Office of Strategic Services, 1942–1945

The Office of Strategic Services was created in 1942 to coordinate intelligence, analysis, propaganda and special operations for the United States during the Second World War. Under William J. Donovan it recruited military personnel, academics, linguists and specialists from varied backgrounds.

OSS teams supported resistance movements, gathered intelligence and conducted covert operations in Europe and Asia. Its Research and Analysis Branch also produced strategic studies for policymakers and commanders.

The organisation was dissolved in 1945, but its personnel and methods influenced the Central Intelligence Agency and United States special-operations institutions. Its record also raises questions about secrecy, irregular warfare and intelligence oversight.