I thought it might be interesting to consult an AI about Dietrich:
https://grok.com/?referrer=website"Douglas Duane Dietrich is a figure known for his claims as a military historian, public informant, and geopolitical analyst. Here is a summary based on available online information":
Background: Dietrich claims to be a naturalized American citizen, born in Taiwan to a Caucasian American sailor father who served in the U.S. Navy. His father's service reportedly spanned several significant historical periods, including the end of Warlord China, World War II, the Korean Conflict, and Vietnam.
Military Service: Dietrich has stated that he served in the U.S. Marine Corps during Desert Storm. However, his military service has been subject to scrutiny. Various sources, including discussions on websites like RallyPoint and This Ain't Hell, suggest that his claims of being a Desert Storm veteran are not supported by official records. These sources indicate that Dietrich had a very brief stint in the Marine Corps, with an entry-level separation in 1988, long before the Gulf War.
Professional Claims: He claims to have worked as a Department of Defense Research Librarian at the Presidio Military Base in San Francisco for about ten years, where one of his duties was to destroy highly classified documents. This role supposedly gave him access to information on topics like Pearl Harbor, Roswell, Vietnam, and various occult phenomena. However, these claims have been criticized and debunked by several sources, labeling him as a crank or hoaxer.
Public Activity: Dietrich has appeared on various platforms, including radio shows and conspiracy-themed websites, where he discusses conspiracy theories, historical revisionism, and alleged covert operations. For instance, he has been a guest on "Coast to Coast AM," where he has talked about WWII secrets and other controversial topics.
Criticism and Controversy: There is significant skepticism and criticism regarding his credibility. Investigations by various online communities and blogs have pointed out inconsistencies in his claims, particularly about his military service and the nature of his work at the Presidio. He's been accused of exaggerating or fabricating his credentials and experiences, leading to accusations of being a "phony" or a "crank."
Publications: Dietrich has been associated with books like "Red Undead: The Untold True Story of the Supernatural Soviets," which he co-authored with David J. West. However, the availability of his publications seems limited, suggesting they have not had a wide impact or recognition.
In summary, while Douglas Duane Dietrich presents himself as an authority on military history and conspiracy theories, much of his claimed expertise and experience have been heavily contested and debunked by various analyses. His activities and claims are often viewed within the context of fringe or conspiracy theory circles rather than mainstream historical or academic discourse.