CIA #Museum Artifact of the Week: Patch of the Free Thai
bit.ly/2sMcDSn
#OSS75
After Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, Thailand’s ambassador to US, Seni Pramoj, defied his government’s orders to declare war on US.
#OSS75
Seni appealed to US for help organizing, training & equipping a “Free Thai” force to liberate his homeland from Japan’s domination.
#OSS75
Seni received green light from #OSS to marshal Free Thai force comprised of Thai students from schools like @Cornell, @Caltech & @MIT
#OSS75
@Cornell @Caltech @MIT Thai students spanned every socioeconomic status: One was a prince. All willingly abandoned their college tweeds for jungle fatigues.
#OSS75
Free Thai volunteers underwent rigorous #OSS training on:
-intel collection
-radio comms
-parachuting
-guerrilla ops
-jungle survival
#OSS75
By OCT 1944, Free Thai established contact with resistance within Thailand & soon provided essential intel to #WWII Allies.
#OSS75
Working closely w #OSS, Free Thai provided priceless info on Japanese military positions & helped rescue captured allied soldiers.
#OSS75
Free Thai volunteers played invaluable role preparing the ground for eventual Japanese surrender.
bit.ly/2skFBLS
#WWII
#OSS75
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