Citation Needed The OSS (Office of Strategic Services)
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Mar 26, 2025 The discussion kicks off with a humorous take on absurd historical conspiracies. Listeners dive deep into the quirky origins of the OSS, detailing its chaotic establishment and bizarre gadgets like pen guns. A standout feature is the infamous bat bomb project, which hilariously flopped. They also analyze the humorous, yet effective, tactics from The Simple Sabotage Field Manual, encouraging civilian resistance during the war. The blend of satire and historical anecdotes offers a unique glimpse into the absurd side of military strategy and espionage.
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Gentlemen's Mail
- The OSS's creation was partly driven by the realization that the US's disorganized intelligence efforts were inadequate.
- Secretary of State Henry Stimson had shut down a precursor to the NSA in 1929 because "gentlemen don't read each other's mail."
OSS Formation
- In 1941, William Stevenson, a British intelligence officer, convinced President Roosevelt that the US needed a unified intelligence agency.
- Roosevelt tasked William "Wild Bill" Donovan with creating the OSS, leading to its official formation in June 1942.
Glorious Amateurs
- Wild Bill Donovan assembled a diverse team of "Glorious Amateurs" for the OSS, including individuals from various fields.
- Notable members included Julia Child, John Wayne, Marlene Dietrich, John Steinbeck, and Moe Berg.