forces and buildup of South Vietnamese combat capabilities, while also negotiating with the North Vietnamese. Nixon sought the advice of Wheeler and the Chiefs but often did not heed it. Political necessity compelled larger and faster US withdrawals than Wheeler and his colleagues thought prudent.

General Wheeler retired on 2 July 1970 after an unprecedented six years in office.

Those who knew him best detected his great frustration over his failure to win civilian approval of the strategy that he believed would win the war in Vietnam. The stress of these six years led to several heart attacks that greatly weakened Wheeler's health. He died on 18 December 1975 in Frederick, Maryland.