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Retired Special Agent Jim McGee served in the FBI for nearly 21 years. This week on FBI Retired Case File Review, he is interviewed about being a member of the FBI Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), one of the world’s most elite counter-terrorism teams. McGee provides a first-hand account of his participation in the HRT’s first dynamic assault mission which resulted in the successful hostage rescue of nine. In 1991, a violent group of Cuban inmates in the Federal Correctional Institution in Talladega, Alabama, overpowered their guards and took hostages. The inmates demanded that they not to be deported back to Cuba. The HRT was called in and the hostages were rescued unharmed. For their efforts during the Talladega hostage rescue, Jim and the other HRT members were awarded the FBI Medal of Meritorious Achievement. McGee wrote a book about his experience—Phase Line Green—available by contacting McGee directly.
During his FBI tenure McGee was assigned to 4 FBI Field Offices, the Critical Incident Response Group-Hostage Rescue Team, FBI Headquarters (FBIHQ) and the U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece.
Jim McGee held several leadership positions during his FBI career, to include FBIHQ Terrorism Supervisor, Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) Supervisor, JTTF Program Manager, Inspector and Security Coordinator for the 2004 Summer Olympic Games. Mr. McGee supervised investigative programs that addressed domestic and international terrorism, foreign counterintelligence, computer crimes, critical infrastructure protection, special operations and SWAT. He is a certified Crisis Management Coordinator, Firearms/Police Instructor, Crisis Negotiator and WMD/HAZMAT Coordinator. During his FBI career, Mr. McGee received numerous awards to include the FBI Shield of Bravery, the FBI Medal of Merit, the FBI Medal of Valor, the Federal Law Enforcement Officer’s Association Medal of Valor, the U.S. Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism, the Department of Justice Certificate of Merit and the Department of Justice Certificate of Special Recognition.
Special Agent (Retired)
James McGee
11/17/1986 – 10/1/2007
The following FBI overview and newspaper article provide additional background material about the FCI Talladega Hostage Rescue:
1991 Talladega Prison Riot – A Look Back at the FBI’s Early Crisis Response Capabilities
New York Times – U.S. AGENTS STORM PRISON IN ALABAMA, FREEING 9 HOSTAGES
The following is a 6 Part FBI overview about Hostage Rescue Team (HRT):
Part 1: Three Decades of Service
Part 2: The Crucible of Selection
Part 3: Training for Every Contingency
Part 4: Night Maneuvers
Part 5: Held to a Higher Standard
Part 6: Mission in the Gulf of Aden
Video: HRT Marks 30 Years
To me, any type of medal or award that this man won is completely null and void by way of his arrogance. Watching his interviews and the way he smirks and speaks is infuriating and takes away his credibility as a decent human being.
@ZeroZee I couldn’t agree more! Maybe Jerri can learn how overall perception can be tainted by 1 act of extreme arrogance.
In addition to being an FBI agent, I worked for 12 years as a spokesperson for the FBI and Philadelphia’s Transit system. Believe me, I know all about perceptions! That’s why I approve negative (non-threatening) comments regarding this post. Transparency and respect for different opinions is key.
His attitude is exactly why people are hating our authorities!
Guy should be writing his next book from prison!
93 gas canisters fired at children… And he gets a medal for it! Write about Waco ffs
Why did you not write about waco
The interview was specifically about the prison riot, the subject of Jim’s book.
Just watched him on the A&E show about Waco. Those idiots were Bat-Shit crazy, but This Douche Nozzle is the Epitome of Government Arrogance and Overreach.
I respect your right to express your opinion and, therefore, partially approved this comment.