Under Fire: An American Story

by Oliver L. North; William Novak

The man who was ordered by Reagan and his cronies to help conduct the covert pipeline of funds to the Nicaraguan contras presents his side of the story, recounting his youth, his service in Vietnam, and his trial. Reprint.

Genres: History, Biography, Politics, Autobiography, Military Fiction, Nonfiction, American History

Paperback

First published October 1, 1991

Reviews

[Tariq Alferis · Rating 4 out of 5]

.مذكرات الرقيب مشاة البحرية أوليفر نورث المنسق لفضيحة " الكونترا _إيران" الفضحية التي كانت على وشك الإطاحة برئيس الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية ريغين
الكتاب ممتاز جدًا ليس من أجل سرده للقصة الكونترا إيران فقط , بل قدم أيضًا مفهوم التفكير لدى الساسة الامريكان, يؤمن الساسة في أمريكا أن دعمهم للمتمردين "الثوار" في كل مكان وإسقاطهم للحكومات أفعال بطولية يستحقون عليها الأوسمة ..شيء عجيب
سعيد جدًا بفعل إيران بالكذب على الامريكان من أجل الحصول على الأسلحة , ومحزن أن تجد اسم السعودية في كل فعل إرهابي لمساعدتهم لريغان ..معاملة الأمريكان لسعودية كحيوان اليف أمر مضحك ومبكي في الوقت نفسه

..

[Wendy Osborn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book disorganized, tedious and long. Oliver North jumps around from the present to a few years ago to his childhood to two days ago to the early years of his marriage. It is just too hard to follow, and much of it is boring and not applicable to the Iran- Contra affair. I wanted to read this book to find out more about the affair which happened in my early childhood and instead was inundated with hundreds of names of people and not enough detail. I would've had a better idea of what went on, if North could've limited the number of names of people he brought into the story. Many characters were not necessary.

I think it's obvious what happened to Oliver North, even though it's not mentioned in the book. Ronald Reagan had the starts of Alzheimer's and didn't remember everything that went on. Because Reagan felt like US laws had been violated, he put North and a handful of others on trial. North became the fall guy as a result of his own coworkers turning on him and trying to clear their own names. This, I believe was the true crime. I think he would've been a lot smarter to keep a massive paper trail of executive orders that could put blame where blame was due. That alone would've cleared his name.

As for the fiasco, I think Oliver North was a good guy and had the wonderful intention of saving human lives. I think he lacked good judgement because he did not question putting our US weapons in the hands of terrorists, contra rebels, and countries we have a hard time trusting. I think if he would've asked a few more questions, he would've understood the magnitude of what he was doing.

[Michael Wheatley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book. Watched some of the hearings on youtube as I was finishing it. Day 23 is when North begins his testimony. The hearings brought the book to life. I also liked reading about Williams & Connolly's involvement. Found out where Sullivan's famous potted plant line came from.

Samoza regime in Nicaragua overthrown by Sandinistas. Anti-Sandinista resistance develops in Nicaragua. They are known as the contras.

At same time, U.S. was trying to free U.S. hostages in Beirut. U.S. also wanted to cultivate moderate Iranian officials. Iran was at war with Iraq.

Congress enacts Boland Amendments defunding support for contras in Nicaragua.

North arranges sale of Israeli arms to Iran in exchange for Iran's help in freeing hostages. Arms called HAWKS and TOWS. North charged huge markups on the arms and sent the extra cash to a bank account that the contras in Nicaragua could access. Saudis were also giving money to help contras.

Plane crashes in Nicaragua and Hasenfus (North associate in Nicaragua) tells world that despite Boland Amendments, U.S. is still involved in supporting contras in Nicaragua. Deal structure implodes. North shreds lots of documents. North is fired.

North claims he acted with the approval of his superiors in the Reagan administration.

North is compelled to testify before Congress after being granted use-immunity.

North is convicted on three counts (out of 12 in indictment). Three-judge appeals panel reverses conviction. En banc panel upholds reversal. Supreme Court refuses cert.

What did President Reagan know and when did he know it?

[Trk142 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling. Funny. Heartfelt. Honest. Sobering. Loved this book from beginning to end. Could not put it down. This all happened when I was in 9th grade. I was old enough to understand what was going on but young enough that I didn't care. It was amazing to relive those years through someone else's eyes and see how the events of 1986-1991 really began to shape what was to come in 2001.

