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Oliver North

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Oliver Laurence North
NascitaSan Antonio, 7 ottobre 1943
Dati militari
Paese servito Stati Uniti
Forza armata United States Marine Corps
Anni di servizio1968 - 1990
GradoTenente colonnello
GuerreGuerra del Vietnam
Decorazioni
Studi militariUnited States Naval Academy
PubblicazioniEroi Americani (2008)
scrittoreScandalo Irangate
  • Freedom Alliance, presidente onorario
voci di militari presenti su Wikipedia
Manuale

Oliver Laurence North (San Antonio, 7 ottobre 1943) è un ex militare statunitense, già membro dello staff del Consiglio per la sicurezza nazionale, famoso perché coinvolto nello scandalo Irangate.

Biografia

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Servizio militare

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North è nato a San Antonio, in Texas, il 7 ottobre 1943. Intrapresa la carriera militare, si laurea all'Accademia Navale degli Stati Uniti ad Annapolis, Maryland. Entra nel corpo dei Marine, dove milita per 22 anni, fino a raggiungere il grado di tenente colonnello. Durante il suo servizio ha combattuto nella guerra del Vietnam, nella quale ha ottenuto diverse decorazioni: la Bronze Star Medal, la Silver Star Medal e due Purple Heart.

Carriera pubblica

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Dal 1983 fino al 1986 ha fatto parte dell'amministrazione Reagan nello staff del Consiglio per la sicurezza nazionale[1], in qualità di coordinatore anti-terrorismo. Durante il suo servizio nell'amministrazione Reagan, North è intervenuto in diverse e importanti azioni militari. Nel 1983 ha pianificato l'invasione di Grenada, affidata a reparti Marines, per rovesciare il governo comunista dell'isola. Nel 1985 ha invece ricoperto un importante ruolo nell'arresto di un gruppo di terroristi che aveva dirottato la Achille Lauro, mentre il 15 aprile 1986 ha preso parte all'organizzazione del blitz contro le basi terroristiche nella Libia di Mu'ammar Gheddafi. Le covert operations condotte in quel periodo avrebbero contemplato anche il finanziamento di attività militari mediante il traffico di droga[2].

Ruolo nello scandalo Irangate

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Lo stesso argomento in dettaglio: Irangate.

Fu coinvolto nello scandalo Irangate e individuato tra i principali sospettati per aver venduto armi all'Iran e con i ricavati aver sostenuto i Contras in Nicaragua[3]. North fu indicato da alcuni esponenti della Casa Bianca come l'unico a conoscenza di quei traffici[4], e perciò Reagan dapprima e Bush poi poterono proseguire la politica estera già sperimentata fino ad allora[5]. North venne così posto sotto processo e le sue udienze al Congresso vennero trasmesse in diretta televisiva, durante una delle quali fu sul punto di scoppiare in lacrime. Il 4 maggio 1989, al termine del processo, venne dichiarato colpevole di tre reati e assolto da altri nove; le condanne vennero però in seguito annullate in appello.

Attività professionale

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Nel 1990 Oliver North è stato il fondatore, e da allora presidente onorario, della Freedom Alliance (unione per la libertà). Fondò questa organizzazione pubblica allo scopo di aiutare con borse di studio i figli di tutti i soldati morti (o resi permanentemente disabili) in guerra, ma anche per sostenere i militari in servizio e le loro famiglie. In questo modo intese mantenere una forte difesa nazionale e promuovere i diritti dei cittadini[6] e la libera iniziativa.

In seguito è stato conduttore televisivo e commentatore politico repubblicano presso il canale televisivo conservatore Fox News, oltre ad essere il conduttore del talk show Storie di guerra con Oliver North (War Stories with Oliver North). Inoltre è staton l'autore di alcuni libri a sfondo politico-militare, tra cui Eroi americani (American Heroes) pubblicato nel 2008. È infine stato alla guida della National Rifle Association of America dal 7 maggio 2018 fino al marzo 2019, quando è stato forzato a rassegnare le dimissioni[7].

