Cornelius Mahoney Sheehan, a distinguished American journalist, entered the world on October 27, 1936, in Holyoke, Massachusetts, to Irish immigrant parents, Cornelius Joseph Sheehan, a dairy farmer, and Mary (O'Shea),a devoted homemaker. He spent his formative years on a dairy farm situated near Holyoke, where he developed a strong connection to the land and the agricultural way of life. Following his primary education, Sheehan went on to attend Mount Hermon School, a prestigious private boarding school, and later, Harvard University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history with highest honors (cum laude) in 1958.
Sheehan's initial foray into journalism commenced with his stint in the United States Army, a period spanning from 1959 to 1962, during which he was stationed in Korea and Tokyo, concurrently engaging in freelance reporting for United Press International (UPI) in Tokyo.
During his time in Vietnam, a pivotal period in his illustrious career, Sheehan, a renowned journalist, collaborated with his esteemed colleague, David Halberstam, to meticulously investigate and ultimately debunk the false narrative perpetuated by the Ngô Đình Diệm regime.
Contrary to the regime's claims, Sheehan and Halberstam uncovered compelling evidence that the Army of the Republic of Vietnam regular forces were not responsible for the Xá Lợi Pagoda raids, as previously alleged. Instead, they discovered that the actual perpetrators were Special Forces operatives loyal to Diệm's brother, Nhu, who sought to incriminate the army generals and further their own sinister agenda.
Through their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity, Sheehan and Halberstam brought to light the truth, exposing the regime's deceit and shedding light on the complex web of intrigue and corruption that characterized the Diệm regime.
In the year 1964, a notable journalist by the name of Sheehan made a significant career move, joining the esteemed ranks of The New York Times, where he would go on to work diligently on the city desk. Following this stint, he would make his way back to the Far East, with a stop in Indonesia, before ultimately returning to Vietnam for another year of reporting. Sheehan was not alone in his endeavors, as he was one of many U.S. and international journalists who would benefit from the valuable insights provided by Pham Xuan An, a seasoned correspondent with a remarkable 20-year tenure at Time Magazine and Reuters. What's more, it would later be revealed that An was, in fact, a spy working on behalf of the National Liberation Front for South Vietnam, a remarkable twist that would add a layer of complexity to his already impressive journalism credentials.
Daniel Ellsberg, a pivotal figure in the history of journalism, played a crucial role in the release of the Pentagon Papers in 1971. As a reporter for The New York Times, Ellsberg's actions would go on to have a profound impact on the course of American history.
Among his many notable achievements, Ellsberg's most significant contribution came in 1971 when he provided the classified Pentagon Papers to New York Times reporter Neil Sheehan. These documents, a secret United States Department of Defense history of the Vietnam War, were a treasure trove of information that would ultimately lead to a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case.
The case, known as New York Times Co. v. United States, was a major turning point in the battle for press freedom. The government had attempted to use a restraining order to halt the publication of the Pentagon Papers, citing national security concerns. However, the Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of the New York Times, invalidating the government's attempt to suppress the information.
This landmark decision had far-reaching implications, establishing the principle that the government cannot use prior restraint to suppress the publication of information. It also cemented the importance of a free and independent press in a democratic society, ensuring that the public has the right to know the truth, even in times of war and national crisis.
Sheehan's outstanding literary endeavors earned him two prestigious accolades, a Pulitzer Prize and a National Book Award, for his magnum opus, "A Bright Shining Lie", published in 1988.
Lieutenant Colonel John Paul Vann, a pivotal figure in the tumultuous Vietnam War, was the subject of Sheehan's exhaustive research and masterful storytelling.
The book meticulously chronicles the life of Vann, a complex and multifaceted individual, and the United States' complex and often contentious involvement in the Vietnam War.
Through meticulous research and engaging narrative, Sheehan sheds light on the intricate dynamics of the war, its far-reaching consequences, and the profound impact it had on those who fought it.
Sheehan's "A Bright Shining Lie" is a seminal work that not only honors the memory of Lieutenant Colonel Vann but also serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of understanding and learning from the past.
