Richard V Secord‚ a retired Air Force major general who played a key role in the Iran-contra affair‚ passed away at 92 in a nursing home in Port Orange‚ Florida on 10/15/24. His grandson John Secord Jr confirmed the news but didnt provide a cause of death.
Secord‚ a West Point graduate with a colorful 28-year Air Force career became involved in the Iran-contra scandal around 40 years ago. The affair which unfolded during the Reagan administration‚ involved secret arms sales to Iran and funding of Nicaraguan rebels.
In the summer of 1984 Secord (then a private arms dealer) was approached by Marine Lt Col Oliver L North‚ a National Security Council aide. The Reagan administration had two goals: freeing American hostages in Lebanon through arms sales to Iran‚ and supporting Nicaraguan contra rebels against the Sandinista government.
Secord and his partner Albert Hakim set up a complex network of Swiss bank accounts for the operation dubbed the “Enterprise“. They bought and resold weapons to the contras‚ marking up prices significantly. Later‚ they began selling arms to Iran with profits earmarked for the contras.
The scandal came to light about 38 years ago when a contra supply plane was shot down‚ and a Lebanese weekly revealed details of the Iran arms deal. This led to congressional hearings and investigations.
Secord testified without immunity during the hearings. He maintained he wasnt a profiteer‚ but evidence suggested he used Enterprise funds for personal purchases (a Porsche and a private plane)
In 1989‚ Secord pleaded guilty to one count of lying to Congress. He was sentenced to probation and a $50 fine. Throughout‚ he insisted he acted in good faith and felt betrayed by the government.
After the scandal‚ Secord returned to private business. He passed away about 9 months after his wife Jo Ann Gibson. Survivors include three children‚ eight grandchildren‚ and three great-grandchildren
I feel I was betrayed We were acting in good faith every step of the way