Oppenheimer’s Epilogue: Restored Security Clearance
Oppenheimer would have his security clearance restored in full. Unfortunately the renown theoretical physicist, who had the support of the scientific community, wouldn’t live to see it. He passed away on February 18, 1967 at age 62 in Princeton, New Jersey from throat cancer. At his memorial service, Henry DeWolf Smyth said, “We regret that his great work for his country was repaid so shabbily.”
Oppenheimer’s security clearance was restored by the U.S. Department of Energy in 2022. After reviewing his case, Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said in a press release, “As time has passed, more evidence has come to light of the bias and unfairness that Dr. Oppenheimer was subjected to while the evidence of his loyalty and love of country have only been further affirmed.”
