LYNN — CIA Operative and Lynn native Richard Fecteau was recognized at Lynn City Hall on Tuesday.
In 1952, while on a covert mission for the CIA, Fecteau was shot down over China. He was held captive for 19 years, before being released in December 1971. Fecteau survived incredible hardships as a prisoner of war, including harsh interrogations and solitary confinement.
Fecteau would later be awarded the CIA’s Distinguished Intelligence Cross for his actions.
Following his release, Fecteau served as Assistant Athletic Director at Boston University, his alma mater, before retiring in 1989.
“It is a tremendous honor to have Mr. Fecteau here so that we can share our recognition [and] appreciation,” Mayor Jared Nicholson said at Fecteau’s recognition and citation ceremony, which was held in the mayor’s office. “You (Fecteau) will always be remembered as a true hero of this country and this city.”
The Lynn Veterans’ Council has also proposed the installation of a display located next to a memorial in Fecteau’s honor near Flax Pond, so that future generations can learn about Fecteau’s extraordinary story. It will be installed in the spring.
