Traitor or Patriot? An interesting question to say the least. Already on this thread I have seen cogent thoughts regarding each perspective.
Which is the higher calling? The keeping of ones oath regardless of the consequences or breaking ones oath in order to uncover traitorous/criminal behavior by ones own government (not to mention the guilt by omission of the media not covering stories which show criminal or unethical behavior by the government due to their political affiliation)? Is it any wonder he went to the press in a different country than the USA? I think not.
It took great courage for him to do what he did. But as far as Traitor or Patriot, the jury is still out, and in the end, it will be seen differently by everyone based on their own belief system. I’m not sure how to read this in absolute terms, and I do believe in absolutes.
All that was decided at Nuremberg. There is no requirement to follow orders that are illegal.