David Martin’s “The Assassination of James Forrestal” presents a comprehensive examination of the mysterious death of James Forrestal, the first U.S. Secretary of Defense. Martin argues that Forrestal’s death was not a suicide but an assassination orchestrated by powerful interests within the U.S. government and pro-Zionist factions. The book meticulously investigates the events leading up to Forrestal’s death, scrutinizes the official investigations, and critiques the media’s portrayal of Forrestal.

Conclusion

David Martin concludes that James Forrestal’s death was the result of an assassination rather than suicide. Martin supports this conclusion with a thorough analysis of the inconsistencies in the official investigation, the suppression of key evidence, and the influential role of prominent journalists in shaping public perception. Forrestal’s confinement in Bethesda Naval Hospital, the suspicious timing of his death, and the suppression of critical testimonies are all presented as evidence of foul play.

Key Points

• 🕵️‍♂️ Investigation: Martin provides a comprehensive investigation into Forrestal’s death, arguing that it was an assassination.

• 📜 Historical Context: The book details Forrestal’s career, his political views, and his significant contributions as the first Secretary of Defense.

• 🏛️ Official Reports: The author critiques the Navy’s official inquiry and subsequent reports, highlighting their inadequacies and suggesting a cover-up.

• 📰 Media Narrative: The role of journalists like Drew Pearson and Walter Winchell in shaping public perception of Forrestal is examined in depth.

• 🏥 Confinement: Forrestal’s confinement in Bethesda Naval Hospital is scrutinized, with questions raised about the validity of his diagnosis and treatment.

• 🕰️ Timing: The suspicious timing of Forrestal’s death, just as his brother was about to take him out of the hospital, is emphasized.

• 💼 Political Motives: Forrestal’s opposition to Zionism and his anti-Communist stance are identified as potential motives for his assassination.

• ✒️ Forrestal’s Last Days: Detailed accounts of Forrestal’s activities and interactions in his final days reveal anomalies and inconsistencies in the official narrative.

• 🔒 Suppressed Evidence: Key evidence and witness testimonies that were suppressed are presented to support the assassination theory.

• 🚨 Alternative Theories: Martin explores various alternative theories and identifies potential perpetrators and their motives.

Introduction

🕵️‍♂️ Historic Assassination

David Martin begins by discussing his interest in the mysterious death of James Forrestal, sparked by the suspicious death of Vincent Foster in 1993. Martin’s exploration of the events leading to Forrestal’s death includes the political climate of the time and Forrestal’s staunch anti-Communist and anti-Zionist positions (p. 24-25).

Early Life and Career

🏫 Background and Education

James Forrestal was born on February 15, 1892, in Matteawan, New York. He attended Dartmouth College before transferring to Princeton University, where he became editor of The Daily Princetonian and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by his classmates. Despite his achievements, Forrestal left Princeton one credit short of graduation (p. 8-11).

💼 Wall Street Career

Forrestal started working as a financial reporter before joining William A. Read and Company in 1916. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a partner in 1923 and president of Dillon, Read and Company in 1937. His career was interrupted by his military service during World War I, where he trained as an aviator (p. 14-15).

Government Service

🏛️ New Deal and WWII

In mid-1940, Forrestal was appointed as an administrative assistant to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and soon became Under Secretary of the Navy. He played a crucial role in the Navy’s mobilization during World War II and was instrumental in the production of ships and planes. Forrestal was appointed Secretary of the Navy in May 1944 after the death of Frank Knox (p. 20).

🔧 Mobilization Efforts

Forrestal’s efforts in mobilizing the Navy were crucial to the U.S. victory in World War II. He oversaw the expansion of the Navy’s fleet and the improvement of its operational effectiveness. His contributions were widely recognized, and he remained in office when Harry S. Truman became president in 1945 (p. 20-21).

Secretary of Defense

📜 National Security Act

The National Security Act of 1947 created the Department of Defense, consolidating the various military branches. Forrestal was appointed as the first Secretary of Defense, a role in which he faced numerous challenges, including the rapid demobilization of armed forces and internal skirmishes over military consolidation (p. 24).

