Ep 15. The Man Who Saved the World

In "Mysteries at the Museum" Season 11 Episode 15, viewers will delve into the fascinating story of an ordinary man who saved the world from a nuclear disaster. This episode takes a closer look at the heroic actions of Lieutenant Colonel Stanislav Petrov, a Soviet officer who in September 1983 prevented a mistaken nuclear attack on the United States and its NATO allies.

The episode begins with host Don Wildman visiting the Warsaw Uprising Museum in Warsaw, Poland. Here, he learns about the history and significance of the uprising, which occurred during WWII. The museum also houses a piece of evidence that speaks to the heroism of Colonel Petrov. Wildman examines a plaque that memorializes Petrov's brave actions and recognizes him as “The Man Who Saved the World.”

From there, the episode takes viewers back to 1983, during the height of the Cold War. At that time, the world was on edge due to the possibility of a nuclear war. The United States and the Soviet Union both possessed nuclear weapons, and any misstep or misunderstanding could potentially lead to disaster.

In the Soviet Union, thousands of early-warning systems had been set up to detect any incoming missiles from the US. On September 26, 1983, one of these systems detected what appeared to be a missile launch from the US. The system reported it to Colonel Petrov, who was on duty as a senior officer at the Soviet Union's early-warning center.

Petrov faced an impossible decision. The system was believed to be completely reliable, but Petrov had a hunch that the report was a false alarm. He chose to disobey protocol and not report the supposed missile attack up the chain of command. Instead, he waited for further confirmations. His decision paid off - within minutes, the system's sensors realized the "attack" was really just a computer glitch.

The episode explores the moment when Petrov made his decision and speaks to experts that analyze the potential implications of what could have happened if Petrov had not taken these actions.

Throughout the episode, Wildman travels to various sites to learn more about the events of that day and about Petrov's life story. He visits Moscow to detail Petrov's biography, including his early years, military career, and the aftermath of his fateful decision. Wildman speaks with Petrov's son, Dmitry, and other key figures in Petrov's life.

Viewers will gain an in-depth understanding of the tense geopolitical situation of the time and the incredible burden placed on officers like Petrov. The episode reveals the remarkable bravery and quick thinking that Petrov displayed, and how his decision may have averted global catastrophe.

Overall, "Mysteries at the Museum" Season 11 Episode 15 provides a captivating and informative look into one of the most significant events of the Cold War. It explores the importance of trusting one's instincts, even in the face of overwhelming odds, and celebrates the heroism of one man who made a difference.