A central figure in world events during the
past several years, retired Marine Lt. Col.
Oliver L. North has provoked great controversy
while gaining the respect of the vast majority
of Americans.
Born in San Antonio, Texas, North was raised
in upstate New York. When he graduated from
the United States Naval Academy in 1968, he
was commissioned in the U.S. Marines and shortly
thereafter was assigned as a Marine rifle platoon
commander in the Republic of Vietnam. His decorations
for courage and bravery include: the Silver
Star, the Bronze Star with a "V" for
Valor, two Purple Hearts and three Navy Commendation
Medals.
Following Vietnam, North served with distinction
in a variety of assignments both in the United
States and abroad. In August 1981, he was ordered
to the White House for duty with the National
Security Council staff and eventually was named
deputy director of political-military affairs.
While on the NSC staff, he was involved in planning
the liberation of Grenada and the rescue of
804 medical students held on the island. He
played a major role in the operation which resulted
in the capture of the terrorists and murderers
who hijacked the cruise ship Achille Lauro.
He later helped plan the U.S. raid on Qaddafi's
terrorist training camps in Libya -- after which
he was targeted for assassination by Abu Nidal,
the world's most brutal terrorist.
North is best known for the role he played
in carrying out President Reagan's orders to
support freedom and democracy in Central America.
Promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1983, North
held that rank until May 1988, when he retired
in order to defend himself against a special
prosecutor investigating the events in Central
America.
Today, North is the chief executive officer
of Guardian Technologies International, a Virginia-based
manufacturer of protective equipment for law
enforcement. He is also the president of Freedom
Alliance, a non-profit foundation dedicated
to promoting the principles of individual liberty,
a strong defense and traditional morality in
national policy.
Ollie and his wife, Betsy, live in Virginia
with their four children: Tait, Stuart, Sarah
and Dornin.
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