Oliver Laurence North (born October 7, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas) is a retired United States Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, political commentator, television host, military historian, author, and radio personality. A 1968 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, he served in the Vietnam War, earning the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts for his combat actions in reconnaissance and intelligence roles. After retiring from the military in 1981, North joined the National Security Council (NSC) under President Ronald Reagan, where he directed the covert Contra resupply operation and focused on Central American policy and anti-terrorism efforts.

North became a central figure in the mid-1980s Iran-Contra affair, a political scandal involving the secret sale of arms to Iran and the diversion of proceeds to fund Nicaraguan Contra rebels, in violation of congressional restrictions. In 1989, he was convicted on charges including aiding and abetting obstruction of Congress and destroying documents, but his convictions were vacated in 1990 and dismissed in 1991 due to immunity granted for his congressional testimony.

Following the scandal, North emerged as a prominent conservative activist and media figure. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in Virginia in 1994 and hosted the Fox News television program "War Stories." He has authored books on military history and patriotism and has been a vocal conservative commentator. From 2018 to 2019, North served as president of the National Rifle Association (NRA) before resigning amid controversy over fundraising practices. Through his radio shows, writing, and speaking engagements, North continues to influence conservative networks, often defending his Iran-Contra role as necessary for national security. His life reflects a blend of military heroism, political controversy, and media prominence within right-wing circles.