In 1998 I got to know Bob Craig, formerly of CORDS in Vietnam, as well as his brother. Bob had been an Infantry officer doing intel work in the 3rd Infantry Division during WW II. After Bob's death his brother showed me the following papers. The context of the specific incidents is incomplete, but it gives the impression that during Vietnam there was a lot of manipulation and "putting your best foot forward" in dealing with the news media.
DEPUTY FOR CORDS TO COMUSMACV
TO: COL. JAMES HERBERT
PSA, LONG AN PROVINCE
I doubt if attached was what Mr. Craig intended, but it's a good example of the sort of press treatment we don't need.
I am not familiar with whether Mr. Craig has had any experience elsewhere in Vietnam, but both his draft Long An Pilot Pacification Program and this article seem to suggest he is generalizing about matters far beyond his camp.
/s/
R. W. KOMER
DATE: 11 JUNE 1968DEPUTY FOR CORDS TO COMUSMACV
TO: MR. ROBERT CRAIG
ACTING PROVINCE SENIOR ADVISOR
ADVISORY TEAM 86
APO 96314
THRU: DEPCORDS III CTZ
SUBJECT: NBC Interview
What say? I hope you showed Liz Trotta some better places than this!
/s/
R. W. Komer
Inclosure
Radio TV Defense Dialog
DATE: 8 SEP 1968
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