Barry Kelly is no stranger to the world of espionage, counter-terrorism, weapons, martial arts, clandestine tradecraft, deep cover, black operations, para-military operations, and the inner workings of the governmental security apparatus. Twenty-seven years of government service provided hands-on experience in all of these areas. His immersion in the Cold War began with enlistment in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. A magna cum laude BA from the University of Pittsburgh and a master's degree from Duke University, through the James B. Duke Fellowship Program followed his discharge from the Navy.
Kelly's experience in the CIA included deep cover operations, a wide spectrum of agent operations, overseas experience primarily in South and Southeast Asia, a tour as the station chief in Moscow and TDY excursions to the Middle East and the Far East. A volunteer assignment in Vietnam resulted in the award of two medals by the Government of South Vietnam for service in the five northern provinces, one of which is The Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star. The author held command positions in three Directorates of the CIA. He was awarded the Certificate of Merit with Distinction, the Intelligence Medal of Merit, the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, and the first Intelligence Officer of the Year Award.
After retirement from CIA, Kelly responded to a call from the White House to fill a position on the National Security Staff as a Special Assistant to President Reagan in the last two years of his administration. He was responsible for all intelligence activities and operations, including counter-terrorism and covert action. In this position, he chaired the weekly meetings of the top counter-terrorism committee in the government.