🛡️ Anti-Communism and Containment

Forrestal was a strong advocate for the containment of Soviet Communism. He supported the Truman Doctrine, which provided aid to Greece and Turkey to counter Soviet influence. Forrestal circulated George Kennan’s “long telegram,” which outlined the Soviet threat and advocated for a policy of containment (p. 23).

Controversies and Opposition

🗳️ Palestine and Zionism

Forrestal strongly opposed the creation of Israel, fearing it would destabilize the Middle East and draw the U.S. into conflicts. He believed that Zionist aspirations were putting the nation on a collision course with oil-supplying countries and pushing them towards the Soviet Union. His opposition to U.S. support for the partition of Palestine led to significant political backlash (p. 22).

📉 Media Attacks

Journalists like Drew Pearson and Walter Winchell launched vicious attacks on Forrestal, painting him as mentally unstable and contributing to his negative public image. These attacks intensified after Truman’s re-election in 1948, leading to Forrestal’s resignation and confinement in Bethesda Naval Hospital (p. 22, 45).

Confinement and Death

🏥 Bethesda Naval Hospital

Forrestal was admitted to Bethesda Naval Hospital on April 2, 1949, diagnosed with “operational fatigue.” His confinement was marked by questionable treatment and restricted access to visitors, raising doubts about the validity of his diagnosis. He was confined to a room with security-screened windows on the 16th floor (p. 29).

📅 Suspicious Timing

Forrestal’s death on May 22, 1949, occurred just as his brother Henry was about to take him out of the hospital. The timing of his death and the suppression of key evidence and witness testimonies are highlighted as suspicious. The official narrative that Forrestal committed suicide is challenged by the evidence presented in the book (p. 29, 40).

Investigation and Cover-Up

📝 Official Reports

The Navy’s official inquiry into Forrestal’s death was criticized for its lack of transparency and the suppression of key evidence. The investigation concluded that Forrestal died from injuries sustained in a fall, but did not explain the cause of the fall or the presence of a sash tied around his neck. The delayed release of the investigation’s findings further fueled suspicions of a cover-up (p. 43).

📰 Media Narrative

Prominent journalists shaped the public perception of Forrestal’s death as a suicide. Martin argues that this narrative was influenced by Forrestal’s political enemies and the desire to suppress his anti-Zionist and anti-Communist views. The role of the media in shaping public opinion and contributing to the cover-up is examined in depth (p. 44-45).

Key Evidence and Testimonies

🔒 Suppressed Evidence

Key evidence and witness testimonies were suppressed to maintain the suicide narrative. Forrestal’s brother, Henry, and his close confidante, Monsignor Maurice Sheehy, both doubted the official story and suspected foul play. The book presents detailed accounts of the suppressed evidence, including inconsistencies in the official reports and the suppression of critical testimonies (p. 49-50).

🚨 Alternative Theories

Martin explores various alternative theories regarding Forrestal’s death. He identifies potential perpetrators and their motives, focusing on the political climate and Forrestal’s opposition to powerful interests. The book argues that Forrestal’s assassination was part of a broader pattern of political eliminations and cover-ups (p. 48).

Summary

1. Introduction to Forrestal’s Career: James Forrestal’s early life, education, and successful career in finance, highlighting his rise to prominence and eventual transition to public service (p. 8-14).

2. Political Views and Opposition: Forrestal’s strong anti-Communist stance and opposition to the creation of Israel, positioning him against influential political factions (p. 21-22, 25-27).

3. Circumstances of Confinement: Detailed examination of Forrestal’s confinement in Bethesda Naval Hospital, questioning the validity of his diagnosis and the treatment he received (p. 29).

4. The Night of the Death: A thorough account of the events leading up to Forrestal’s death, highlighting discrepancies in the official story and the condition of his body (p. 29-31).

