China Spy, the story of Hugh Francis Redmond

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Hugh Francis Redmond was a brave American who served his country nobly as a paratrooper in World War II. He died for his patriotic ideals in a Chinese Communist prison camp. Redmond's story, China Spy, is one of the most courageous sagas ever of a dedicated American. He believed so strongly in the purity of patriotism that he chose a code of silence rather than violate his CIA code and save his own life. Redmond was something of a mystery even as a youngster. He was a good athlete but disappeared for days at a time, studying history or astronomy, which also fascinated him. The son of a building superintendent in Yonkers, New York, Redmond and his family struggled to survive financially during the Great Depression. He served in the Civilian Conservation Corps after high school, then enlisted in the 101st Airborne Division in 1942. On June 6, 1944, D-Day, he landed in Normandy with the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment. He fought his way through fierce combat in France and Holland, was wounded twice, and earned rows of medals before returning home late in 1945. What could a young man, bored and restless after the excitement of a bold military experience, hope to do without a college education? Redmond heard of a government agency, the OSS, which expanded into today's CIA . Within months of applying and being accepted into this program, he was on his way to Shanghai, China as a secret agent for the United States. No one could have been more dedicated to his job and to his country. The Red Guard soon gained ascendancy in Communist China, and Americans were eager to get out of the country. Redmond aided many in their plans.