CIA officer Edward B. Johnson dies, key figure in Iran rescue mission

Edward B. Johnson, a former CIA officer, passed away on August 27, 2023, at the age of 81 due to pneumonia. He played a crucial role in the 1980 rescue of six American diplomats during the Iran hostage crisis, an operation later known as the 'Canadian Caper.' For decades, Johnson's identity remained concealed, known only by the pseudonym 'Julio' until the CIA revealed his name in a 2023 podcast. His contributions were acknowledged in a painting at CIA headquarters, symbolizing his significant yet understated role in the mission. Johnson, who was born on July 29, 1943, in Brooklyn, had a background in the CIA's Office of Technical Service. He was selected for the mission due to his experience in the Middle East and language skills. Alongside fellow officer Antonio Mendez, Johnson traveled to Tehran under the guise of a film crew scouting locations for a fictitious movie. Their mission was fraught with challenges, including language barriers and the need for discretion to avoid detection by armed students patrolling the area. On January 28, 1980, Johnson and Mendez successfully extracted the diplomats from Iran, marking a significant achievement for U.S. intelligence. After retiring from the CIA in 1995, Johnson pursued photography and remained largely out of the public eye until the later years of his life. His family described him as a figure whose name resonated within intelligence circles, reflecting his lasting impact on the agency. The CIA honored Johnson's legacy, stating that his contributions would inspire future generations of operatives. His story serves as a reminder of the complexities and dangers faced by those involved in covert operations during a tumultuous period in U.S. history.