5. Official Inquiries and Reports: Analysis of the Navy’s inquiry and other official reports, arguing that they were incomplete and intended to cover up the true cause of death (p. 37-38, 43).

6. Media’s Role: Examination of how journalists like Drew Pearson and Walter Winchell shaped public perception, painting Forrestal as mentally unstable and depressed (p. 22, 45).

7. Evidence of Assassination: Presentation of evidence suggesting

that Forrestal was assassinated, including suppressed testimonies, missing documents, and the behavior of key individuals (p. 40-43).

8. Motives for Murder: Exploration of potential motives behind the assassination, focusing on Forrestal’s political enemies and the geopolitical context of the time (p. 22, 46-48).

9. Reaction from Family and Friends: Accounts from Forrestal’s family and close associates, many of whom doubted the suicide narrative and suspected foul play (p. 49-50).

10. Legacy and Impact: Reflection on Forrestal’s legacy, the ongoing mystery of his death, and its implications for understanding post-WWII American politics and the influence of the “Deep State” (p. 51-53).

FAQs

Q: Who was James Forrestal?

A: James Vincent Forrestal was the first United States Secretary of Defense, serving from 1947 to 1949. Prior to that, he was Secretary of the Navy and played a significant role in the mobilization efforts during World War II (p. 17-19).

Q: What were Forrestal’s political views?

A: Forrestal was a strong anti-Communist and opposed the creation of Israel, fearing it would destabilize the Middle East and draw the U.S. into conflicts (p. 21-22, 25-27).

Q: How did James Forrestal die?

A: Forrestal died on May 22, 1949, after falling from a 16th-floor window of the Bethesda Naval Hospital. His death was officially ruled as a suicide, but many inconsistencies and suppressed evidence suggest it may have been an assassination (p. 29-31).

Q: Why do some believe Forrestal was assassinated?

A: There are several reasons: Forrestal’s opposition to powerful political interests, inconsistencies in the official reports, the suppression of key evidence, and his confinement under questionable circumstances (p. 33-36).

Q: What was the official explanation for Forrestal’s death?

A: The official explanation was that Forrestal committed suicide due to mental illness and depression. However, this explanation is challenged by the evidence presented in David Martin’s book (p. 37-38).

Q: What evidence suggests Forrestal did not commit suicide?

A: Evidence includes the tightly wrapped sash around Forrestal’s neck, the timing of his death, the suppression of witness testimonies, and the inconsistencies in the official narrative (p. 40-43).

Q: What role did the media play in Forrestal’s death?

A: Prominent journalists like Drew Pearson and Walter Winchell were instrumental in shaping the public perception of Forrestal as mentally unstable and depressed, contributing to the suicide narrative (p. 44-45).

Q: What were Forrestal’s concerns about the creation of Israel?

A: Forrestal was concerned that the creation of Israel would lead to prolonged conflict in the Middle East, endanger U.S. access to oil, and push Muslim countries toward the Soviet Union (p. 46-48).

Q: How did Forrestal’s family react to his death?

A: Forrestal’s family, particularly his brother Henry, doubted the suicide narrative and believed that he was the last person who would commit suicide. Henry and other close associates suspected foul play (p. 49-50).

Q: What is the legacy of James Forrestal?

A: Forrestal’s legacy is complex, marked by his significant contributions to U.S. defense policy and the ongoing mystery surrounding his death. His opposition to the creation of Israel and his anti-Communist stance made him a controversial figure (p. 51-53).

