Robert Komer
Robert William "Blowtorch Bob" Komer (February 23, 1922 – April 9, 2000) was an American national security adviser known for managing Civil Operations and Revolutionary Development Support during the Vietnam War.Komer was known for his brusque management style, which had endeared him to the president and earned him the nickname "Blowtorch Bob" from U.S. ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge Jr.[4] As head of CORDS, he commanded all pacification personnel in South Vietnam.Komer focused his work on the expansion of village militias loyal to the South Vietnamese government, believing they could provide local security against guerrillas.[7] Komer left South Vietnam in November 1968 and after working briefly as a consultant for the RAND Corporation was appointed ambassador to Turkey.[1] Ambassador Komer, known for his success in garnering support in a hostile environment like Vietnam, tried to calm down the relations to the Turkish population, which was furious due the presence of sailors of the United States Navy 6th Fleet in Istanbul, who had an exclusive access to certain theaters.