In April 1997, our experimental program became the William E. Colby Military Writers’ Symposium, now known nationally as “The Colby.” At the formal dedication ceremony a Who’s Who in military writing was on hand to participate in one of the most stimulating programs in our thirteen-year history. Joining us were Tom Clancy, Steven Coonts, Harold Coyle, Winston Groom, Fred Chiaventone and GEN Gordon R. Sullivan to address the topic of Military Fiction in America. Also joining us in 1997— and at virtually every event since—was Bill Colby’s son, Paul, who has been a stalwart supporter and devoted friend of the University.

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Since then the Symposium has grown to the national prominence that it enjoys today. Standout moments over the years include satellite telephone discussions with war correspondents Sean Naylor from Afghanistan in 2002; and Rick Atkinson from Baghdad in 2003 on the day the Iraqi capital fell (the same week that Rick received the Pulitzer Prize for his fine book, An Army At Dawn); after-dinner remarks by author Phil Caputo our first year recalling his poignant memories of his friend and Norwich grad, Walter Levy ‘64, who was the first Norwich graduate killed in action in Vietnam; our three public broadcasting television programs – two moderated by CNN’s Frank Sesno; our C-Span Book TV appearances from the National Press Club and the new Pritzker Military Library in Chicago.

Since the program’s inception, the Colby has hosted some of the brightest names in the business. As we celebrate the 13th Colby Symposium, we do so in the knowledge that the world has changed significantly since its inception—and so has our program. We have never avoided the hard issues that are central to the public’s understanding, and the 2009 program is the latest example of our commitment to making the Colby a relevant and meaningful experience.

The Colby is not only unique but is the only program of its kind in existence at an American university. It has enabled Norwich University students the opportunity to meet some of the most prominent military writers and historians of our time and gain a better understanding of the world through their eyes.

Ambassador William E. Colby Biography


William E. Colby, 1920 – 1996
The son of a career Army officer, Bill Colby was born in St. Paul, Minnesota. Mr. Colby had a long and distinguished career of public service. He received an A.B. degree cum laude from Princeton University in 1940, where he was elected Phi Beta Kappa, and an L.L.B. in 1947 from Columbia University Law School.

A highly decorated veteran of World War II, Colby parachuted into France and Norway to work with the French and Norwegian resistance forces for the Office of Strategic Services. His wartime service earned him the Silver and Bronze Stars, the French Croix de Guerre, Norway’s St. Olaf’s Medal and a Mention in Dispatches in Britain.

After the war, Colby began a distinguished post-war career with the OSS’s successor organization, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). From 1951–1962, Colby served with the American Embassies in Stockholm, Rome, and Saigon. He was Ambassador and Deputy to the Commander of the U.S. Military Assistance Command Vietnam from 1968 to 1971.

After holding various other high-level positions in the Central Intelligence Agency, he became its Director from 1973 to 1976. After leaving the CIA, Mr. Colby was a consultant and lecturer on international and domestic political matters to various corporations and governments and practiced International and American Law in Washington, D.C. His many years of outstanding public service have been recognized by the awarding of the National Service Medal, the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, and the State Department’s Distinguished Honor Award.

Ambassador Colby authored two important books: Lost Victory: A Firsthand Account of America’s Involvement in Vietnam and Honorable Men—My Life in the CIA. He was a long-time friend of Norwich University, which awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service in 1992.

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