Quotes

1. “David Martin’s book ‘The Assassination of James Forrestal’ focuses on the historic truths related to the systemic harassment and consequent death of James Forrestal in May, 1949, at the Bethesda Naval Hospital.” (p. 4)

2. “This profoundly important book describes in detail one of the earliest plots of the ‘Deep State’ as it was constituted post-WWII.” (p. 5)

3. “The plot to remove all impediments to the creation and successful launch of the nation of Israel, through silencing the most influential and prescient voice cautioning his country, and the world, about the long and possibly endless tail of retaliations, recriminations and retributions that lay ahead.” (p. 5)

4. “Forrestal was confined in the Bethesda Naval Hospital under questionable circumstances, raising doubts about the official story of his mental state.” (p. 29)

5. “The official explanation for Forrestal’s death was that he committed suicide due to mental illness and depression. However, this explanation is challenged by the evidence presented in David Martin’s book.” (p. 37)

6. “Forrestal had been admitted to the hospital, apparently against his will, diagnosed as suffering from ‘operational fatigue’ and kept in confinement in a room with security-screened windows on the 16th floor since April 2, some seven weeks before.” (p. 29)

7. “The timing of Forrestal’s death, just as his brother was about to take him out of the hospital, is highlighted as suspicious.” (p. 40)

8. “His fear of reprisals from pro-Zionists was said to stem from attacks by some columnists on what they said was his opposition to partition of Palestine under a UN mandate.” (p. 45)

9. “James Forrestal was the first United States Secretary of Defense, serving from 1947 to 1949. Prior to that, he was Secretary of the Navy and played a significant role in the mobilization efforts during World War II.” (p. 17-19)

10. “The Navy announcement today gave no explanation of the delay in making the findings public.” (p. 43)

11. “Repeatedly, I noticed, press reports referred to Foster as ‘the highest ranking federal official to commit suicide since Secretary of Defense James Forrestal.’” (p. 24)

12. “The press was just as approving as was official Washington. In the run up to the nomination, Business Week had put him on its May 6 cover.” (p. 18)

13. “Forrestal’s intervention at that moment saved a countless number of lives and who knows how much further gain by the Soviet Union in the region.” (p. 19)

14. “Forrestal, a Democrat by family background, had already worked behind the scenes with Securities and Exchange Commissioner William O. Douglas in implementing Franklin Roosevelt’s Wall Street reforms.” (p. 20)

15. “Given the heavy responsibility of sales for upper New York State, he pitched in with the sort of total commitment that would mark his entire career, both in the private sector and in public service.” (p. 14)

16. “From being one of the heroes in the victory over the Axis Powers, he was turned into a money-grubbing villain.” (p. 22)

17. “He also seemed to be quite normal only minutes before he went out the 16th floor window of the Bethesda Naval Hospital, some seven weeks later.” (p. 27)

18. “Over Forrestal’s objections, the Truman government not only supported the United Nations vote on November 29, 1947, to partition Palestine but actively worked to pressure enough countries into supporting the measure for it to succeed.” (p. 22)

19. “The Navy’s announcement today gave no explanation of the delay in making the findings public.” (p. 43)

20. “At this point Forrestal made another career move of the sort that would typify his life. Out of a sense of patriotic duty he signed up for military service.” (p. 15)

Timeline of Important Events

1. February 15, 1892: James Vincent Forrestal is born in Matteawan, New York. (p. 8)

2. 1911: Forrestal enters Dartmouth College and then transfers to Princeton University. (p. 11)

3. 1916: Forrestal starts working for William A. Read and Company as a bond salesman. (p. 14)

4. 1917: Forrestal joins the Navy and trains to be an aviator during World War I. (p. 15)

5. 1923: Forrestal becomes a partner in Dillon, Read and Company. (p. 14)

6. 1937: Forrestal is made president of Dillon, Read and Company. (p. 14)

7. Mid-1940: Forrestal is appointed administrative assistant to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. (p. 20)

