North, Oliver (1943–)

ACQUITTED OF CRIMES because he was “just following orders,” Oliver North first came to the attention of the American public in connection with the 1987 Iran-Contra Senate Hearings. The hearings were an effort to determine who had knowledge of and involvement in secret arms sales to Iran, and the subsequent funneling of the profits to Nicaraguan Contras (anti-communists). Congress had banned U.S. aid to the Contras. Along with other implications for careers and futures, the last 18 months of President Ronald Reagan's administration was at stake as well. If it were proved that Reagan knew of the Iran-Contra actions, the popular president would be implicated in criminal conspiracy, thus diminishing further his already flagging support in Congress and perhaps forcing his resignation or impeachment.

October 1986 found North trying to forge relations with Iranian moderates, hoping they would help win the release of American hostages in Lebanon. The White House aide reportedly authorized Middle Easterner Albert Hakim to tell the moderates that “the U.S. ‘will cooperate to depose’ Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and ‘fight Russians in Iran.’” The decorated Marine Lieutenant Colonel North was fired in November 1986.

Although Justice Department attorney Charles Cooper and Representative Michael DeWine (ROH) indicated they would not believe North's veracity, in early July 1987, when North's testimony was televised, polls showed he was rated favorably by 43 percent of respondents. The Vietnam War veteran did not offer proof that Reagan knew of the affair, but did testify that he, North, sent the president five memoranda which outlined the scheme, and that North's superiors who were in direct contact with Reagan had authorized the plan. North also testified that he had seen a presidential directive, signed by Reagan, which detailed the intent to trade arms with Iran for hostages.

In February 1989, North faced a federal jury on 12 charges, including obstructing Congressional presidential investigations, destroying government documents, and receipt of illegal gratuities. North paid for a home security system with proceeds from a Swiss bank account that had been controlled by retired Air Force Major General Richard Secord, an associate in the Iran-Contra dealings. On discovery of the transaction, North tried to falsify records to show he had paid for the system from his own funds.

The most serious charges, conspiracy to defraud the government and theft, were dropped because successful prosecution depended so closely on secret documents. He was convicted of shredding and altering documents, though he said he was ordered to do so by his superiors; preparing false testimony for CIA Director William Casey and Rear Admiral John Poindexter, former national security adviser and North's immediate supervisor; and accepting an illegal gratuity for $13,873 security fencing for his home.

Punishment could have included up to 10 years imprisonment and fines of $750,000, but was placed at $178,785, two years of probation, and 1,200 hours of community service. Jurors believed North's claim that he acted on orders and acquitted him of other charges. The trial did not prove what, if any, involvement there was by Reagan and Vice President George H. W. Bush. Both Reagan and Bush (who became president as the trial ended), declined to issue a pardon for the former National Security Council aide.

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