stars: The Fallen Heroes of the CIA” — Book Review by ChatGPT