8. August 22, 1940: Forrestal begins his tenure as Under Secretary of the Navy. (p. 20)

9. April 28, 1944: Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox dies. (p. 20)

10. May 19, 1944: Forrestal is confirmed as Secretary of the Navy. (p. 20)

11. May 19, 1945: Harry S. Truman succeeds Roosevelt as President of the United States. (p. 21)

12. July 1947: President Truman lays out the Truman Doctrine, with significant input from Forrestal. (p. 23)

13. September 17, 1947: Forrestal becomes the first United States Secretary of Defense. (p. 24)

14. November 29, 1947: The United Nations votes to partition Palestine. (p. 22)

15. March 4, 1949: President Truman announces that Forrestal will be replaced by Louis Johnson. (p. 27)

16. March 28, 1949: Louis Johnson is sworn in as Secretary of Defense. (p. 27)

17. April 2, 1949: Forrestal is admitted to Bethesda Naval Hospital, diagnosed with “operational fatigue.” (p. 29)

18. May 22, 1949: James Forrestal dies after falling from a 16th-floor window of Bethesda Naval Hospital. (p. 29)

19. October 12, 1949: The Navy releases a summary of the investigation into Forrestal’s death, without explaining the cause of the fall. (p. 43)

Key People and Their Roles

1. James Vincent Forrestal

   • First United States Secretary of Defense (1947-1949)
   • Former Secretary of the Navy
   • Key figure in the mobilization efforts during World War II
   • Central figure in the book, whose death is investigated as an assassination (p. 17-19, 29)

2. David Martin (Author)

   • Investigative author who argues that Forrestal was assassinated rather than having committed suicide (p. 4-5)

3. Drew Pearson

   • Journalist who attacked Forrestal in the press, contributing to his negative public image (p. 22, 45)

4. Walter Winchell

   • Journalist and ardent Zionist who also vilified Forrestal in his columns (p. 22, 45)

5. Phillip F. Nelson

   • Author and supporter of the book, providing context on Forrestal’s significance and the alleged assassination (p. 4-5)

6. Louis Johnson

   • Succeeded Forrestal as Secretary of Defense
   • Held in low regard by Forrestal and involved in his downfall (p. 27, 47)

7. Harry S. Truman

   • President of the United States during Forrestal’s tenure as Secretary of Defense
   • Ultimately decided to replace Forrestal with Johnson (p. 21, 27)

8. George C. Marshall

   • Secretary of State who shared Forrestal’s views on the creation of Israel and its geopolitical implications (p. 22)

9. George Kennan

   • Author of the “long telegram” advocating for the containment of Soviet Communism, supported by Forrestal (p. 23)

10. Henry Forrestal

    • James Forrestal’s older brother who doubted the official suicide narrative and suspected foul play (p. 49-50)

11. Monsignor Maurice Sheehy

    • Close confidante of Forrestal who was denied access to visit him during his confinement (p. 49-50)

12. John F. Kennedy

    • Future president who accompanied Forrestal to Germany during the Potsdam Conference (p. 21)

13. Frank Knox

    • Secretary of the Navy who preceded Forrestal and chose him as Under Secretary (p. 20)

14. William O. Douglas

    • Securities and Exchange Commissioner and later Supreme Court Justice, recommended Forrestal for government service (p. 20)

15. Admiral Morton D. Willcutts

    • Head of the National Naval Medical Center who appointed the review board for the investigation into Forrestal’s death (p. 43)

16. Dr. George N. Raines

    • Navy psychiatrist in charge of Forrestal’s case at Bethesda Naval Hospital (p. 43, 50)

17. Captain B.W. Hogan

    • Acting hospital commandant at Bethesda Naval Hospital, involved in decisions about Forrestal’s confinement (p. 50)

18. Lyndon Baines Johnson

    • Congressman who visited Forrestal in the hospital, despite not being wanted there by Forrestal (p. 47)

19. Admiral Leslie Stone

    • Bethesda Hospital commandant who publicly called Forrestal’s death a suicide (p. 43)

20. Dr. Frank J. Broschart

    • Montgomery County coroner who also called Forrestal’s death a suicide (p. 43)

Bibliography

1. David McCullough, Truman, Simon & Schuster, Inc.

   • Referenced for historical context and quotations related to President Truman and his administration (p. 7).

2. Cornell Simpson, The Death of James Forrestal, John Birch Society.

   • Extensively quoted and referenced for its investigation into Forrestal’s death, highlighting the official narrative and challenging it (p. 7, 32, 50).

