Ep 28. The OSS

Secrets of War season 1 episode 28, titled "The OSS," offers an in-depth look at the operations of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II. Having been established in 1942 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, their primary role was to gather intelligence and conduct unconventional warfare.

Viewers are taken through the history of the OSS, including the controversies surrounding its creation and the challenges it faced in its early days. The episode takes a closer look at the various divisions and units within the OSS, and how they contributed to the war effort. This includes the espionage division, which was responsible for gathering intelligence on enemy activity, as well as the operational groups, which conducted sabotage and guerrilla warfare behind enemy lines.

The episode also features interviews with former OSS agents who share their experiences and insights. These firsthand accounts provide a unique perspective on the day-to-day work of the OSS, as well as the sacrifices made by its members in service of their country.

One of the key themes of the episode is the importance of intelligence gathering in achieving victory in war. Viewers learn about the various methods used by the OSS to collect intelligence, such as codebreaking, interrogation, and espionage. This information was then used to direct military operations and shape the overall strategy of the Allied forces.

In addition to its espionage and sabotage activities, the OSS also played a key role in fostering resistance movements in occupied territories. This included the training and arming of resistance fighters, as well as providing support for underground networks. The episode takes a close look at several successful OSS operations in this regard, including their work in Yugoslavia and Italy.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to many of the prominent figures in the OSS's history. This includes "Wild Bill" Donovan, the head of the agency, as well as notable agents such as Julia Child and Allen Dulles. Their contributions to the war effort, and the challenges they faced, are explored in detail.

One of the key takeaways from the episode is the legacy of the OSS. While the agency was dissolved after the war, many of its members went on to play important roles in the CIA and other intelligence agencies. The techniques and methods developed by the OSS continue to influence intelligence gathering and special operations to this day.

Overall, "The OSS" is a fascinating look at one of the most important and influential intelligence agencies in history. Viewers are given a comprehensive overview of the agency's history and operations, as well as insight into the daily lives of its members. For anyone interested in the history of intelligence gathering or the role of espionage in war, this episode is not to be missed.