United States Ambassador to Guatemala. John Gordon Mein was a U.S. diplomat who served as the United States Ambassador to Guatemala from 1965 until his assassination in 1968. He was the first U.S. ambassador to be assassinated while serving in office. Born in Cadiz, Kentucky, Mein pursued higher education at Georgetown College and later earned his Bachelor of Laws from George Washington University. He joined the Foreign Service in 1942, working in various locations, including Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Oslo, Jakarta, and Manila. His diplomatic career was marked by significant contributions, including serving as Deputy Chief of Mission in Rio de Janeiro and receiving the Meritorious Honor Award in 1959. During his tenure in Guatemala, the country was embroiled in the Guatemalan Civil War. Mein's assassination on August 28, 1968, was carried out by rebels from the Rebel Armed Forces (FAR). U.S. officials believed the rebels intended to kidnap him as leverage to negotiate the release of a recently arrested guerrilla leader. However, when Mein attempted to escape, the rebels shot him multiple times leaving him fatally wounded. This incident occurred amidst heightened tensions as FAR had previously assassinated two U.S. military aides earlier that year. The Guatemalan government responded swiftly, declaring a state of siege and conducting extensive searches for the perpetrators. The assassination led to increased U.S. security concerns in Guatemala and heightened tensions between the U.S. and leftist insurgent groups. The U.S. continued to support the Guatemalan government in its fight against guerrilla forces, further entrenching its involvement in the Guatemalan Civil War. Additionally, the event reinforced U.S. policies regarding diplomatic security, influencing how American diplomats were protected in conflict zones. It was a turning point that deepened U.S. engagement in Guatemala's internal struggles. His death led to national mourning in Guatemala, with the country's Foreign Minister eulogizing him as a sincere friend of Guatemala. Mein is buried at Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, D.C., and his legacy is honored in the Department of State's Diplomatic Lobby, alongside other Foreign Service personnel who died in the line of duty.

Bio by: JAG

United States Ambassador to Guatemala. John Gordon Mein was a U.S. diplomat who served as the United States Ambassador to Guatemala from 1965 until his assassination in 1968. He was the first U.S. ambassador to be assassinated while serving in office. Born in Cadiz, Kentucky, Mein pursued higher education at Georgetown College and later earned his Bachelor of Laws from George Washington University. He joined the Foreign Service in 1942, working in various locations, including Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Oslo, Jakarta, and Manila. His diplomatic career was marked by significant contributions, including serving as Deputy Chief of Mission in Rio de Janeiro and receiving the Meritorious Honor Award in 1959. During his tenure in Guatemala, the country was embroiled in the Guatemalan Civil War. Mein's assassination on August 28, 1968, was carried out by rebels from the Rebel Armed Forces (FAR). U.S. officials believed the rebels intended to kidnap him as leverage to negotiate the release of a recently arrested guerrilla leader. However, when Mein attempted to escape, the rebels shot him multiple times leaving him fatally wounded. This incident occurred amidst heightened tensions as FAR had previously assassinated two U.S. military aides earlier that year. The Guatemalan government responded swiftly, declaring a state of siege and conducting extensive searches for the perpetrators. The assassination led to increased U.S. security concerns in Guatemala and heightened tensions between the U.S. and leftist insurgent groups. The U.S. continued to support the Guatemalan government in its fight against guerrilla forces, further entrenching its involvement in the Guatemalan Civil War. Additionally, the event reinforced U.S. policies regarding diplomatic security, influencing how American diplomats were protected in conflict zones. It was a turning point that deepened U.S. engagement in Guatemala's internal struggles. His death led to national mourning in Guatemala, with the country's Foreign Minister eulogizing him as a sincere friend of Guatemala. Mein is buried at Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, D.C., and his legacy is honored in the Department of State's Diplomatic Lobby, alongside other Foreign Service personnel who died in the line of duty.

Bio by: JAG