command a group involved in the agency's undercover war against the Communist government in Afghanistan, but it wasn't to be. Instead, he was given the job of Chief of Central American Task Force, with the primary mission of supporting the Contras. After succeeding Duane Clarridge, he assumed a major responsibility for support of the Nicaraguan Contras' armed opposition to the Sandinista's Soviet-backed, Communist government. In this capacity, Fiers became aware of Lt. Col. Oliver North's efforts to circumvent congressional limitations on aid to the rebel forces. Fiers was known for wholeheartedly supporting Adolfo Calero and Enrique Bermúdez against so-called reformers like Arturo Cruz and Alfonso Robelo. He clashed with the State Department's Elliott Abrams, who supported Cruz and Robelo. Fiers became party to the Lawrence Walsh investigation. Walsh determined that Fiers had knowledge of North's activities, and participated in concealing it from congressional investigators. On July 9, 1991, Fiers pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of withholding information from the Congress regarding secret efforts to aid the Nicaraguan Contra rebels. in return for immunity from further prosecution. He was sentenced to one year probation and 100 hours community service by US District Chief Judge Aubrey E. Robinson Jr. on January 31, 1992. On December 24, 1992, Fiers was pardoned by President George H. W. Bush, along with Caspar W. Weinberger, Duane R. Clarridge, Clair E. George, Elliott Abrams and Robert C. McFarlane. Later life Mr. Fiers retired from the C.I.A. in 1988, to join W. R. Grace & Company, a multinational concern, in Washington. See also List of people pardoned or granted clemency by the president of the United States References External links Final report of the independent counsel for Iran/Contra matters; Chapter 19 http://www.nytimes.com/1991/07/30/us/washington-at-work-quintessential-spy-undone-by-his-own-loyalty.html?pagewanted=all American spies People of the Central Intelligence Agency Recipients of American presidential pardons Iran–Contra affair 1939 births Living people Ohio State University alumni Ohio State Buckeyes football players Ohio State Buckeyes football coaches Military personnel from Ohio