"The Ordeal of Otto Otepka" by William J. Gill is an illuminating chapter of recent history, often overlooked, that delves into the trials of Otto Otepka, a State Department security employee. The book highlights Otepka's resistance to new security protocols introduced during the Kennedy administration, which he believed compromised thorough screening processes for State Department personnel. Despite his high-level civil service position offering some protection, Otepka faced persistent abuse throughout the Kennedy and Johnson administrations.
Otepka, along with his colleague Scott McLeod, had compiled a list of over 1,000 names requiring extensive screening, but this was dismissed by the new administration. This disagreement led to a series of retaliatory actions against Otepka, including an attempted framing for espionage by the Kennedy administration, involving tampered documents. However, these charges were dropped by RFK's Justice Department, acknowledging Otepka's legal right to share classified information with a Senate subcommittee on internal security.
Despite his steadfast adherence to legal procedures and security protocols, Otepka faced demotion and a civilian equivalent of a dishonorable discharge for refusing a change of venue. His vindication only came with the Nixon administration. The book also explores broader themes, such as the State Department's preference for foreign nations over U.S. citizens and the undermining of national sovereignty, presenting Otepka as a lone hero standing against these trends.
Gill's narrative, while offering a detailed account of Otepka's ordeal and its implications for U.S. security and politics, has been criticized for its one-sided perspective and heavy anti-communist rhetoric. It fails to present a balanced view, focusing solely on Otepka's perspective and struggles. Despite this, it provides an intriguing background to the assassination of John F. Kennedy, portraying Otepka as a key figure in maintaining stringent security checks during a time of administrative laxity. The book not only recounts a significant historical episode but also serves as a lesson in the complexities of political power and the challenges faced by individuals upholding their principles against the prevailing winds of their time.
