Office of Strategic Services 1942-1945: The World War II Origins of the CIA (Osprey Publishing Ltd,

If it were possible to take the most comprehensive history of the Office of Strategic Services (the "OSS") and then abstract it so that the most important information was concentrated into a brief sixty-four page volume, you would have a very valuable reference tool. Fortunately, Eugene Liptak, with the help of illustrator Richard Hook, has given us just such a resource in Office of Strategic Services 1942-1945: The World War II Origins of the CIA (Osprey Publishing Ltd, 2009; 64 pages).

The OSS initially grew out of concepts that William J. Donovan developed when he visited Great Britain in 1940 and observed England's clandestine services -- the SOE (Special Operations Executive) and the SIS (Secret Intelligence Service). Although the OSS was preceded by secret intelligence organizations in the early days of the war, the OSS was the first cohesive "spy" organization established by Executive Order. President Roosevelt created the OSS in June of 1942 under the jurisdiction of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and it continued until President Truman dissolved it shortly after the end of WWII.

In Office of Strategic Services, Liptak presents a wonderfully thorough overview of each element of the OSS, including (i) Secret Intelligence, which gathered and reported military intelligence from operational areas by unorthodox means, (ii) Special Operations, which engaged in unorthodox warfare such as sabotage and the training of local guerilla organizations, (iii) Morale Operation, which spread lies and propaganda via radio and printed publications aimed at destroying enemy morale, (iv) X-2, which dealt with counterespionage, (v) Research and Analysis, which employed leading academics to study and analyze local areas of operations, and several other operational groups Although the details of specific actions by individuals and groups within OSS are limited, Liptak offers sufficient explanations and examples to give his readers a thorough grounding in the purpose and operations of the organization.

After explaining the elements of the OSS, Liptak offers a brief overview of OSS operations in each of the theaters of operation during WWII. Again, given the nature of his book, he does not offer abundant detail regarding local operations but he does provide ample information to allow readers to understand the nature of OSS operations.

Hook's illustrations are wonderful and add an additional layer of detail to Liptak's research. On the whole, Office of Strategic Services 1942-1945: The World War II Origins of the CIA is an excellent reference resource for any student of the CIA or WWII who is not familiar with the early days of the United States spy program. Students who already know the basics of OSS history during WWII may not find much new material here, but for everyone else, Office of Strategic Services 1942-1945: The World War II Origins of the CIA is a great research volume for any library.

 

thanks for info david,I used to watch the t.v.prog o.s.s. starring ron randell,very enjoyable too,ray..

 

The OSS Morale Operations Branch in Action, 1943-1945
The OSS Morale Operations Branch, unlike the U.S. Army or the OWI, practiced covert strategic and tactical morale operations based on deception and subversion. The types of campaigns conducted and the methods used supposedly closely resembled Nazi fifth-column activities of the 1930s and early 1940s. The OSS used whatever means gained results, and its members believed that Nazi psychological warfare had been extremely successful. The belief in the efficacy of Nazi methods indicated how firmly OSS policymakers supported a propaganda of realpolitik in which, as in Nazi Germany, scruples, ethics, and universally accepted agreements and decencies were morally relative if not totally discarded to obtain national goals. As MO output was covert, it could act without fear of damaging America's reputation or moral standing.

 

Some dedicated people are starting to convert a number of OSS training films to YouTube, bless their souls.

CAUTION: Do NOT drop in here unless you have a lot of free time. You Have Been Warned!

When you look at these films, you've got to think;
1. That British Security Coordination (BSC) etc etc operatives must have used the exact same training films.

2. That many of these Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Training techniques must have come from the likes of William Stephensen (Intrepid) etc.

See also (thanks to Jed) a parallel thread, with even more films to peruse, at our Sister Forum:
http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/41722-wwii-oss-film-links/

===> OTTO! We need a dedicated Intelligence Forum here!!! <=== :whip:

... keep reading. I will insert a book recommendation... eventually... I PROMISE!!!

WW2: O.S.S. Basic Military Training (1944) (25 Minutes)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veMVDEodFCY

WW2: O.S.S. The German Infantry Squad in Action - A Demonstration of minor field Tactics (1944) (11 Minutes)

This Office of Strategic Services (OSS) film was made to familiarize their agents with the basics of German Infantry Tactics

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kz0a_QGifPM

 

WW2: O.S.S. Seven Infantry Weapons of the German (1944) (15 Minutes)

This Office of Strategic Services (OSS) film was made to familiarize their agents with the most common weapons of the German Infantry - weapons they may have to capture and use against the enemy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwzZJJGjc3A

WW2: O.S.S. The Spigot Gun (1943) (11 Minutes)

