The American Agent: My Life in the CIA [Paperback]

Richard L. Holm (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2004

Dick Holm joined the Central Intelligence Agency in the 1960s and rose rapidly through the ranks to become Bureau Chief in Paris, eventually earning the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, the CIA's highest award. His first posting was in Laos, where he served in the CIA's "Secret War" against the Communists in the lead-up to the Vietnam War. He was then sent to the Congo and suffered near-fatal injuries after a plane crash in a remote jungle. Healed by local tribesmen, his horrific burns treated with snake oil and tree bark, he then spent two years in a U.S. hospital undergoing extensive surgery. Holm also worked in Hong Kong and Paris and was instrumental in anti-terrorism operations during Carlos the Jackal's international terror campaign. Having served under 13 CIA directors, Holm has firm, highly informed views on the policies—past and present, national and international—that determine how, where, and why the CIA works.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Insightful and candid memoir... The book offers a window into a life of secrets and the reader comes away with an in-depth view of a dedicated and honest man.' Good Book Guide 'A vivid reminder of how dangerous life in the CIA Directorate of Operations can be' The Times 'An extraordinarily valuable handbook for anyone interested in intelligence, recent history and the American machinery of state' Literary Review

From the Publisher

Dick Holm joined the Central Intelligence Agency in the 1960s and rose rapidly through the ranks to become Bureau Chief in Paris, eventually earning the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, the CIA’s highest award. His first posting was in Laos, where he served in the CIA’s “Secret War” against the Communists in the lead–up to the Vietnam War. He was then sent to the Congo and suffered near–fatal injuries after a plane crash in a remote jungle. Healed by local tribesmen, his horrific burns treated with snake oil and tree bark, he then spent two years in a U.S. hospital undergoing extensive surgery. Holm also worked in Hong Kong and Paris and was instrumental in anti–terrorism operations during Carlos the Jackal’s international terror campaign. Having served under thirteen CIA directors, Holm has firm, highly informed views on the policies—past and present, national and international—that determine how, where, and why the CIA works.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 527 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group (December 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1903608147
• ISBN-13: 978-1903608142
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #291,963 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An American Case Officer-, May 6, 2005

By 

Walter S. Mcintosh "walter james (mac)mcintosh" (Invercargill, New Zealand) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The American Agent: My Life in the CIA (Paperback)

Dick was in my opinion a fine case officer. He had a true sense of what was right and wrong and backed up his morals with action and put his own career on the line more than once to do the right thing. I am frankly surprised that the publications review board did not censor more of this book than they did. I recall kidding Dick once about how Dick Helms was so close and friendly with him when he was but a young Case Officer. Dick explained this by saying , well if you had signed a cheque for over a million dollars to have someone's face fixed you too might make an effort to get to know that officer. I feel sure , and this book shows that Dick would agree with me that today's Agency would not be so caring and loyal to it's officers. I fully recommend this book . The Agency that Dick and I joined in the mid 1960's no longer exists and Dick explains a lot of the reasons. I wish him well and hope this books does very well and is read carefully by any and all looking at the possibilities of taking up a career as an intelligence officer.

mac mcintosh

27 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent read of a real life in the CIA, June 16, 2003

By 

Williams F. Marshall (Clifton, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The American Agent: My Life in the CIA (Hardcover)

This book provides a fascinating glimpse of the real life of a CIA operative overseas - not a Hollywood caricature far removed from reality. In addition to an informative discussion of the training and day-to-day activities of an operations and collections officer, Holm provides interesting historical information about US involvement in Southeast Asia prior to the insertion of US military forces. Holm's ordeals and triumphs should also serve as an inspiration to young people wishing to serve their country, and lead an exciting life.

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars American Agent --excellent reading, April 28, 2003

By 

Sharilyn Strickfaden (No. Pekin, Illinois United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The American Agent: My Life in the CIA (Hardcover)

The American Agent is not only very informative but highly interesting to read. Richard Holm's experiences and writing gives the reader the true feeling of what Clandestine service is like--not just James Bond action. Certainly makes you realize what others here & abroad go through to keep our country safe.