Editing Phoenix Program (section)

==Key CIA Figures==
[[William Colby]] - As the CIA’s Saigon station chief (1959–1962) and later director of CORDS (1968–1971), Colby was a key figure in overseeing Phoenix. He emphasized capturing VCI members alive for intelligence, though he later admitted to Congress that the program resulted in deaths. Colby defended Phoenix as a necessary tool to disrupt the VC but acknowledged its flaws.

[[Robert Komer]] - Known as “Blowtorch Bob,” Komer, a CIA veteran, led CORDS and pushed for Phoenix’s aggressive implementation. His focus was on integrating civilian and military efforts to target the VCI.

CIA Paramilitary Officers - Officers like [[Ted Shackley]] (Saigon station chief, 1968–1972) and John Paul Vann (a CORDS official with CIA ties) played roles in coordinating Phoenix operations, often working closely with PRUs and South Vietnamese forces.