Oliver North

Oliver North. Oliver Laurence North is a former United States Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, political commentator, author, and conservative activist who became a central, controversial figure in the Iran–Contra affair during the Ronald Reagan administration. His military service in the Vietnam War earned him several decorations, including the Silver Star, before he served on the National Security Council staff. Following his conviction on charges related to the scandal, which was later overturned, North built a multifaceted later career in media, advocacy, and politics, including an unsuccessful run for the United States Senate from Virginia.

Early life and education

Oliver Laurence North was born in San Antonio, Texas, and spent much of his youth in Philmont, New York. He attended the State University of New York at Brockport before receiving an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. North graduated from the academy in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree and received a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

Military career

North served as a platoon commander with the Third Marine Division during the Vietnam War, seeing combat in the I Corps region. His actions in 1969 during Operation Virginia Ridge earned him the Silver Star for gallantry. He was wounded twice in action, receiving two Purple Heart medals, and also was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. After various assignments, including a role at the Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, he was assigned in 1981 to the National Security Council staff in Washington, D.C., serving as Deputy Director for Political-Military Affairs.

Iran–Contra affair

While on the National Security Council staff, North was a key operative in the Iran–Contra affair, a political scandal under President Ronald Reagan. He helped coordinate the secret sale of weapons to Iran, which was under an arms embargo, in hopes of securing the release of American hostages in Lebanon. North also orchestrated the diversion of proceeds from these sales to fund the Contras, a CIA-backed rebel group in Nicaragua, despite the Boland Amendment prohibiting such aid. His high-profile testimony before the Congress-appointed Tower Commission and the joint House and Senate committees in 1987 was nationally televised. In 1989, he was convicted on three felony charges, including obstructing Congress, but the convictions were later overturned on appeal because his immunized testimony may have influenced witnesses.

Later career and public life

Following the scandal, North became a bestselling author, publishing memoirs like *Under Fire*. He served as a host and military analyst for the Fox News Channel and appeared on programs like *War Stories with Oliver North*. North also served as a spokesperson and fundraiser for conservative causes, including serving as president of the National Rifle Association's fundraising arm, the NRA Freedom Action Foundation. He has been a frequent speaker at events for organizations like the Conservative Political Action Conference.

Political campaigns

In 1994, North was the Republican Party nominee for the United States Senate from Virginia. He lost the general election to the incumbent Democrat, Chuck Robb, in a race that also included independent candidate and former Governor of Virginia Douglas Wilder. The campaign was notably expensive and contentious, drawing national attention and involvement from figures like President Ronald Reagan and Senator John Warner.

Personal life

North married Betsy Stuart in 1967, and they have four children. He is a devout Christian and has been involved with charitable organizations, including serving on the board of the Freedom Alliance, a foundation he helped establish to provide scholarships for children of fallen military personnel. North has resided in Virginia for many years and remains an active figure on the conservative lecture circuit and in media commentary.