Thread by @CIA

From #OSS commando to legendary #ColdWar case officer, Ambassador Hugh Montgomery was a great icon of intel.
bit.ly/2rucpRI

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Montgomery had been studying @Harvard to become a professor of languages when #WWII broke out.
1942: he left school to join @USArmy.

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Hugh’s command of German helped him become a “Glorious Amateur” - a phrase #Donovan used to describe his fellow #OSS officers.
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In Germany & Austria, Hugh claimed to be son of German parents who emigrated to South America—a cover supported by his fluent Spanish
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As an #OSS commando in #WWII, Hugh parachuted into Normandy ahead of the Allied invasion force.
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As one of the 1st Americans to enter Buchenwald concentration camp, Hugh was presented w SS banner by inmates who had torn it down.
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After #WWII, fluent in 8 languages & knowledge of several more, Hugh earned Bachelor’s, Master’s & PhD, then joined @Harvard faculty.
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1953: Hugh joined CIA.
He helped supervise construction of Berlin Tunnel.
1.usa.gov/1JwLRzt

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Huge served as Chief of Station & Deputy Chief of Station in several Eastern & Western European countries.
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In Moscow, Hugh helped handle Colonel Oleg Penkovsky, our source of pivotal info during both Berlin & Cuban Missile crises.
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1980s: As a Deputy Ambassador to @UN, Hugh countered Soviet efforts to disseminate propaganda & conduct espionage in US.
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2014: Hugh retired & was awarded:
Distinguished Career Intel Medal
Director’s Award for Distinguished Service
IC Seal Medallion
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Hugh was one of our nation’s silent warriors, carrying on the #OSS ethos of skill, bravery & humility.

bit.ly/2rucpRI

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