Oliver North facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oliver North
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North in 2017, wearing his Silver Star medal ribbon
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| President of the National Rifle Association | |
| In office September 2018 – April 29, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Pete Brownell |
| Succeeded by | Carolyn D. Meadows |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Oliver Laurence North
October 7, 1943 San Antonio, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Betsy Stuart
(m. 1967; died 2024) |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | State University of New York, Brockport United States Naval Academy (BS) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1968–1990 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant colonel |
| Unit | 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines (Vietnam) 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines 2nd Marine Division |
| Commands | Northern Training Area |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards |
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Oliver Laurence North (born October 7, 1943) is an American political speaker, TV host, author, and a retired United States Marine Corps lieutenant colonel. He is known for his military service and his later career in media and politics.
North was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He worked for the United States National Security Council during the Iran–Contra affair in the late 1980s. This was a political event where weapons were sold to Iran. The goal was to help free American hostages held in Lebanon. North helped plan to send money from these sales to support rebel groups in Nicaragua called the Contras. This funding was not allowed by U.S. law at the time. He later testified about his role in these events.
After his military career, North ran for the U.S. Senate in 1994 but did not win. He then became a radio and TV host, including War Stories with Oliver North on Fox News. In 2018, he became the president of the National Rifle Association (NRA). He resigned from this role in 2019 after a disagreement with the organization's chief executive.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Oliver North was born in San Antonio, Texas, on October 7, 1943. His father was a U.S. Army major. He grew up in Philmont, New York, and finished high school in 1961.
He attended the State University of New York at Brockport for two years. In 1963, he joined the United States Naval Academy. He became a second lieutenant in the Marines in 1968. He had to miss a year of studies due to injuries from a car accident.
U.S. Marine Corps Career
Serving in Vietnam
North served as a platoon commander during the Vietnam War. A platoon is a small group of soldiers. For his brave actions, he received several awards. These included the Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal, and two Purple Heart medals.
During one battle, North led his Marines in a counter-attack. They faced heavy machine gun fire and rockets. He showed great "courage, dynamic leadership and unwavering devotion to duty."
After Vietnam Service
After the Vietnam War, North continued his Marine Corps career. From 1969 to 1974, he was an instructor at the Marine Basic School. He also worked in Japan and at Headquarters Marine Corps.
In 1981, North began working for the United States National Security Council in Washington, D.C. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1983. While at the National Security Council, he helped with several important missions. These included finding those responsible for a bombing in Beirut in 1983. He also helped plan the U.S. invasion of Grenada and the 1986 bombing of Libya.
Military Awards and Honors
Oliver North received many awards for his service in the Marine Corps. Some of his notable awards include:
- Silver Star Medal
- Bronze Star Medal with Combat V device
- Purple Heart Medal (with one gold star, meaning two awards)
- Defense Meritorious Service Medal
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Combat Action Ribbon
- Presidential Service Badge
The Iran–Contra Affair
Oliver North became widely known because of his involvement in the Iran–Contra affair. This was a political event during President Ronald Reagan's time in office. It involved the secret sale of weapons to Iran. The money from these sales was then sent to the Contras, a rebel group in Nicaragua.
U.S. law, specifically the Boland Amendment, had forbidden the government from funding the Contras. North was accused of helping to create a secret network to send money to the Contras. He even tried to get money from the Sultan of Brunei for this purpose.
In November 1986, when the weapon sales became public, President Reagan dismissed North. In July 1987, North testified in front of Congress about the affair. He admitted that he had not been fully truthful with Congress. He defended his actions by saying he believed in helping the Contras. He saw them as "freedom fighters" against the Sandinista government in Nicaragua.
North was later charged with several things related to the affair. He was initially found responsible for some actions. However, these findings were later overturned by a higher court. All charges against him were eventually dismissed in 1991. This was because his testimony to Congress had been given with a promise of immunity.
Political Activities
In 1994, Oliver North ran for a United States Senate seat in Virginia. He ran as the Republican Party candidate. He raised a lot of money for his campaign, more than any other statewide campaign at that time.
However, North lost the election to the incumbent Democratic senator, Charles Robb. He received 43 percent of the votes.
Freedom Alliance
In 1990, North started a foundation called the Freedom Alliance. This group aims to support military service and promote a strong national defense. Its main activities include helping wounded soldiers and giving scholarships to children of service members who died in action.
National Rifle Association
In May 2018, the National Rifle Association (NRA) announced that Oliver North would become its next president. He had been a board member and spoken at NRA conventions before. He officially started his term in September 2018.
In April 2019, North announced he would not serve a second term as president. This decision came amidst a disagreement with the NRA's chief executive. North's term ended on April 29, 2019. He was replaced by Carolyn D. Meadows.
Media and Books
Oliver North became well-known for his work in media. From 1995 to 2003, he hosted his own nationally syndicated radio show. He also co-hosted a TV show called Equal Time from 1999 to 2000.
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From 2001 to 2016, North hosted the TV show War Stories with Oliver North on Fox News Channel. He also appeared as a regular commentator on the show Hannity. He has appeared as himself on other TV shows, including Wings and JAG.
North was a military consultant for the 2012 video game Call of Duty: Black Ops II. He even voiced his own character in a scene. He also speaks at many public and private events.
Books Written by Oliver North
Oliver North has written many books, both non-fiction and fiction.
- Non-fiction books:
- Under Fire: An American Story (1991)
- One More Mission: Oliver North Returns to Vietnam (1993)
- War Stories: Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003)
- True Freedom: The Liberating Power of Prayer (2003)
- A Greater Freedom: Stories of Faith from Operation Iraqi Freedom (2004)
- American Heroes: In the Fight Against Radical Islam (2008)
- American Heroes: On the Homefront (2013)
- Fiction books:
- Mission Compromised (2002)
- The Jericho Sanction (2003)
- The Assassins (2005)
- Heroes Proved (2012)
- The Rifleman (2019)
Personal Life
In 1967, Oliver North married Betsy Stuart. They had four children together. The North family lives in McLean, Virginia.
Betsy North passed away on November 16, 2024.
Images for kids
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Basic Parachutist Badge
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Marine Corps Expert Rifle Badge
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Marine Corps Expert Pistol Badge
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Presidential Service Badge
See also
In Spanish: Oliver North para niños