The Spigot Gun was an Simple device, the projectile fitted onto a steel rod, or spigot, instead of into a barrel.
The weapon consisted of an alloy steel rod on which the bomb was loaded and also contained the firing pin.
The steel rod controlled the direction of fire.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UlmaSMg104

 

WW2: O.S.S. Caccolube (1943) (4 Minutes)

During World War II the OSS came up with a clever device to destroy engines.
It was called a "Caccolube," and consisted of a condom filled with abrasive powders and crushed walnuts.
It was dropped into an engine crankcase.
The OSS manual reported that the condom would dete­riorate after the engine was started and after 30 or 50 miles the engine would be damaged beyond repair.
This OSS Training film shows how Caccolube are used on captured Japanese vehicles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkZ8NqIrfHg

WW2: O.S.S. Campbell Missile (1944) (27 Minutes)

Office of Strategic Services report on the waterborne missile 'Campbell', remotely controlled by radio and television.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDH460N3ETs

 

WW2: O.S.S. Film Report - Crete (1942) (30 Minutes)

Office of Strategic Services Film Report on "Unternehmen Merkur" Operation Mercury the German invasion of Crete during World War II and its eventual fall in ten days.
Emphasizes the German victory over British, New Zealander and Australian forces rested in superior air power.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3nm-UcMERo

 

WW2: O.S.S. Project Eagle (1944) (15 Minutes)

Chief of Polish Section, OSS European Theater of Operations, Maj. Schumolsky, Head of Polish Special Force Headquarters in London speaks about the training of Polish espionage agents in England.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc_pJyJBBNY

WW2: O.S.S. Nassau Training Report (1944) (9 Minutes)

Training Film on the training of Office of Strategic Services personnel for underwater demolition at Salt Key, Nassau, in the Bahama Islands during World War II.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1KXIO7l55M

 

WW2: O.S.S. House Search (1943) (29 Minutes)

This Office of Strategic Services training film demonstrates proper and improper methods of searching rooms for hidden information by contrasting the behavior of two fictional agents stationed in "a neutral capital in Europe."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jDBaxou9xI

OSS Weapons Manual (Slide show of the Official Agent's Weapons Manual.) (2 Minutes)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA-ycKvDnOQ

 

O.S.S. Japanese Backround Study Program - Japanese Behavior (1942) (52 Minutes)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajdEapSSu44

WW2: O.S.S. Film Report - Operation "Mary for Bill" in CBI (1942-43) (1 Hour and 2 Minutes)

Office of Strategic Services Field Photographic Branch film report on the build up of guerrilla forces in the China, Burma, India theater of operation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucvauXKZDhY

 

Iceland (OSS World War II Intelligence Report) Part 1-2 1942 (13 Minutes)

Office of Strategic Services. Field Photographic Branch... Film Report:
A survey of military facilities, road and airport systems in Iceland during the period November 1941 to early spring 1942.
Air views of city, airport, outer and inner harbors, dock and airport facilities at Reykjavik.
Shows U.S. Navy air station, prefabricated housing construction, Norwegian Air Force Detachment headquarters.
A violent gale inflicts damage to vessels and amphibious aircraft at Skage Fjord.
Animated diagrams of defense facilities, and allied naval vessels at Hafnarfjordhur.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fl_glBpR0-g

Iceland (OSS World War II Intelligence Report) Part 2-2 1942 (3 Minutes)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkI0WHve4eI

 

Iceland 1941 - How the US really began their role in WWII (9 Minutes)
Ralph Hauenstein interview.

Ralph Hauenstein had a long and storied career in the US Military.
Oft described as "The Intelligence in Intelligence" and in SHAEF.
First allied soldier into Paris, Dachau Prison camp... well worth reading up on this man.

Read: Intelligence was my line - inside Eisenhower's other command - by Ralph W. Hauenstein, Donald E. Markle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4vHbE4Answ

 

O.S.S. Body Search (1943) (19 Minutes)

Office of Strategic Services DRAMATIZED TRAINING FILM:
Demonstrates and describes body search process, suggests ways to avoid being searched and how to avoid detection should search occur.
Undercover agents Fred and Steve go on mission to Enemiarea.
R.1: Agent Frank hides microfilm under false callus on agent Steve's foot and Steve wears belt with coded message.
Enemiarea secret police arrest Steve and take him to headquarters where counter agent and doctor perform body search.
R.2: They use optical devices and chemical agents to search his clothes and other personal items.
Enemiarea agents discover microfilm and message on belt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol1O-rnoFoo

O.S.S. - Undercover Training (1 Hour and 2 Minutes)

Joint Chiefs of Staff - Office of Strategic Services.
DRAMATIZED TRAINING FILM: Analyzes preparation, arrival, establishment, and "prevalent cover" for secret agents by presenting one movie within another, as introduced by Col. Robertson, chief of Schools and Training at Office of Strategic Services.

