Lyman Lemnitzer

Lyman Lemnitzer

Lyman Louis Lemnitzer (1899–1988) was a prominent American Army general whose career profoundly influenced 20th-century military strategy. Born in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, he graduated from West Point in 1920, serving with distinction in World War II, notably in planning the North African campaign. As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1960–1962), Lemnitzer was linked to Operation Northwoods, a controversial 1962 proposal involving staged attacks to justify military action against Cuba, which was rejected by President Kennedy. Later, as Supreme Allied Commander of NATO (1963–1969), he strengthened Western defenses, cementing his legacy as a key Cold War military leader.

Clandestine History

Lyman Lemnitzer, during his time as a prominent U.S. Army general, was involved in several covert operations, most notably Operation Northwoods during his tenure as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1960–1962). This 1962 proposal, developed by the Joint Chiefs, outlined plans for false-flag operations, including staged terrorist attacks on U.S. soil or against American interests, to be blamed on Cuba to justify military intervention. The plan was rejected by President John F. Kennedy.

Additionally, during World War II, Lemnitzer contributed to covert planning for Operation Torch, the 1942 Allied invasion of North Africa, coordinating clandestine efforts to secure Vichy French cooperation. As Supreme Allied Commander of NATO (1963–1969), he oversaw covert aspects of NATO’s stay-behind operations, such as Operation Gladio designed to counter potential Soviet invasions through guerrilla warfare and sabotage in Europe. Specific details of his involvement in other covert operations remain less documented, as much of his work involved high-level strategic oversight rather than direct operational execution.