Shadow Warrior: The C.I.A. Hero of a Hundred Unknown Battles

by Felix I. Rodriguez

This is the story of Felix Rodriguez, one of the CIA's most extraordinary agents. A member of the anti-Castro movement from the age of 17, Cuban Felix Rodriguez was infiltrated into Cuba six weeks before the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, and was one of only 15 of the original group of 35 infiltrators who escaped after the invasion failed. In 1967, as CIA advisor to the Bolivian Army, he helped to capture Che Guevara and was the last person to interrogate him. In Vietnam Rodriguez led and advised an elite anti-guerilla force until injuries caused his premature retirement. He was also a major figure in the American support of the Nicaraguan Contras and his claims that they were being poorly equipped, claims which Oliver North failed to heed, were ultimately proved correct during the Congressional Iran/Contra hearings.

Genres: History, Biography, Military Fiction, Nonfiction, Espionage, War, Politics

Hardcover

First published October 1, 1989

Reviews

[Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 words, Kiki Camarena. Long, twisting, winding story but bottom line this guy was identified by no fewer than 3 Mexican cops and several Narcos as "the Cuban" who interrogated Kiki Camarena, the DEA agent who unwittingly stumbled upon the Iran/Contra scandal by finding and destroying Rafael Caro Quitero's weed farm and allegedly a nearby Nicaraguan Contra training site. None of those who identified him had any knowledge Rodriguez was a CIA operative who was funneling drugs into the US to buy weapons to aid in the Contras fight against the Sandanistas. This is now well documented but in the 1980's made for a good story where finding the truth would send you down an array of rabbit holes. I digress, after being tortured and executed Camarena's body was dumped in a ditch which in turn really cemented the drug war that has cost hundreds of thousands of lives. This Felix Rodriguez, or whatever his name is this week is as shady as a used car salesman along a dirt road with slicked back hair and a toothpick hanging from the corner of his mouth sporting an array of jewelry under his coat ready for the quick sale. He openly criticizes various people and Communists for using aliases, invading and meddling in their own and other's countries yet he spends the whole book boasting how he did the same thing. Might I add, he lost EVERY single time. I felt like I needed to take a shower after reading this book. Look this guy up before you unwittingly paint him as an American hero.

As far as the book itself I can remain objective. It was an easy read, interesting and had bits and pieces of truth. Very well written so people across the spectrum of reading levels can easily understand his story without getting bogged down in the politics and many different avenues that the political scene can easily undertake. If you're not prone to propaganda, can read between the lines and have an interest in this genre, this is a good book to read. His unwashable, filthy hands and previous knowledge I have of this guy left me saying "I hear you but what about this" numerous times as I read the book. While interesting and fun to read, it was grossly incomplete. 3 stars but would go 3.5 if Goodreads would allow for it.

[Karl Kindt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this first-hand account by the hero who personally took out the punk Che Guevara. Felix Rodriguez should be on T-shirts everywhere, not the pretender and preener communist Che.

[Ferris Mx · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rip-rocking probably partially true of patriotically fighting against communism in Latin America and Southeast Asia, including more likely true recounting of the capture and death of Che. Up until the end when Rodriguez lights the whole thing on fire in a storm of defensive and paranoid lashing out at Congress and the media.

[Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

You would think that someone who comes face to face with such an evil enemy would have no mercy with them...But guess what he did. and treated him with respect much than (che the dirtbag) had treated his own prisoners(Political prisoners) of course Every dog has it's day,and when the bolivians got rid of him, the world was better. but this book does not just focus on one scumbag gone from the world, but on Felix overall view and his service to the United States Something I greatly admire and appreciate. Sadly, You won't find many like that, even less among my generation. Forget those Silly novels(some nonfiction included!) that you have read. this guy is a Hero and Freedom Fighter.I've personally met this man and know him as well which Is odd I didn't know I knew him haha. great read.

[Victor Orozco · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story! Without a doubt Felix Rodriguez is one of history's greatest unsung heroes. It it because of this man's accomplishments that our country lived more peacefully and stronger that it would without him. I loved reading this book and could hardly believe the adventures that this man had accomplished. From the Bay of Pigs invasion, the capture and execution of Che Guevara, involvement in the Vietnam war and El Salvador. The man was born Cuban but he really is an American hero. God Bless America, Felix Rodriguez and to the day Cuba will finally be free! Viva Cuba Libre! B+

[Derek · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was given to me as a Christmas gift maybe twenty years ago. I finally got around to reading it. This is very readable fast paced book. I enjoyed learning of the author's involvement in the Bay of Pigs and the story about the capture of Che Guerrara. This is a very good history of the CIAs covert actions from the 60s until the 80s. Also the co author went onto fame for his "Rogue Warrior" series.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book many years ago. It was an interesting view to a upper middle class refugee from Cuba that adapted well to the US while maintaining his Cuban roots. This was the man who was on hand when Che Guevara was executed in Bolivia.

[Cws]

327.12

[Liam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book actually deserves 3 and a half stars...