The CIA Memorial Wall- fallen heroes shrouded n mystery

A star is added for another fallen "unknown"

The CIA HQ in Langley, Virginia, features the Memorial Wall with 137 stars, each denoting an employee who died in the line of duty. Some of the stars are unnamed and the accompanying "Book of Honor" omits names of some operatives because their undercover work must not be known. Fallen CIA clandestine operatives oftentimes receive little public recognition for their heroic sacrifice.

     Of the 137 engraved stars, 94 list names but 37 are kept in secret to protect sources- even their loved ones don't know the specifics of their mission. The years, locations, and details of the work that led to their deaths remain shrouded in mystery, to all.

      Recently, the CIA dedicated 4 new stars to its Memorial Wall in a quiet ceremony at its headquarters in Langley, Virginia. The four stars went up, as usual, without fanfare, and the names and stories behind them remain classified, for if their identities are released, overseas assets and the spies that they recruited could be hunted down and killed or imprisoned.

Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO), enjoys writing about the U.S. Intelligence Community, and relishes traveling to the Florida Keys and Key West, the Bahamas and Caribbean. HIs Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster series combines both passions. Check out his latest spy thriller: MISSION OF VENGEANCE.