Nella cultura di massa

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Onorificenze

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Onorificenze statunitensi

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Silver Star - nastrino per uniforme ordinaria
«The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Oliver Laurence North (MCSN: 0-106162), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company K, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 25 May 1969, while Company K was participating in Operation Virginia Ridge near the Demilitarized Zone, the lead platoon came under a heavy volume of machine gun and automatic weapons fire supported by rocket-propelled grenades, directional mines, and mortars. In the initial burst of fire, the platoon commander and point squad leader were seriously wounded. Realizing the need for immediate action, Second Lieutenant North rapidly maneuvered his Second Platoon through the lines of the beleaguered unit and personally initiated an aggressive assault against the North Vietnamese Army emplacement, the momentum of which forced the stunned hostile soldiers to withdraw to another hill and enabled the treatment and evacuation of Marine casualties. After regrouping his forces, he fearlessly led an attack on the enemy’s new position, killing one soldier as his men closed with the enemy, and causing the North Vietnamese Army force to retreat to previously prepared entrenchments on the ridgeline. Again reorganizing his men, Second Lieutenant North, with complete disregard for his own safety, assumed the foremost assault position and seemingly oblivious to the intense machine gun fire impacting around him, led his men against the hostile position. As the tempo of the battle increased, casualties mounted, and his unit’s ammunition supply became short. Unwilling to unnecessarily risk the lives of his men, he halted the attack and, repeatedly exposing himself to the heavy volume of fire delivered by the determined enemy soldiers, boldly directed the resupply of his platoon and the evacuation of the injured Marines. After skillfully adjusting fixed wing air strikes upon the North Vietnamese Army unit, Second Lieutenant North dauntlessly initiated a fourth assault by his wearied men. Calmly braving the intense fire of the tenacious hostile soldiers, he moved from one Marine to another, directing their fire and exciting them to a last bold effort which, by his valorous perseverance, enabled his men to push the remainder of the North Vietnamese Army force from the ridgeline and to seize the objective. His heroic actions and vigorous efforts inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the defeat of the enemy. By his courage, dynamic leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Second Lieutenant North upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.»
— 25 maggio 1968[8][9][10][11]
Bronze Star Medal con dispositivo "V" e due foglie di quercia - nastrino per uniforme ordinaria
«For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company K. Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division. On 22 February 1969, Second Lieutenant North was aboard the lead rank directing his platoon's reconnaissance operations in the vicinity of Con Thien in Quang Tri Province when his patrol camic, under intense automatic weapons and machine gun fire and hand grenade attack from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force well entrenched in the densely-wooded area. Reacting instantly, the began delivering a heavy valume of return fire whille directing his men and the vehicles out of the hazardous area and rito open terrainy Ropidly assessing the situation when he observed the enemy attempting to envelope and isolate his patrol, Second Lieutenant North completely disregarded his own safety as he boldly remained in his dangerously exposed position on top of the tank to deploy bis men and establish a defensive perimeter. When struck by the vehicle's revolving turret and thrown to the ground, he resolutely refused medical attention and ignored his own parkful injuries as he skillfully directed the actions of the Marines, Realizing that radio communication was imperative, Second Lieutenant North fearlessly moved ocrass the fire-swept terrain, climbed aboard the tank, and remained oblivious to the North Vietnamese rounds impacting sround him as he retrieved the radio from atop The lank and directed his ratio operator to establish contact with supporting airesaft. Obtaining an M-79 grenade launcher, he delivered highly accurate fire and directed the fire of his men and the armored vehicles against the hostile positions with such effectiveness that seven enemy soldiers were killed and the hostile fire lenced After ensuring that all the casualties were cared ju and every man in his patrol accounted for, he then moved the Marines out of the dangerous area and returned to is base, Second Lieutenant North's courage, superb leadership and unwavering devotior to duty in the face of great personal danger inspired all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.»
— [Data ignota][9][10][11]
Meritorious Service Medal - nastrino per uniforme ordinaria
«For outstanding meritorius service as Manpower Policy analyst with the unit Deployment Program at Headquarters, Marine Corps from December 1974 through May 1978. During this period, Major (then Captain) North was tasked with the responsibility for developing the long range unit deployment implementation plan which commenced on October 1, 1977. Maintaining a rigorous and exhausting work schedule, he applied sound managerial technique to ensure that the Unit Deployment Plan was tactically sound and administratively supportable, Successful implementation of the plan was, in a large measure, due to Major North's perceptive analysisi and in-depth briefings for the Commandant, Headquarters Staff, and principal Fleet Marine Force Commanders. He effected essential liaison with the extra service agencies and was personally responsible for gaining Navy support that was imperative to execution. In addition, Captain North [...] a unique and lasting contibution to the operational effectivness of Marine Corps tactical units. By his exemplary achievements, personal ability, and selfness devotion to duty, Captain North reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.»
— [Data ignota][11]
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal con dispositivo "V" e due stelle d'oro - nastrino per uniforme ordinaria
«For meritorious service while serving with the Third Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, from 28 November 1968 to 26 November 1969. Throughout this period, Captain North, then a First Lieutenant, performed his duties an exemplary and highly professional manner. Initially assigrted as a Plation Commander with Company K. Third Battabon, Third Marines, he molded his man into an aggressive fighting unit and provided his company with consistentl outstanding combat support Participating in numerous major combat operations Including Operations Taylor Common, Maine Craig, and Idaho Canyon, he repeatedly distinguished himself by his courage and professionalism under fire asthe led his platoon in pursuit of hostile forces! In addition, Captain North planned and supervised the execution of more than seventy day and night ambushes and devised tactical innovations, which resulted in heary enemy casualnes Subsequepuy reaisigned as Liaison Officer with the G-3 Operations Section, Captain North ably coordinated the preparation and movement of subordinate units in the final phases of the Division's redeployment from the Republic of Vietnam to Okinawa. As a result of his diligent and resourceful efforts, the operational effectiveness of his command was greatly enhanced. By his leadership, superb professionalisme and Steadfast devotion to duty. Captain North earned the respect arid admiration of all who served with him and upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corns and of the United States Naval Service.»
— [Data ignota][11]
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal con stella d'oro - nastrino per uniforme ordinaria
«For professional achievement in the superior performance of his duties while serving with the Northern Trairing Area. Third Marine Division ar Okinawa, Japan, from 1 April to 20 June 1974. Assigned as Officer in Charge of the Division Schools, Captain North was tasked to develop a training program 10 hone the infantry skills of battalions returning from deployment Given but general guidance as to the types of skills desired and the duration of the intended program. he drew upon his knowledge of infantry Icchniques and almost singlehandedly developed and implemented a comprehensive program. Carefully surveying the terrain, he laid out land navigation and rappelling courses to make maximum use cf available space and special terrain features. After preparing detailed lesson plans. Captain North submitted the proposed training package, which was approved virtually without change Subsequently, his tireless efforts were rewarded when the tritial class, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, endorsed the program as outstanding in every respect. In this challenging assignment, Captain North materially enhanced the combat readiness and high training levels attained by the Division. Captain North's ou standing professional ability, untiring determinanon, and steadfast devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the Uruted States Naval Service.»
— [Data ignota][11]
Combat Action Ribbon - nastrino per uniforme ordinaria
— [Data ignota][10][11]
Navy Unit Commendation - nastrino per uniforme ordinaria
— [Data ignota][11]
Basic Parachutist Badge - nastrino per uniforme ordinaria
— [Data ignota][11]

