John K. Singlaub: A Decorated Military Officer and CIA Founding Member

A Controversial Figure in Modern American History

John K. Singlaub is a highly decorated officer in the United States Army and a founding member of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He is perhaps best known for his outspoken criticism of President Jimmy Carter's national security policies, which led to his forced retirement from the military in 1978.

Early Life and Education

Born on July 10, 1921, in Independence, California, Singlaub graduated from Van Nuys High School in 1939. He attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), but abandoned his studies in 1943 to begin his military service. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from UCLA in 1958.

Military Career

With the United States entering World War II, Singlaub joined the U.S. Army and was commissioned as a second lieutenant on January 14, 1943. Deployed to Europe for special operations, Singlaub was dropped behind German lines in France in August 1944 as part of Operation Jedburgh. He worked with Maquis groups, swelling the ranks of the French Resistance after D-Day.

Operation Jedburgh and French Resistance

As a member of a three-member team codenamed JAMES, Singlaub worked closely with the French Resistance, providing crucial support to their efforts. His bravery and tactical expertise earned him several decorations, including the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the French Croix de Guerre.

Post-War Career

After the war, Singlaub went on to serve in various capacities, including as a key figure in the formation of the CIA. He played a significant role in the agency's early years, serving as the deputy chief of the CIA's Covert Operations Division.

Criticism of President Carter's Policies

In 1977, Singlaub criticized President Jimmy Carter's proposal to withdraw U.S. troops from South Korea, stating that it would create a power vacuum and compromise regional security. His comments, made in an interview with the Washington Post, led to his relief from his position as Chief of Staff of U.S. forces in South Korea.

Forced Retirement and Controversy

Less than a year later, Singlaub was forced to retire from the military after publicly questioning President Carter's national security policies. This decision sparked controversy, with many seeing it as an attempt to silence a vocal critic of the administration.

Post-Military Career

After his retirement, Singlaub founded the Western Goals Foundation, a private intelligence network that was later implicated in supplying weapons to the Contras during the Iran-Contra affair. He also contributed to several books and wrote an autobiography, detailing his experiences in the military and intelligence communities.

Legacy

John K. Singlaub's legacy is complex and multifaceted. While his military career was marked by bravery and distinction, his later years were controversial and marred by scandal. Nevertheless, his contributions to the formation of the CIA and his service to the United States should not be overlooked.

Quotes and Memorable Sayings

• "I was not relieved of my duties because I was incompetent or corrupt. I was relieved because I was telling the truth."
• "The CIA is not a policy-making organization. It's a fact-finding organization."

Awards and Honors

Singlaub's military career was marked by numerous awards and honors, including:

• Silver Star
• Bronze Star
• French Croix de Guerre
• Legion of Merit

Personal Life

Singlaub passed away on January 29, 2022, at the age of 100. His legacy continues to be debated, with some viewing him as a hero and others as a controversial figure. Nevertheless, his impact on modern American history cannot be denied.