Daniel Ellsberg: A Life Of Courage And Controversy

Daniel Ellsberg was not just an ordinary military strategist; he became a symbol of dissent and a beacon for whistleblowers. His courageous actions during the Vietnam War sparked a national debate about ethics, government transparency, and the responsibilities of citizens. Ellsberg's decision to leak the Pentagon Papers in 1971 fundamentally changed the public's perception of the Vietnam War and highlighted the importance of accountability in government.

Born on April 7, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, Ellsberg grew up to become a prominent figure in American history. He dedicated his life to not only military strategy but also to advocating for peace and truth, often at great personal risk. His legacy continues to resonate in today's discussions about government secrecy and the role of whistleblowers.

As we explore the life of Daniel Ellsberg, we will uncover the key moments that defined him and the impact of his actions on American society. This article will delve into his early life, education, military career, and the pivotal choices that led to his historic whistleblowing. Join us as we navigate through the significant events and personal anecdotes that shaped the life of this remarkable individual.

Table of Contents

• Who Was Daniel Ellsberg?
• Quick Facts
• Early Life, Education, and Military Career
• Government Service and Pentagon Papers
• Life as a Whistleblower
• Wives and Children
• Death
• Quotes

Who Was Daniel Ellsberg?

Military strategist Daniel Ellsberg helped strengthen public opposition to the Vietnam War in 1971 by leaking secret documents known as the Pentagon Papers to The New York Times. The documents contained evidence that the U.S. government had misled the public regarding U.S. involvement in the war. He died in June 2023 at age 92.

Quick Facts

Early Life, Education, and Military Career

Daniel Ellsberg was born on April 7, 1931, in Chicago and grew up in Highland Park, Michigan. His father, Harry, worked as a civil engineer, and his mother, Adele, worked as a fundraiser at the National Jewish Hospital but quit working once she was married. Both of Ellsberg’s parents were Jewish by heritage but fervent converts to Christian Science.

Neighbors and classmates remember young Ellsberg as an introverted and unusual child. “Danny was just never one of the guys,” one classmate recalled. “He wasn’t like the rest of the boys.” Despite these challenges, he was an extraordinarily gifted child, excelling especially at math and piano.

Ellsberg received a full academic scholarship to attend the prestigious Cranbrook School in Bloomfield Hills, just outside Detroit, ultimately graduating first in his class in 1948, which earned him another full academic scholarship to study at Harvard University. There, he majored in economics, writing a senior honors thesis that highlighted his academic prowess.

Government Service and Pentagon Papers

In 1964, Ellsberg went to work for the Defense Department as a special assistant to John T. McNaughton. His first day coincided with the alleged Gulf of Tonkin incident, which provided much of the public justification for U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. Working closely with military strategy, he became increasingly disillusioned with the government's actions.

Returning to the RAND Corporation after his Vietnam service, he contributed to a top-secret report known as the Pentagon Papers. This document revealed the extent of U.S. deception in the Vietnam War and became a crucial catalyst for public dissent.

Life as a Whistleblower

Ellsberg’s decision to leak the Pentagon Papers in 1971 changed the course of American history. He faced intense backlash and legal consequences but stood firm in his belief that the public had a right to know the truth about the Vietnam War.

His actions inspired a new generation of whistleblowers and raised important questions about government transparency and accountability. Over time, many came to see him not as a traitor but as a hero who risked everything for the greater good.

Wives and Children

In 1952, Ellsberg married Carol Cummings, the daughter of a U.S. Marine general. They had two children together, Robert and Mary, before divorcing in 1965. He later married Patricia Marx Ellsberg in 1970, and they remained together for the rest of his life, having a son named Michael.

Death

In March 2023, Ellsberg revealed he had pancreatic cancer and had declined chemotherapy. He died at his home in Kensington, California, on June 16, 2023, at age 92, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire activism and advocacy for truth and transparency.

Quotes

• Their example put the question in my head: What could I do to help shorten this war, now that I’m prepared to go to prison for it?
• The Pentagon Papers definitely contributed to a delegitimation of the war, an impatience with its continuation, and a sense that it was wrong.