Headshot portrait of Mr. A. Denis Clift

A. Denis Clift is a former naval officer, editor-in-chief of Proceedings magazine, and president emeritus of National Intelligence University. He served in eleven presidential administrations, including tours as National Security Council senior staff member for the Soviet Union and Eastern and Western Europe/NATO, National Security Advisor to the vice president of the United States, and chief of staff, Defense Intelligence Agency. His books include A Death in Geneva, The Bronze Frog, and With Presidents to the Summit. 

Articles by A. Denis Clift

After Submarine School, then-Lieutenant Robert McNitt joined Commander Eugene Fluckey as executive officer on board the USS Barb (SS-220). On patrol duty during World War II, the submarine “took a real pasting” that came too close for comfort.

Scope with Tail Feathers

By A. Denis Clift
March 2025
In these edited excerpts from his oral history, RADM Robert McNitt recalls a 1944 action against convoys in an area between Formosa and the Philippines known as Convoy College.
The USS John D. Ford (DD-228). Writing about the 1942 battle in the Makassar Strait, then-Lieutenant William Mack wrote of the men and four ships of Destroyer Division 59: “We weren’t much, but we were full of fight.’”

Four-Stackers at Java

By A. Denis Clift
August 2024
Future Vice Admiral William P. Mack recalls the action from on board the John D. Ford in excerpts from his Naval Institute oral history.
Future Vice Admiral J. Victor Smith was tapped as aide to Admiral William Leahy (behind Roosevelt) in early 1944 and was with him at Yalta, where postwar reorganization in Europe would be determined.

Aide to Leahy

By A. Denis Clift
February 2024
In these edited excerpts from his oral history, Vice Admiral J. Victor Smith shares his experience as aide to Admiral Leahy during his time as Chief of Staff to FDR.

Books by A. Denis Clift