Imagine the kind of man who wears a suit like a second skin, can glide through diplomatic circles with a nod, and yet, keeps his cards close to his chest. That was Henry E. Catto Jr., the unsung hero of American diplomacy and a stalwart under both President Reagan and President George H.W. Bush. Born on December 6, 1930, in Dallas, Texas, Catto morphed into a political sage, outmaneuvering adversaries with his deft understanding of global relations. He had a knack for wielding influence and navigating turbulent waters with remarkable poise. Not only did he serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture under Reagan, but he also helmed the United States Information Agency (USIA) during Bush senior's presidency. Undoubtedly, he became Reagan’s go-to guy when it came to defusing international tensions with panache.
Catto might not have been a household name, like some of the larger-than-life figures from the Reagan and Bush eras, but he was a mover and shaker whose impact resonates. Catto’s role in leading the USIA from 1991 to 1993 primarily focused on strengthening America’s soft power. Given the USIA’s mission to 'understand, inform, and influence foreign publics', Catto brought a fresh perspective to diplomacy. The end of the Cold War era called for strategists who could harness the power of communication to keep the U.S. as the preeminent global leader, and who better than Catto?
He was a quintessential Texan, a man that embodied American values and exuded confidence only those with a firm belief in the American spirit can muster. Catto attended schools in reliable conservative states, first at a military academy in Missouri and then Williams College. This upbringing no doubt shaped his innate understanding of American strength. After a stint at Kraus Industries, he pursued a more impactful career in politics. He went on to serve as an assistant to the Navy and the Air Force and later as the U.S. Chief of Protocol, harnessing his etiquette-polished yet cowboy-style diplomacy. Catto’s unshakeable faith in the country’s youth led him to business ventures to encourage civic engagement. This was a guy who believed in America, who's unwavering in his devotion to promoting core values.
His charisma made him the man everyone wanted in their corner. Republicans valued Catto for his steadfast dedication to elevating America’s standing abroad while placing American values front and center. He understood that America wasn't just a place but an idea worth nurturing. Under his leadership, the USIA turned into a force of innovation, maximizing outreach through media and cultural diplomacy, showcasing the U.S. ideology of freedoms unbounded by oppressive regimes.
Talk about being on the right side of history! He wasn’t just any ambassador, he was the Ambassador to the Court of St. James's during one of the collegiate and cordial partnerships between the U.S. and the United Kingdom. Imagine the gravitas! No wonder Catto was knighted into the Order of Saint John for his diplomatic finesse, earning respect and admiration from across the pond.
Now let’s get talking about integrity; this was a man who worked with Presidents yet never seemed fazed by shifting political landscapes or swayed by liberal ideologies that put America last. His focus was always laser-like on enhancing the image and influence of the U.S globally. And you can bet your bottom dollar he did it with elegance and honesty.
Even beyond his diplomatic tenure, Catto remained an influence. He continued to weigh in on matters of significance, exercising his wisdom through various board memberships and as a fellow at the University of Texas. His insights still stand tall, providing perspective to those who seek it. He authored books, penned articles, and gave speeches that remind us of a time when American diplomacy was honorable and intelligent.
This Texan visionary passed away on December 18, 2011, but his legacy endures, living in the annals of diplomatic history. He represents an era when America took bold strides with both humility and strength on the global stage. Henry E. Catto Jr.’s life teaches us about the triumphs of American values through sheer tenacity and smarts. This man was truly Reagan’s secret weapon, the one who didn’t just play the political game—but mastered it like the Lone Star State legend he was.