“P” is for Peurifoy, John Emil (1907-1955). Diplomat “Jack” Peurifoy was born in Walterboro. In 1938 he passed civil service examinations and was employed by the U.S. State Department. In 1947 he was appointed assistant secretary of state for administration. In 1950 he was appointed U.S. ambassador to Greece where he intervened repeatedly to strengthen anti-Communist political parties. During his tenure Peurifoy gained a reputation for being a dedicated “Cold Warrior.” In 1953 he was appointed U.S. ambassador to Guatemala where he worked with the CIA to organize a coup to overthrow a left-wing government. In 1954 Peurifoy was U.S. ambassador to Thailand where his arrival coincided with the growing influence of the United States within Southeast Asia, especially Indochina. In 1955 John Emil Peurifoy was killed in what was ruled traffic accident that many believed had been an assassination.
“P” is for Peurifoy, John Emil (1907-1955)
