Office of Strategic Services

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Office of Strategic Services

The Office of Strategic Services (OSS) was a wartime intelligence agency of the United States during World War II. It was the predecessor of the modern Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The OSS was formed as an agency of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to coordinate espionage activities behind enemy lines for all branches of the United States Armed Forces. Other OSS functions included the use of propaganda, subversion, and post-war planning.

History

The OSS was established by a Presidential military order issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on June 13, 1942. The agency was created to address the need for a centralized intelligence organization. Prior to the formation of the OSS, American intelligence activities were conducted by various military branches and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), often with little coordination.

The first director of the OSS was William J. Donovan, a World War I hero and a lawyer. Under Donovan's leadership, the OSS grew rapidly and became involved in numerous clandestine operations across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Operations

The OSS conducted a wide range of operations during World War II, including:

• Espionage: Gathering intelligence behind enemy lines.
• Sabotage: Disrupting enemy infrastructure and supply lines.
• Propaganda: Disseminating information to influence public opinion and morale.
• Guerrilla warfare: Supporting resistance movements in occupied territories.

The OSS also played a significant role in the planning and execution of Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa, and Operation Overlord, the D-Day invasion of Normandy.

Legacy

After World War II, the OSS was dissolved by President Harry S. Truman on September 20, 1945. However, its functions and personnel were transferred to the State Department and the War Department, eventually leading to the creation of the CIA in 1947 under the National Security Act of 1947.

The OSS is often credited with laying the groundwork for modern American intelligence operations. Many of its techniques and practices were adopted and refined by the CIA and other intelligence agencies.

Notable Members

Several notable individuals served in the OSS, including:

• Julia Child, who later became a famous chef and television personality.
• Arthur Schlesinger Jr., a historian and social critic.
• Moe Berg, a professional baseball player turned spy.

Related Pages

• Central Intelligence Agency
• World War II
• Espionage
• Guerrilla warfare
• Propaganda
• Operation Torch
• Operation Overlord
• William J. Donovan
• Franklin D. Roosevelt
• Harry S. Truman
• National Security Act of 1947