Iran-Contra and the Memory of Vietnam: Human Rights, Covert Operations, and the National Security Council

In December of 1972, President Richard Nixon ordered the bombing of North Vietnam, beginning on December 18th and lasting until the 30th. During this period 20,000 tons of bombs were dropped, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Vietnamese. The bombings would soon be known as the “12 Days of Christmas.” Major General Richard Secord, “master of covert operations” sat back and watched as North Vietnam was nearly destroyed. There was nothing that Vietnam could do to combat the U.S. military. Being in Secord’s position, he understood better than anyone that this was far more than a mere phenomenon. For 10 years Secord watched the U.S. Air Force consistently maintain control over Vietnamese airspace, both in the North and the South. To Secord, there was no doubt the United States possessed the capability and fire power to defeat North Vietnam and claim victory in the war.