The proceedings of the first major scholarly conference on the OSS, which was in existence from 1941 through 1945. Includes 24 papers presented by veterans and historians of the OSS. Offers new insights into the activities and importance of the U.S.'s first modern national intelligence agency. Discusses: the U.S. on the brink of war; the operations of the OSS at the headquarters level and in the field throughout Western Europe, the Balkans, and Asia. Also explores the legacy of the OSS. Contributors include: Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., William Colby, Walt W. Rostow, Robin Winks, and Aline, Countess of Romanones.

Søgeord: COI; Hemmelige Agenter; Overvågningsvirksomhed; Secret Intelligence; SACO; AGFRTS; SOE-SO; SI London Teams; Siam; Myitkyina; MO; Pacific Ocean Theaters; Befrielsen af Europa; Betingelsesløs Kapitulation; Overgivelsesbetingelser; German Surrender Negotiations; Befrielsen af København; Algier; OG's; X-2/London; Liaison with Foreign Intelligence Services; Holland; Corsika; Resistance Movements; Resistance Aid

The Office of Strategic Services, the forerunner of the CIA, was founded in 1942 by William 'Wild Bill' Donovan under the direction of President Roosevelt. Agents were enlisted from both the armed services and civilians to produce operational groups specialising in different foreign areas including Italy, Norway, Yugoslavia and China. In 1944 the number of men and women working in the service totalled nearly 13,500. This intriguing story of the origins and development of the American espionage forces covers all of the different departments involved, with a particular emphasis on the courageous teams operating in the field. The volume is illustrated with many photographs, including images from the film director John Ford who led the OSS Photographic Unit and parachuted into Burma in 1943.

The Office of Strategic Services (OSS) left a legacy of daring & innovation that has influenced American military & intelligence thinking since World War II. OSS owed its successes to many factors, but most of all to the foresight & drive of William J. Donovan, who built & held together the office's divergent missions & personalities. Today's CIA derives a significant institutional & spiritual legacy from OSS. This concise history describes some of the important components of OSS & highlights some of its significant missions & personalities. Chapters: COI Came First; Who Was OSS?; Research & Analysis; Special Operations; Secret Intelligence; X-2; Weapons & Spy Gear; OSS in Asia; An End & a Beginning; & Suggested Readings. Illus.

O'Donnell has tracked down and interviewed more than 300 elite and mysterious former OSS (Office of Strategic Services) members and, for the first time, relates their incredible true stories of World War II--stories that may read like the best spy novels but are shockingly true. 16-page photo insert.