[Simone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally got a chance to read this book. Oliver North fascinates me. Having read it and also after a few discussions with my boss, lieutenant North took the fall for something bigger than Iran- Contra scandal. Indicted for 16 felony counts some of which included aiding and abetting in the obstruction of a congressional inquiry; lying to congress, destroying documents and funneling money through his organization and bank to the Contras. For all that he did, against the Boland Amendment at the time which legislatives created to restrict U.S. government assistance to the Contras in Nicaragua., i.e. selling them weapons and such, he only got 3 yrs suspended prison term, 2 yrs probation, $150,000 in fines, and 1,200 hours community service. Slap on the wrist! By this time his trial was so widespread and the amount of supporters he had was ridiculous. Then after a year, he was sentenced July 1989, in July 1990 North's convictions were annulled, after the appeals court found that witnesses in his trial might have been impermissibly affected by his immunized congressional testimony. If it had be someone else, they would have been put under the jail for those offenses. All North's convictions were reversed. The Supreme Court declined to review the case. Why? They didn't want anything else coming to the surface. For instance, the CIAs involvement in drug trafficking in Central America during the Reagan Administration as part of the Contra war in Nicaragua. After his nonexistent punishment, allegations were made that North and other senior officials created a privatized Contra network that evoked drug traffickers looking for cover for their operations, then they ignored or looked the other way on repeated reports of drug smuggling related to the Contras, and actively worked with known drug smugglers. Madness. This is an example of secret intelligence at its best using something big to hide something bigger or the true offense. All charges against North on September 16, 1991, were dismissed on the motion of the independent counsel. Gotta love the CIA.

[Hugh Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir is an excellent warts-and-all picture of a determined young man who went through two plebe years at Annapolis and served in a very hot battle in Vietnam. He sustained life-threatening wounds, but recovered to find his marriage in a shambles because of his workaholic mentality. He found faith in God, sought counseling, and managed to salvage his marriage, but his job in the Pentagon would make Oliver North a household name. The negotiations involving Israel-Iran-Lebanon-Contra connections set the stage for the famous hearings in which Democrat Senators condemned the funding of guerrillas who fought against the Communist government in Nicaragua. The public sided with Ollie and the Contras. I would have liked better coverage of the hearings because I was too young to have seen any of them. Of course, in 1991, they were so recent that everyone could remember them. Senators comparing a uniformed Marine with North's war record to the Nazi war criminals stands today as a monumental overreach that backfired.

[David Vanness · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...amazing" is a powerful word to use judging a literary work. But I do give this 5 stars. Having lived thru, watched, and questioned events and legislators I'm glad to see 'the other side of the story'. All history teachers need to read this rendition. I know. I'm 20 years late my 'to read' list.

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's insane to think that Iran-Contra even became a scandal in the first place. Literally nothing more than a liberal moral panic to impugn a president they could not defeat electorally. The revelation about what sort of demographics on the jury convicted North was especially telling.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Iran Contra affair made him a nin days wonder

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's fair to say that no presidential administration is perfect. There were definitely some strengths and weaknesses during the Reagan administration, and that the Carter administration was rather incompetent with the hostage situation. I do believe, though, that the wrong people got fired over the Iran-contra scandal.

The Monroe Doctrine was (and is) entirely abandoned! I found it appalling over the fact how the Democrats were such hush-hush over the Soviet Union spreading Communism globally, and penetrating our very hemisphere. There was more concern over the fact that the Communists were invading Afghanistan, but no one cared for the fact that Communism was being established in Nicaragua. Neither did the Democrats really care for the fact that confidential documents from the White House were being released to the media, and the media would show or copy the very documents. The Executive and Legislative governments, and the media didn't care about sensitive information, which sadly led to terrorist threats upon Oliver North and his family, and other people from other countries who were later assassinated over the controversy. The media was very insensitive over the hostage crisis, and endangered them as well.

With political matters, I do agree with Oliver North (and Ronald Reagan) that there should be a limit on government, lower taxes, and fewer regulations. I also agreed with North that there should be term limits for individuals running for the Legislative Branch, just as there are with the Executive Branch. Oliver North was also able to demonstrate that there were too many bureaucracies with Congress.

As for categories, this is obviously a book about political matters and government affairs. I would add that it also fits into the category of "law" due to the fact that there were trials taking place over the Iran-contra scandal.

[Jared · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Under Fire' is an autobiography by Oliver North that came recommended by a family member. I think most people have at least heard of him, so there's no need for much introduction there. The Iran-Contra events took place when I was in grade school so I didn't have much knowledge of the events as they unfolded. I read the book, in part, to learn about North's actions and what he was accused of.

