In was going to claim West Wing but faintly recal reading Deception Point many moons ago.
Oh well, I rather liked the premise that it changed in times of war. Given how the world works now I shall hang onto it and continue to believe it despite evidence to the contrary.
The man from Snopes, he say no:
http://www.snopes.com/history/american/turnhead.asp
(he also says you've been reading Dan Brown books)