The John J. Daly Cold War Legacy Foundation was created to preserve and share the remarkable life of MSgt John J. Daly — a humble Chicago kid whose courage carried him across four decades of U.S. military and intelligence service. From the streets of Trieste in the late 1940s to Berlin during the most dangerous years of the Cold War, Daly served in silence, without recognition, guided only by duty, loyalty, and love of country.

Today, his family is opening this once-hidden archive so the world can finally understand what he carried — and what he gave.

Our Mission

We preserve Daly’s original documents, photographs, artifacts, and firsthand Cold War materials and make them accessible through:

• Museum partnerships

• Educational programs

• Public exhibitions

• Digital preservation initiatives

Our goal is simple:
To ensure that future generations learn from the courage, sacrifices, and quiet strength of those who served in the shadows.

John Daly never asked for recognition.

This foundation exists to honor his service, protect his legacy, and inspire unity — one story at a time.