I wish I could say that the book made it easier for me to clarify in my mind what occurred, but Iran-Contra is about as convoluted (but not nearly) as the start of WWI. Once you think you have it figured out, it gets more complex. However, what is clear is that Oliver North was not a rogue element out doing his own thing. Ultimately, I think that he was the victim of a fault line between the Executive and Legislative branches of government over who sets foreign policy.

Here are the elements of the book that I enjoyed:
* North's candid nature about his flaws and weaknesses. He doesn't try to make himself out to be any type of hero. To the contrary, he adds embarrassing details that he could have decided to leave out but didn't. His humanity shines through clearly and his humility is evident.
* North could have used the book as an opportunity to settle scores, but didn't. His opinions of those who essentially sold him out were balanced and reserved. He chose not to be bitter and gave people the benefit of the doubt.
* I appreciated North sharing how his faith helped him get through some trying times.

As a staff officer myself, I often reflected on what I would have done if I were in the same situation. I don't think anyone would have been able to handle it as well as Oliver North did.

[history49 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Extremely detailed account of Oliver North's ordeal with the Iran-Contra deal, and also of his time in Vietnam. My favorite parts of the book was his highlighting his service in Vietnam as it was evident this was a special part of his past. I appreciated his time spent with the former Presidents of the United States that he worked with and how he viewed them. The rest of the book was actually, IMO, so detailed regarding the Iran-Contra affair that it became laborious to me; but I also learned so much that I did not know during the period it was happening.

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first real political scandal I watched on the news as a young adult. I remember my dad saying how Oliver North was the scapegoat. I wanted to read it to see Oliver North's side and not just hear what the news media was saying. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone with an interest in military history or political scandals. I have my opinion about the scapegoat, read this book and weigh all the evidence and decide for yourself.

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really uneven; very engrossing at times (the beginning and end were strongest) and off on random tangents at others. The book was also very preachy throughout. I realize this is a key part of North's identity, but the religious aspects are inserted at the most random points. From a historical perspective, the amount of detail included was very cool to see. I did really appreciate how candid and honest North was about himself though - that was very refreshing.

[Leslie Arno · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most well written books I've ever read. I was in Honduras during the fighting that took place in Nicaragua which was real close to where I lived. I came back to the States about the time Oliver North was being investigated and questioned by the Congressional Committee, and even though I was a young adult, when this book came out it was a priority on my Christmas wish list. My impression back in the 1980's was that he was a scapegoat and I still believe that. Great book!

[Pangs · Rating 2 out of 5]

Someone gave me this. I read it. It was...whatever. You would have to be weird or looking for something very specific to be looking at this at all. In that case, it could be just what you are looking for.

I was given a signed copy. It got spilled on. Signature is fine. Book jacket is gone. Bottom of book is stained. Spine is ok-ish.

[Misty Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this book, I still wasn't sure about Oliver North's involvemnt in the Iran/Contra scandal -- whether or not he had committed a crime. If he is half the patriot and God fearing man he comes accross as in his book and in person, then he truly is a great human being.

[Tracie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was TOTALLY fascinating to me. I would give it 4 stars, but I suspect most people would not be as riveted as I was by it. :)
Sam, if these titles are looking familiar to you, its because I am working my way through the pile of Brad's books that I bought at the YW Book Sale!!!

[Marina Fontaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those true stories that reads like a novel- fast paced, gripping, and even though you know "how it all ends," hard to put down. For a reader who can put aside political pre-conceptions about the events and the people involved and just enjoy the story, this can be a real treat.

[B.j. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome book. I couldn't put it down! It's basically his whole life story included in the main topic of the Iran Contra trial. He's a man of God which sustains him in Vietnam as well as during his trial.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I didn't think this was very good at first, it ended up being a great read. I remember this time in our history, and it was great to get a front row seat, and a better understanding of the actual events.

[E Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. While serving in the military at the time, I found it very confusing as to what was going on and what to believe. Book skips around at time and repeats itself. Now have a better understanding of the events but still conflicted as to the right or wrong of the events.

[Ophelia London · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend to hard-core Conservatives who love the military and history. Informative & emotional.

[Daryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story of a man caught in the middle.

[Cws]

973.92OSBWAR

[Tmark · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interessting view bhind the scenes of counter intellegence at the highest levels.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

very interesting to hear his side of the story. had already read Samosa's side

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to know what happened in the infamous Iran Contra scandal in the 1980's read Ollie's first hand account. It sheds some light on the whole thing and allows you to see it for what it was.

[Roland · Rating 3 out of 5]

too long and repetitive and self serving

[Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Gives a different view to the story