“While serving in the Middle East, John became ill and was hospitalized. (…) his station at the time was engaged in an operation to acquire significant intelligence of great value to the military effort in Vietnam. John elected to take the risk of seeking medical treatment where he was rather than leaving his people during this critical period.”
Heroes — John W. Waltz
CIA Website
June 6, 2026 — In 1963, John Waltz was appointed Chief of Station in Iraq, serving under State Department cover as a First Secretary at the U.S. Embassy. Follow us on Twitter: @INTEL_TODAY
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On June 4, 1965, Waltz fell ill and was admitted to St. Raphael Hospital, Baghdad, where he underwent surgery. He suffered a coronary blockage following the procedure, leading to his death two days later.
Waltz was one of the original 31 stars carved into the original Memorial Wall. His name was one of only three listed in the initial Book of Honor for the year 1965, which included a total of seven stars at the time.
Unresolved Questions
The CIA’s own memorial biography states that during this assignment, John Waltz witnessed “a regime collapse” and “two coups.”
Many scholars have concluded that the CIA maintained contacts with anti-Qasim forces and viewed the February 1963 coup favorably.
Some accounts go further, arguing that the CIA provided intelligence and other assistance to the plotters, although the extent of CIA involvement remains disputed among historians.
REFERENCES
Heroes — John W. Waltz. CIA Website
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On This Day — The CIA Book of Honor — Star 16 : John W. Waltz (June 6, 1965 — Baghdad, Iraq)
Intel Today 