3. Townsend Hoopes and Douglas Brinkley, Driven Patriot: The Life and Times of James Forrestal, Naval Institute Press.

   • A significant biography of Forrestal, referenced for its account of Forrestal’s life, career, and the details surrounding his death (p. 32-34, 50).

4. Arnold A. Rogow, James Forrestal, A Study of Personality, Politics, and Policy, World Publishing Company.

   • Referenced for its psychological analysis of Forrestal and its perspective on his death (p. 32-33, 42).

5. Neal Gabler, Winchell: Gossip, Power and the Culture of Celebrity, Vintage Books.

   • Provides insight into Walter Winchell’s opposition to Forrestal and his role in shaping public perception (p. 24).

6. Lyle Stuart, Why: the Magazine of Popular Psychiatry I, no. 1 (November 1950).

   • Referenced for its account related to Forrestal’s death (p. 42).

7. Phillip F. Nelson, LBJ, the Mastermind of the JFK Assassination; LBJ, from Mastermind to “The Colossus;” Remember the Liberty; and Who Really Killed Martin Luther King, Jr.?

   • Praises Martin’s book and provides context on the broader implications of Forrestal’s assassination (p. 4-5).

8. Alfred M. Lilienthal, The Zionist Connection II: What Price Peace, North American.

   • Referenced for its listing of individuals targeted by Zionist smear campaigns, including Forrestal (p. 48).

9. David Martin, “Forrestal Ignored: China Lost to Reds, Korean War Fought,” March 5, 2012.

   • An article by the author providing additional context on Forrestal’s impact and the consequences of ignoring his advice (p. 23).

10. David Martin, “James Forrestal and John Kennedy,” August 6, 2014.

    • An article detailing the relationship between Forrestal and John F. Kennedy and their trip to Germany (p. 21).

11. David Martin, “Oliver Stone on the Japanese Surrender,” January 22, 2013.

    • Provides insight into Forrestal’s role in the Japanese surrender during WWII (p. 23).

Walter Winchell

Role and Influence: Walter Winchell was a prominent journalist and radio commentator known for his gossip columns and fervent support of Zionism. Winchell’s influence in the media was significant, and his public attacks on James Forrestal played a crucial role in shaping public perception of Forrestal’s mental state and political positions.

Anti-Forrestal Campaign: Winchell, despite sharing Forrestal’s strong anti-Communist stance, turned against him primarily due to Forrestal’s opposition to the creation of Israel. Winchell, who was Jewish and an ardent Zionist, viewed Forrestal’s stance as a threat to the Zionist cause. This ideological clash led Winchell to launch a series of scurrilous attacks on Forrestal in his columns and radio broadcasts (p. 22, 24).

Media Attacks and Public Perception: Winchell’s attacks were instrumental in painting Forrestal as mentally unstable and politically isolated. These media assaults contributed to the broader narrative that Forrestal was suffering from severe depression and paranoia, a narrative that was later used to support the official explanation of Forrestal’s suicide (p. 22, 45).

Historical Context: Winchell’s attacks on Forrestal must be understood within the broader context of post-WWII American politics, where the creation of Israel was a highly contentious issue. Forrestal’s opposition to U.S. support for Israel’s creation put him at odds with powerful political and media figures, including Winchell. This opposition not only isolated Forrestal politically but also made him a target for media vilification (p. 22).

Impact on Forrestal’s Downfall: The relentless media campaign led by Winchell and others significantly impacted Forrestal’s reputation and mental health. The book argues that the stress from these attacks contributed to the perception that Forrestal was mentally unfit, ultimately leading to his confinement in Bethesda Naval Hospital and his subsequent death (p. 22, 45).

Conclusion: Walter Winchell’s role in the media campaign against James Forrestal was pivotal. By leveraging his platform, Winchell helped construct a narrative of Forrestal’s instability, which played into the hands of those seeking to remove Forrestal from power. Martin suggests that this media-driven character assassination was a crucial element in the broader plot that led to Forrestal’s death, which Martin argues was not a suicide but an assassination (p. 22, 24, 45).

