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Navy Spy's Double Life: From Party Animal to KGB Master
13 Dec
Summary
- US Navy photoanalyst Glenn Souther defected to Russia, becoming a KGB major.
- Souther allegedly provided crucial nuclear war plans to the Soviets.
- Friends recalled him as a lively party-goer, baffled by his spy persona.
Glenn Michael Souther, once a US Navy photoanalyst, disappeared in 1986, only to re-emerge in Russia under the name Mikhail Orlov. Soviet authorities celebrated him as a master spy and KGB major, claiming he provided "precious" intelligence, including U.S. nuclear war strategies. His defection and alleged betrayal shocked friends, who recalled him as a charismatic party enthusiast from his college years.
Souther's journey began after enlisting in the Navy, where he served on the USS Nimitz and later in the Sixth Fleet. It is believed his recruitment into the KGB occurred during his time in Italy. After military service, he worked analyzing satellite photos in Maryland, while also studying Russian language and culture at Old Dominion University, where his fluency and academic prowess raised suspicions.
Despite his estranged wife's earlier suspicions, an investigation yielded no immediate evidence. However, Souther eventually moved to Moscow, surfacing in 1988 to publicly criticize U.S. policies. His life concluded tragically in 1989, with Soviet reports citing suicide due to immense pressure, leaving behind a complex legacy of espionage and mystery.
