James L. Dozier

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James Lee Dozier (born April 10, 1931) is a retired US Army general officer. In December 1981, he was kidnapped by the leftist Italian "Red Brigade" terrorist group in December of 1981. He was freed by Italian anti-terrorist forces after 42 days of captivity. General Dozier was the deputy Chief of Staff at NATO's Southern European land forces headquarters at Verona at the time. [1]

Brigadier General James L. Dozier was kidnapped from his apartment in Verona, Italy at approximately 6:00PM on December 17, 1981, by 4 men posing as plumbers. It was later reported that as many as 4 additional terrorists provided support with multiple vehicles. His wife was not kidnapped, but was left bound and chained in their apartment. [2]

The Red Brigade held Brigadier General Dozier for 42 days until January 28, 1982, when a team of NOCS (an Italian anti-terrorist team) successfully carried out his rescue from an apartment in Padua. After his return to the U.S. Army in Vicenza, he was congratulated via telephone by President Reagan on regaining his freedom.

Dozier was later promoted to Major General and eventually retired from active military service.