There was a spy in the USSR during the cold war who had to have some procedure done. He refused anesthesia. His pretense was that he might reveal state secrets

There was a spy in the USSR during the cold war who had to have some procedure done. He refused anesthesia. His pretense was that he might reveal state secrets or something. He was given an award for his bravery or something. Interesting story. I wish I could remember more of the details.