Thread by @CIA

1942: Pres Roosevelt appoints William “Wild Bill” #Donovan, a highly decorated #WWI officer, as #OSS Director
bit.ly/29wa2C2
#OSS75

#Donovan centralized intel & uniquely combined:
- research & analysis
- covert ops
- counterintel
- espionage
- tech development
#OSS75

#Donovan was born on New Year’s Day 1883 in Buffalo, NY.

In 1907, #Donovan graduated from @ColumbiaLaw & entered private practice.

During #WWI, as part of the 165th Regiment of @USArmy, William #Donovan earned his nickname “Wild Bill” from the men he led.

#Donovan was wounded in action 3 times.

July 18, 1918: he was awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery during the Second Battle of the Marne.

Returning from Europe as one of the most decorated soldiers of #WWI, #Donovan —with Theodore Roosevelt, Jr— co-founded the @AmericanLegion.

1940: through meetings w British government & military leaders, #Donovan realized US needed a centralized means of collecting foreign intel.

July 11, 1941: Roosevelt established the Office of the Coordination of Information (COI) & named #Donovan as director.

COI tasked w coordinating info collected abroad for @POTUS.

After US became involved in #WWII, COI became #OSS w #Donovan still in charge.

#Donovan was a fearless leader and became known for saying, “Let’s give it a try!”

1945: #Donovan wanted @POTUS to make #OSS permanent civilian intel agency.
His efforts were unsuccessful until 1947, when CIA was founded.

After #WWII, #Donovan was aide to US chief prosecutor @ Nuremberg trials.

1953: President Eisenhower appointed him Ambassador to Thailand.

February 8, 1959: #Donovan died @ age 76 at @WalterReedArmy Medical Center.
He is buried in @ArlingtonNatl.

#Donovan is only American to earn the 4 highest US awards, including #MedalofHonor & Distinguished Service Cross.

CIA owes a debt of gratitude to #OSS & #Donovan, a charismatic leader & moving force behind modern day intelligence.
bit.ly/29wa2C2