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today in history?
Oct 9
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Remembering E. Howard Hunt: Birth of a Controversial Figure

E. Howard Hunt's Early Life

Birth in Hamburg, New York

E. Howard Hunt was born in Hamburg, New York on October 9, 1918. Raised in a middle-class family, his early years shaped his understanding of the world and his future career. Hunt excelled academically, showcasing a keen interest in writing and literature from a young age.

Background and Education

Hunt attended Columbia University, where he studied journalism. His passion for storytelling and the power of the written word would later play a pivotal role in his life, particularly during his time in the U.S. intelligence community and his involvement in covert operations.

A Career in Intelligence and Notoriety

Involvement in the Watergate Scandal

E. Howard Hunt gained notoriety for his role as an operative in the Watergate break-in, which ultimately led to the resignation of President Nixon in 1974. As a member of the White House Plumbers, he was tasked with stopping or responding to leaks of classified information. His actions during this period would forever mar his legacy.

Legacy and Impact

Hunt’s actions had lasting implications for U.S. politics, including a significant erosion of the public's trust in government institutions. Despite this, he spent the later years of his life attempting to reshape his narrative, even writing several novels and memoirs that presented a different image of his life.

Fun Fact

Literary Aspirations of E. Howard Hunt

Despite his infamous notoriety, E. Howard Hunt was also an accomplished author, having penned numerous spy novels. His works often drew from his experiences in intelligence and offered a fictional glimpse into the world he operated in.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on E. Howard Hunt

For those interested in learning more about E. Howard Hunt, consider reading “Silent Coup: The Removal of a President” by Len Colodny, which provides a controversial perspective on the Watergate scandal and Hunt’s role within it.