This is Stanislav Petrov, a retired lieutenant colonel in the Soviet military, photographed in the mid 2000s. It was on this day in 1983 that Petrov averted World War 3 by deciding to not report an apparent incoming nuclear strike from the United States.
a true global hero. none of us would be here if it weren’t for him! makes you appreciate even the most distant of strangers, they could save your life one day.
What was actually the cause of the five “blips”?
The podcast SNAFU with Ed Helms gave a segment on him. A tense moment for sure.
I’m left with the question as to why we had to take Russian nuclear threats seriously in the past, but now we don’t have to.
Honorable mention to Vasily Arkhipov as well.
Undying fame should surround his name. A true hero.
Every American, regardless of politics, should know the name of Stanislav Petrov.