by Lindsay Whitacre

In tribute to Richard C. Holbrooke, (April 24, 1941 – December 13, 2010) Open Vault highlights his contributions to the ground-breaking series: Vietnam: A Television History.

Holbrooke was most recently known as a special adviser on Pakistan and Afghanistan for President Barack Obama. However, from 1963 until 1966, Holbrooke completed diplomatic service first as a provincial representative for the Agency for International Development (AID), then as Staff Assistant to Ambassadors Maxwell Taylor and Henry Cabot Lodge.

In this interview Holbrooke recounts his work in Vietnam, and the differences between the information he gathered while on the ground in Vietnam versus what was being relayed to the American public via the United States Government. He recalls the “credibility gap” and the decisions made by the US Government that were based on incorrect information. He also touches upon changing perceptions on the Vietnam War and how he felt that the Vietnamese had become dependent on the United States.

For more information you can watch his interview here: Interview with Richard C. Holbrooke, 1982.