Commander John Fahey's firsthand account of his intelligence activities behind the Iron Curtain in the Soviet Zone Germany during the Cold War contains dangerous penetrations of Russian restricted areas, East German secret police Stasi reports on his intelligence activities, and a new "Russian Character Study." Fahey's previous "A Soviet Character Study," published by the Naval Institute Proceedings, was republished by the Conservative Digest, ODU Insight, and the Congressional Record. The study was shared with members of the House of Representatives on May 18, 1978 by Congressman G. William Whitehurst who urged his colleagues to read it carefully and heed Fahey's evaluations. Now in this book Fahey's new Russian Character Study centers on Russian characteristics in more depth without the earlier Soviet overtones. The author includes intelligence failures during the Cuban missile crisis and the circumstances surrounding East Germany's and the Soviet Union's failure to observe American immunity in an incident with a United States military train. Readers have an unique opportunity to ride with Commander Fahey inside some military restricted areas behind Passage Prohibited signs, to witness intelligence collection, and to experience the author's challenges and tactics when faced with espionage accusations during detention in forbidden areas. Evaluations by senior officers of Commander Fahey's performance behind the Iron Curtain, at sea, and after his retirement by his university Russian language students are contained in the book's appendixes. Passage Prohibited is a must read for everyone who enjoys true-life spy stories. It takes the reader into Russian military psyche and mindset during and after the Cold War with an astonishing tale of overt reconnaissance, espionage charges, and detentions. A great read!
About the Author: John Fahey served in the U.S. Navy for twenty years, first as a combat airship command pilot in World War II, then as an operations officer and executive officer at sea, and finally in various naval intelligence assignments. He retired in 1963 at the rank of Commander. During two years of his active navy service he operated behind the Iron Curtain in top secret intelligence collection while a liaison officer attached to the Soviet army. A Russian language linguist, for three years he was Director of the Navy Foreign Language School in Washington, D.C. During a second career as an educator, he taught Russian for twenty two years at Old Dominion University where he won awards as an outstanding teacher and distinguished faculty member. Associate Professor Fahey has served as president of many educational and community organizations, including the Naval Airship Association and as chairman of the board of directors for the Hampton Roads Educational Telecommunications Association (WHRO-TV, WHRO-FM, and WHRV-FM). He is the author of six books He is the author of six books, A Cartoon View of Russia, Wasn't I the Lucky One, Licensed to Spy, Kremlin Kapers, Contemporary Russian Short Stories, and Maverick on the School Board, and more than thirty journal articles. He lives in Catonsville, Maryland with his wife. Barbara.