These details highlight Winchell’s influence and actions within the context of David Martin’s investigation into the death of James Forrestal, emphasizing the interplay between media narratives and political intrigue.

Circumstances of Confinement

Admission to Bethesda Naval Hospital: James Forrestal was admitted to Bethesda Naval Hospital on April 2, 1949. He was diagnosed with “operational fatigue,” a term used to describe severe mental and physical exhaustion. This diagnosis led to his removal from public life and his subsequent confinement, which Martin argues was questionable from the outset (p. 29).

Diagnosis and Treatment: Forrestal’s diagnosis of “operational fatigue” has been a point of contention. It suggested that Forrestal was suffering from a severe breakdown, but there was skepticism about the accuracy and motives behind this diagnosis. Critics argue that the diagnosis was potentially manipulated to justify Forrestal’s removal and to keep him under surveillance. This diagnosis resulted in Forrestal being placed in a highly secure environment within the hospital, more akin to a prison than a medical facility (p. 29).

Restrictions and Isolation: Forrestal was confined to a room on the 16th floor of the hospital, which had security-screened windows, an unusual measure for someone supposedly suffering from a mental health condition. The high level of security and restriction imposed on Forrestal’s movements and communications suggests that he was being treated with extreme caution and possibly as a threat (p. 29).

Denied Visits: One of the most significant aspects of Forrestal’s confinement was the restricted access to visitors, especially those who were close to him. Monsignor Maurice Sheehy, a close confidante of Forrestal, was denied visits multiple times by Dr. George N. Raines, the Navy psychiatrist overseeing Forrestal’s case. This repeated denial of access contributed to Forrestal’s sense of isolation and added to the suspicions surrounding his treatment and diagnosis (p. 50).

Surveillance and Monitoring: Forrestal was under constant surveillance during his stay at Bethesda. There was always a corpsman stationed outside his room to monitor his activities. Despite this surveillance, Forrestal’s death occurred under mysterious circumstances, raising questions about the effectiveness and intent of the monitoring. The presence of a guard indicates that Forrestal was not just being treated for a medical condition but was also being closely watched, potentially for security reasons (p. 31, 42).

Conflicting Accounts of Behavior: Reports about Forrestal’s behavior and mental state during his confinement were conflicting. Official reports suggested that he was severely depressed and suicidal, while accounts from his brother Henry Forrestal and Monsignor Sheehy indicated that Forrestal appeared mentally sound and in good spirits during their visits. These conflicting accounts cast doubt on the official narrative and suggest that Forrestal’s true condition may have been misrepresented to justify his confinement (p. 50).

Plans for Release: Henry Forrestal had plans to remove his brother from the hospital on the day James Forrestal died. This planned release adds another layer of suspicion to the timing of Forrestal’s death, as it suggests that those who wanted to keep him silenced might have expedited their plans to eliminate him before he could be released and potentially reveal damaging information (p. 50).

Suspicious Timing of Death: James Forrestal’s death on May 22, 1949, was shrouded in mystery and suspicion. He was found dead on a third-floor roof below his hospital room window, and the official explanation was that he had committed suicide by jumping out of the window. However, the presence of a tightly wrapped sash around his neck, which appeared to be a possible strangulation tool, and other inconsistencies in the official story suggest that his death may have been staged to look like a suicide (p. 29, 40).

Official Inquiry and Reports: The Navy’s official inquiry into Forrestal’s death concluded that he died from injuries sustained in a fall, but the report did not adequately explain the cause of the fall or address the presence of the sash around his neck. The inquiry’s findings were delayed and incomplete, leading to suspicions of a cover-up. The report’s lack of transparency and the suppression of key evidence and testimonies have been criticized and cited as further evidence of foul play (p. 43).

