Date of Birth: January 3, 1917
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Date of Death: February 10, 2002
Biography
Vernon A. Walters was a distinguished American public servant and diplomat, renowned for his extensive career in the U.S. Army and his significant contributions to U.S. intelligence and foreign policy. Born in 1917 in New York City, Walters entered the U.S. Army during World War II, where he served with distinction in Europe and North Africa, becoming fluent in several languages. His linguistic skills and adeptness in diplomacy led him to serve as an interpreter for Presidents Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Richard Nixon. After the war, Walters continued his military career, eventually rising to the rank of Lieutenant General. He played a critical role in various international negotiations during the Cold War and was instrumental in numerous covert operations. Walters’ expertise in intelligence led him to serve as the Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 1972 to 1976 under the Nixon and Ford administrations. In the 1980s, Walters’ public service career extended into diplomacy when President Ronald Reagan appointed him as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. He later served as Ambassador to Germany during the pivotal period of German reunification. Walters retired from public service in the early 1990s but remained an influential figure in foreign policy circles until his passing.
5 Interesting Facts about Vernon A. Walters
1. Vernon A. Walters was fluent in six languages: English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, and Portuguese.
2. He served as an interpreter for several U.S. Presidents including Truman, Eisenhower, and Nixon.
3. Walters played a key role in the secret negotiations leading to the Paris Peace Accords that ended the Vietnam War.
4. He was involved in the covert operations that contributed to the overthrow of Chilean President Salvador Allende in 1973.
5. Walters was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1991 by President George H. W. Bush for his service to the nation.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Vernon A. Walters
1. “The world is not an easy place, and it never has been. We must be vigilant and strong to protect our freedoms.”
2. “Intelligence is not just about information; it’s about understanding the intentions behind that information.”
3. “Diplomacy is the art of telling people to go to hell in such a way that they ask for directions.”
4. “Language is the key to understanding. It opens doors that would otherwise remain closed.”
5. “In the service of our country, there are times when we must act in secrecy to protect our nation’s interests.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Vernon A. Walters was a career public servant, and as such, did not accumulate significant personal wealth. His net worth was modest, reflecting his dedication to public service rather than personal financial gain.
Children
Vernon A. Walters never married and had no children. His life was devoted to his career and service to the United States.
Relevant Links
2. [Wikipedia Entry on Vernon A. Walters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernon_A._Walters
3. [Find a Grave: Vernon A. Walters](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6162163/vernon-a-walters