Week 4: Eric Erickson

Monday, June 27, 2011

Full name: Eric “Red” Erickson

Born: 1890

Died: January 1983

Importance: American born spy that used his position as a Swedish National and oil executive to infiltrate Germany and the Nazi regime during World War II. He provided valuable information to the Allies that ultimately resulted in the Nazi’s demise.

Erickson Contest Winner & Facts: Congratulations to Tracy S. for being the winner of the Eric Erickson fact finding contest! Here is a link to the info found: http://www.jcs-group.com/military/war1941patriots/spy.html

Key Facts

Erickson fought in the U.S. Army during World War I.

Erickson became a Swedish citizen in the mid-1930’s.

Excerpt from Andy Andrews

Excerpt #1 from

The Final Summit:

Churchill had taken a couple of steps back from Erickson and was looking him over with pride and affection that reminded David of how a father might act after his ten-year- old hit his first home run. “My fine fellow!” he said. “I am simply in disbelief that we are able to meet—that I am able to meet you—at last. And under these circumstances!”

“Winston?” Lincoln said gently. “Perhaps we should be reintroduced.”

“Yes! Yes!” Winston agreed, and with a flourish he gestured toward Erickson, who had been patiently enduring the prime minister’s fawning with bemusement. “My dear friends, this is Eric Erickson, the ‘Gallant Knight’ to whom—come to think of it—I owe my own knighthood. Certainly, there is no doubt that I owe him the life of my beloved England.” He turned to David. “Sir, I declare to you that we might owe him the life of America as well. Who knows what dastardly turn history might have taken were it not for this uncommon man.” Winston suddenly took Erickson by the arm and thrust it into the air. “My friends, I give you Eric Erickson, the man who was single-handedly responsible for defeating the Nazi war machine in World War II.”

The Final Summit