A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author who served as a senior official in the US Department of State, known for his insightful writings on foreign policy and international relations.
Leslie H. Gelb, a renowned American academic, correspondent, and columnist, is best known for his stellar career as a senior Defense and State Department official and later as the President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations. His name is synonymous with expertise in foreign policy, diplomacy, and national security, with a legacy that spans over five decades.
Leslie Gelb was born on March 4, 1937, in New Rochelle, New York, to Max and Dorothy Klein Gelb. He pursued higher education at Tufts University, graduating with a B.A. in 1959. He then went on to earn an M.A. in 1961 and a Ph.D. in 1964 from Harvard University.
Gelb's illustrious career began as an Assistant Professor of Government at Wesleyan University from 1964 to 1967. He then served as Executive Assistant to Senator Jacob Javits from 1966 to 1967. In 1967, he joined the Department of Defense as Director of Policy Planning and Arms Control for International Security Affairs, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the country's foreign policy. During this tenure, he was awarded the Pentagon's highest award, the Distinguished Service Medal.
Gelb's most notable work during this period was his role as director of the project that produced the notorious Pentagon Papers, a 47-volume, 7,000-page study on the history of the Vietnam War. Led by Gelb, a team of 36 analysts, including Daniel Ellsberg, Paul Warnke, and Morton Halperin, drafted the comprehensive report. Although the report was presented to Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara and his successor Clark Clifford, it was never read by them.
In 1973, Gelb transitioned to journalism, becoming a diplomatic correspondent at The New York Times, a position he held until 1977. During this time, he covered significant global events, providing expert analysis and insights to readers. His in-depth knowledge of foreign policy and diplomacy made him a respected voice in the world of journalism.
In 1977, Gelb served as Assistant Secretary of State in the Carter Administration, where he directed the Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs and received the Distinguished Honor Award, the highest award of the US State Department. After leaving government service, he co-authored The Irony of Vietnam in 1980, which won the Woodrow Wilson Award. He later became President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, a position he held until his passing in 2019.
Leslie H. Gelb's remarkable career has left an indelible mark on the world of foreign policy, diplomacy, and journalism. His contributions to shaping America's international relations, his commitment to objective journalism, and his dedication to education have inspired generations of scholars, policymakers, and journalists. His legacy continues to influence international relations, ensuring that his impact will be felt for years to come.
Born in 1923
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