The Green Beret Affair: Vietnam’s Unsung Story of Justice and Deception

In the late 1960s, the Vietnam War was in full swing. But amidst the well-documented battles and political plays, “Those Gallant Men: On Trial in Vietnam” delves deep into the case’s intricacies.

A Charged Atmosphere and a Mysterious Murder

In 1969, the political and covert operations of the war presented a unique challenge to Captain Berry. As the chief defense counsel for the II Field Force Vietnam, he was responsible for defending a staggering number of over 80,000 soldiers. But one particular case stood out. Members of the esteemed Green Berets were accused of a grave crime: the murder of a double agent in Cambodia.

The Depths of the Case

The narrative was complex. Secret missions in Cambodia, CIA directives to “terminate with extreme prejudice,” and the charged atmosphere of a war zone made for a daunting backdrop. Berry, despite the odds, emerged as a beacon of justice, determined to unveil the truth and protect his men.

The Role of the CIA

Secret missions, double agents, and covert operations – the CIA’s role in the affair was undeniably intricate. As whispers of a double or triple agent reached the Green Berets, the CIA’s dangerous directive set the stage for a trial that would test the very boundaries of law and morality.

Literary Chronicles of the Affair

While the real-time events were tumultuous, their subsequent chronicles in literature are equally captivating. Berry’s “Those Gallant Men: On Trial in Vietnam” delves deep into the case’s intricacies. Published in 1984, this book meticulously examines the charges against the Green Berets, unraveling the legal battles that saw the CIA, the US Army, and the Green Berets at odds.

A Larger Context

Fred Borch’s “Judge Advocates in Combat: Army Lawyers in Military Operations from Vietnam to Haiti” also throws light on Berry’s exceptional contributions, placing the Green Beret Affair in the larger context of military legal operations during several significant military campaigns.

In Conclusion

The Green Beret Affair serves as a stark reminder of the multi-faceted nature of war. It’s not just about the battles fought on the frontlines but also the battles for justice, truth, and honor behind the scenes. Captain Berry’s relentless pursuit of justice during the Vietnam War unveils a story that deserves its place in the annals of history.