Media’s Role: The media played a crucial role in shaping public perception of Forrestal’s death. Prominent journalists like Drew Pearson and Walter Winchell portrayed Forrestal as mentally unstable and depressed, contributing to the official suicide narrative. These portrayals were influential in solidifying the public’s acceptance of the suicide explanation, despite the inconsistencies and suspicious circumstances surrounding his death (p. 22, 45).

Suppressed Evidence and Testimonies: Key evidence and witness testimonies that could have contradicted the official suicide narrative were suppressed. Forrestal’s brother Henry and Monsignor Sheehy, among others, expressed doubts about the suicide explanation and believed that Forrestal was the last person who would take his own life. The suppression of these testimonies and other critical pieces of evidence, such as the detailed circumstances of Forrestal’s last hours and the exact nature of his injuries, adds to the suspicion that Forrestal’s death was not a suicide but an assassination (p. 49-50).

Conclusion: The circumstances of James Forrestal’s confinement in Bethesda Naval Hospital are highly suspicious and indicative of foul play. The combination of a controversial diagnosis, restricted access to visitors, constant surveillance, conflicting accounts of his mental state, and the suspicious timing of his death all point to the possibility that Forrestal was deliberately isolated and silenced. David Martin’s investigation into these circumstances supports the argument that Forrestal’s death was not a suicide but an assassination orchestrated by powerful interests (p. 29, 31, 40, 50).

Suppressed Evidence

Conflicting Testimonies: The testimonies from those close to James Forrestal significantly differ from the official narrative. While the official reports depicted Forrestal as severely depressed and suicidal, accounts from his brother Henry Forrestal and close friend Monsignor Maurice Sheehy suggested otherwise. Henry Forrestal stated that his brother was in good spirits and rational during his visits, making it hard to believe that he would commit suicide. This contradiction was largely ignored in the official investigation, raising questions about the accuracy and intent behind the portrayal of Forrestal’s mental state (p. 49-50).

Monsignor Sheehy’s Attempts to Visit: Monsignor Maurice Sheehy was denied access to visit Forrestal six times by Dr. George N. Raines, the Navy psychiatrist in charge of Forrestal’s case. Sheehy was a trusted confidante who could have provided emotional support and possibly testified to Forrestal’s mental health. The repeated denial of Sheehy’s visits suggests an effort to isolate Forrestal from those who might have contradicted the narrative of his depression and suicidal tendencies. This isolation contributed to maintaining the official story and suppressing alternative accounts of Forrestal’s condition (p. 50).

The Sash Around Forrestal’s Neck: When Forrestal’s body was found, a tightly wrapped sash was around his neck, which is inconsistent with the official explanation of suicide by jumping from a window. This piece of evidence suggests the possibility of strangulation or another form of foul play before Forrestal’s fall. The presence of the sash was not adequately addressed in the official reports, and its significance was downplayed. The failure to investigate this critical detail thoroughly adds to the suspicion that key evidence was deliberately suppressed to support the suicide narrative (p. 29, 40).

Timing of the Death: The timing of Forrestal’s death is particularly suspicious. He died on May 22, 1949, just as his brother Henry was about to take him out of the hospital. The official narrative did not explore the implications of this timing. If Forrestal had been released, he might have shared information that could have been damaging to those who wanted him silenced. The proximity of his death to his planned release suggests that his elimination was expedited to prevent any potential revelations. This aspect was not sufficiently investigated or explained in the official inquiry (p. 50).

Suppressed Official Report Details: The Navy’s official inquiry concluded that Forrestal died from injuries sustained in a fall but did not explain the cause of the fall or address the presence of the sash around his neck. The report’s findings were delayed and lacked transparency, fueling suspicions of a cover-up. Key details, such as the exact circumstances of Forrestal’s fall and the nature of his injuries, were either omitted or insufficiently examined. The incomplete nature of the report suggests an intentional effort to obscure the true cause of Forrestal’s death (p. 43).

Missing or Ignored Testimonies: Several witness testimonies that could have provided alternative perspectives on Forrestal’s state of mind and the circumstances of his death were either ignored or not included in the official inquiry. For