Onorificenze straniere

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Note

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  1. ^ Christopher Hitchens, The Reagan Doctrine and the Secret State, MERIP Middle East Report, No. 148, Re-Flagging the Gulf (Sep. - Oct., 1987), pp. 6-8.
  2. ^ The Contras, Cocaine, and Covert Operations, su nsarchive.gwu.edu. URL consultato il 19 dicembre 2015.
  3. ^ Ray Nichols, OF ARMS AND THE MAN: THE IRAN-CONTRA AFFAIR AS 'REPRESENTATIVE ANECDOTE, Australasian Journal of American Studies, Vol. 11, No. 2 (December 1992), pp. 19-36.
  4. ^ Scott J. Basinger, Brandon Rottinghaus, Stonewalling and Suspicion during Presidential Scandals, Political Research Quarterly, Vol. 65, No. 2 (JUNE 2012), pp. 290-302.
  5. ^ Peter Dale Scott, Northwards without North: Bush, Counterterrorism, and the Continuation of Secret Power, Social Justice, Vol. 16, No. 2 (36), VARIETIES OF STATE AND CORPORATE CRIME (Summer 1989), pp. 1-30.
  6. ^ Mary E. Bendyna, R. S. M., John C. Green, Mark J. Rozell, Clyde Wilcox, Uneasy Alliance: Conservative Catholics and the Christian Right, Sociology of Religion, Vol. 62, No. 1 (Spring, 2001), pp. 51-64.
  7. ^ Il protagonista dello scandalo Iran-Contra nuovo presidente dell’associazione Usa per le armi, su La Stampa, 7 maggio 2018. URL consultato il 3 maggio 2023.
  8. ^ (EN) Oliver Laurence North, su Military Times. URL consultato il 20 aprile 2025.
  9. ^ a b c (EN) John H. Jr. Cushman, Washington Talk; 5 Young Lawyers Who Would Be Heroes ... And A Marine Who Wears a Hero's Ribbons, su The New York Times, 7 luglio 1987. URL consultato il 20 aprile 2025.
  10. ^ a b c d (EN) American Legion honors Oliver North with National PR Award, su American Legion. URL consultato il 20 aprile 2025.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s (EN) Oliver North service records (PDF), su Golden Arrow Research. URL consultato il 20 aprile 2025.

Altri progetti

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Collegamenti esterni

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Controllo di autoritàVIAF (EN) 139135095 · ISNI (EN) 0000 0001 2221 6265 · LCCN (EN) n86008183 · GND (DE) 120313154 · J9U (EN, HE) 987007429326805171
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