Hoyt, Michael P. E.
Michael Hoyt served in the U.S. Foreign Service for twenty-five years, heading four diplomatic and consular posts. For his courage during the 1964 hostage situation, he was awarded the U.S. Department of State’s highest honor — the Secretary’s Award. His assignments took him to posts in Pakistan, Switzerland, and Africa. His last assignment was as counselor of the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva to promote human rights. He now consults, writes, and lectures on international affairs and teaches college-level African history courses.
As one of those taken hostage by Congolese rebels at the U.S. Consulate he headed in Stanleyville (now Kisangani), Michael Hoyt provides the first inside account of the 1964 seizure of the American consulate staff and their 111 days of captivity. Their struggle to stay alive and their dramatic rescue...