Thread by @CIA

In celebration of #WomensHistoryMonth, we’re telling stories of Agency women who made CIA history & paved way for women here today.

Eloise Page, prominent & well-respected #OSS & CIA officer, became our first female chief of a flagship station.

1.usa.gov/1vdbanV

Eloise, a native of @CityRichmondVA, wore white gloves, spoke with a drawl, & liked to be called “Miss Page.”

However, contrary to gentle image portrayed, Eloise was a fierce fighter in the workplace. @DeptofDefense officials called her the “iron butterfly.”

#WWII: Eloise served as #OSS Director “Wild Bill” Donovan‘s secretary, where she learned business of espionage & developed passion for intel work.

1945: she moved to Brussels, Belgium to help open first post-war station & eventually became one of CIA’s first employees in 1947.

With hard work & dedication Eloise became a case officer & in the 70s, our first female Chief of Station. She also became an expert on terrorist organizations.

Throughout her impressive career in the DO, Eloise rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the DO’s No. 3 officer.

Eloise was the first woman to serve as the Deputy Director of the IC staff & Chairman of the Critical Collection Problems Committee, responsible for allocating collection assets on critical problems facing the United States.

As a well-known expert on terrorism & collection issues she joined the faculty of the Defense Intel College after she retired from the CIA.

Eloise was named one of our first 50 Trailblazers during CIA’s 50th anniversary celebration in 1997.

bit.ly/2soz1kp

Exceptional operational & management skills made Eloise Page a role model at CIA and throughout the Intelligence Community.

1.usa.gov/1vdbanV