Reel 1: Gives examples of agents discovered because of inattention to details, good cover versus bad cover.
Emphasises proper attitude, study, and importance of support staff. Explains ways to infiltrate enemy territory.
Illustrates effective and ineffective spy methods by comparing two agents.

Reel 2: Continues to compare agents. Ways to camouflage or dispose of revealing evidence.
Explains techniques of blending into enemy culture and preparing for sudden departure, how to choose residence and how to avoid suspicion in enemy country.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbuF_QwRP-E

 

O.S.S. Close Combat and Defense Training (2 Minutes)

Short snippit of the O.S.S. training film on how to kill or maim an opponent quickly, quietly, efficiently and effortlessly.
Rather surprized that even this much is allowed to be publicly available actually. :spar2: Freedom of Speech applies, I suppose.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qE1Sjet-7WM

OSS Film - Personal Concealment Training (3 Minutes, grainy sound.)

Teaches methods of hiding out in the open using available resources.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZeI9EMXFMc

 

O.S.S Experiments to Derail Trains (1944) (7 Minutes - Original commentary dubbed in.)

In March 1944 the United States National Defense Resources Committee & Office of Strategic Services performed a number of experiments on the Claiborne-Polk military railroad to help determine the best way to derail trains.
The results were presented in this film "Derailment".

The film discusses amount of explosive used, technique of making "gaps" in railroad track to overturn train.
Uses filmographic techniques such as slow motion, reverse motion, and freeze frame
to show effects of "gaps" and explosives on train and results of experiments.

Illustrated arrows point to areas of train considered especially relevant to experiment.
Narrator explains each type of explosive and reason for variations.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-8gV4DJZUw

O.S.S The Mole - 1940's Train Sabotage Experiments (7 Minutes.)

During World War 2 the United States Office of Strategic Services & National Defence Research Committee performed a number of tests to determine the most effective way to disrupt enemy railroad services.
The "Mole" was an explosive device designed to automatically detonate when light levels dropped, such as when a train entered a tunnel.
This film shows how the Mole was made, as well as various tests to determine the most effective location to place the Mole.
Needless to say there's quite a few trains being blown up, derailed, or otherwise wrecked in this movie!

This (and the "Caccolube") just reeks of the British Dirty Tricks Department. The American mindset just ran 100% counter to this.
You've got to wonder just how much of all this originated with the OSS, and how much actually came straight from the BSC and William Stephensen (Intrepid) himself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cipyPJJdnM

 

O.S.S. Instructional Film: The WW2 Radio Transmitter-receiver unit. (22 Minutes.)

Explains compactness and ease of concealment, and outlines operations in detail: selection of electrical outlet, battery, or combination of both as power unit; antenna, assembly parts, installation, frequency determination and receiver operation; parts installation, attachment of crystal equipment and transmitter operation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXnxFu-Oft4

O.S.S. "Bigot" 1911 Dart-Firing Pistol (10 Minutes.)
- Modern researcher describes this silent weapon killer in detail.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Bgb4SGTgDY

 

O.S.S. War Paint (1942) (8 Minutes.)

This O.S.S. training film is on Camouflage-Makeup for the individual soldier to hide his skin color in the Pacific theater of war.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUFVtGg348Q

O.S.S. Training Film: The Signaling Mirror (11 Minutes.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdBNvVUWueo

 

I'll second the dedicated int forum....Proposed...Seconded....Who will move it...Come on Belasar...put the boats away and get to work...you know you want to.

 

O.S.S. 1942 training program for hand picked volunteer soldiers in a secret training camp for guerrilla warfare during World War II. (28 Minutes)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy1ZAMTENTI

WW2: O.S.S. Undercover (1943) (1 Hour and 1 Minute)

This Office of Strategic Services training film depicts the preparation, arrival and establishment of cover for secret agents.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdfPogZJSrQ

 

WW2: O.S.S. Project Gold Dust (1944) (17 Minutes)

The psychological warfare techniques used by the OSS Morale Operations Unit and Kachin guerrillas in Burma during World War II to demoralize the Japanese troops obstructing linkage of the Burma and Ledo roads.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KFxpZHPfvI

WW2: O.S.S. Inside Tibet (1943) (39 Minutes)

Office of Strategic Services. Field Photographic Branch on the journey of a U.S. military and diplomatic mission from Gangtok, India, to Lhasa, Tibet during World War II.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNN3hmvlG8s