Harold M. Koch (1932 – August 15, 1995)[1] was an American Roman Catholic priest from Chicago who defected to the Soviet Union in 1966.[2] His defection, which was included in a Soviet propaganda broadcast,[3] was in protest to the Vietnam war.[4] However he decided to return to the United States three months later saying he wanted to get married.[5] He did, to a Jeanette Neager.[6] While in the Soviet Union he was provided an apartment in Moscow.[7]

From 1958 to 1963 he served the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, leaving when pushed out because of psychiatric problems.[8]

Koch died on August 15, 1995, due to liver failure.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 "Harold M. Koch; Carpet Designer, 74 (Published 1995)". The New York Times. 1995-08-15. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-02-19.
  2. ↑ "Ex-US-Priest Explains Defection on Russ TV". The Milwaukee Journal, 9/13/1966.
  3. ↑ "Russian People Hear Former US. Priest". Playground Daily News, 9/14/1966.
  4. ↑ "USSR: American Ex-Priest who has Sought Asylum in Soviet Union Says Move was Protest Against Vietnam War".
  5. ↑ "Ex-U.S. Priest Ends Defection to Russia". Eugene Register-Guard, 12/19/1966.
  6. ↑ "Former Priest Marries". Watertown Daily Times, 7/8/1967.
  7. ↑ "Priest Defector Returning Home". Sarasota Journal, 12/19/1966.
  8. ↑ "Defector Said Ex-Priest". St. Petersburg Times, 9/13/1966.
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