Swedish diplomat who rescued 100.000 Hungarian Jews from the holocaust and who. for 36 years. has been held without explanation in Soviet prisons. The courage and heroism of Raoul Wallenberg was unmatched by any other person in the closing days of World War II. The story of his bravery and sacrifice have become known to the American public after more than 30 years of silence. The fact that his mission in Budapest was sponsored. directed. and financed by the American War Refugee Board is no longer kept secret. In fact. many steps to recognize and honor Raoul Wallenberg are underway. Today. on his birthday. the cities of San Francisco and Washington.