In the Shadow of the Ayatollah. William Daugherty
Naval Institute Press
291 Wood Road
Annapolis, MD 21402
© 2001 by William J. Daugherty
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
First Naval Institute Press paperback edition published in 2016.
ISBN: 978-1-61251-654-7 (eBook)
The Library of Congress has cataloged the hardcover edition as follows:
Daugherty, William J., 1947–
In the Shadow of the Ayatollah: a CIA hostage in Iran / William J. Daugherty
p. cm
Includes bibliographical references and index
1. Iran Hostage Crisis, 1979–1981—Personal narratives. 2. Daugherty, William J., 1947—Captivity, 1979–1980. 3. Hostages—Iran—Biography. 4. United States. Central Intelligence Agency—Biography.
E183.8.155 D37 2001
955.05'42'092—dc21
2001030499
24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
First printing
The CIA’s Publication Review Board has reviewed the manuscript for this book as required by Agency regulations, and poses no security objection to its publication. This review, however, should not be construed as an official release of information, confirmation of its accuracy, or endorsement of the author’s views.
To the sacred memory of the eight courageous men who gave their lives in the Iranian desert so that others could be free; to the Honorable Kenneth Taylor, the members of the Canadian embassy in Tehran in 1980, and the government of Canada for daring to rescue six Americans in need; and to all Canadians for their enduring friendship with the United States and their support during the crisis of 1979–81
CONTENTS
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
List of Abbreviations
Introduction
Part One: Assignment to Tehran
1 The Assignment
2 Retrospective: A History Lesson
3 The Soviet Calculus
4 The 1953 Coup
5 America and Iran, 1953–1977
6 Revolution
7 Intelligence Failure
8 End of a Regime
9 The Shah Comes to the United States
Part Two: A Guest of Iranian Militants
10 4 November 1979
11 5 November 1979
12 6 November 1979
13 7–22 November 1979
14 23 November–31 December 1979
15 1 January–24 April 1980
16 24 April–22 June 1980
17 22 June–23 December 1980
18 The Final Weeks
19 The Rest of the Story
Notes
Bibliography
Index
Bill Daugherty is one of my most intriguing friends. He has worn many hats during his lifetime, as a Marine Corps aviator, a member of the Central Intelligence Agency, a professor, an author, and, yes, even a hostage. When Bill and I cross paths, I am always reminded of the sacrifices he made for our nation while serving in the CIA, especially while being held hostage in Tehran by Iranian militants.
But my respect and admiration for Bill go beyond his public service. His efforts today as a teacher are just as profound. In today’s society, in which education reform plays a large part of the national agenda, it is comforting to know that there are teachers like Bill who exceed expectations and make teaching their passion. When my interns tell me that Dr. Daugherty is one of their favorite professors and I see the smile that joins their remarks, I am also reminded of his dedication and ability to be a great educator.
Although I have never entered Bill’s classroom, I considered myself one of his students while reading a draft of this monumental achievement. His personal insight into the events that led to the hostage crisis and the politics involved in the decision making was truly enlightening. Indeed, the details of his nightmarish captivity are unbelievable. After finishing In the Shadow of the Ayatollah, I understood clearly why my interns consider Dr. Daugherty an accomplished teacher.
This book will leave you with a better understanding of the issues surrounding a dark period in American history. You will learn the truth about the American hostages’ experiences in Iran, especially while reading the bone-chilling accounts that begin in chapter 10. While Bill did not intend to emphasize the weaknesses of the Carter administration, he gives an honest account of the mistakes made by our leaders during that difficult time. Most important, you will gain firsthand knowledge from a selfless patriot who experienced the worst period of his life on behalf of the United States of America.
Congressman Jack Kingston
There are several points the reader should understand about this work. First, this volume tells mainly about one man’s experiences during one significant period. I have included just enough information about the relationship between the United States and Iran in the years following World War II to set the stage. There is much more, but it lies beyond the scope of this work. Virtually everyone who was kind enough to review drafts of the manuscript suggested that I include such-and-such an event or discuss so-and-so, or that I contact this or