LaGueux with famous Pittman Apartment evacuation point in background. Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon)), Vietnam. 2000. Photo from Central Intelligence Agency.
Conrad “Connie” Edward LaGueux was a remarkable figure in the history of American intelligence, serving both as an OSS officer during World War II and later as a CIA officer.
LaGueux was born on May 21, 1922, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. He attended the University of Rhode Island, where he graduated with a degree in chemical engineering in 19431. While at URI, he participated in the Army ROTC program and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation.
World War II and OSS Service
LaGueux’s military career began in earnest when he was assigned to the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in 1943. The OSS was the precursor to the CIA and played a crucial role in gathering intelligence and conducting special operations during World War II. LaGueux arrived in Casablanca, French Morocco, in November 1943, a strategic location for Allied operations in North Africa and Europe.
He was later assigned to the 2677th Headquarters Company Experimental (Provisional), which eventually became the 2677th Regiment, OSS. This unit was later absorbed into the OSS Operational Group Command. This unit was responsible for a variety of covert operations, including sabotage, espionage, and guerrilla warfare. LaGueux’s fluency in French and his engineering background made him a valuable asset to the team.
During his time in France, LaGueux completed the airborne qualification course, a rigorous training program that prepared soldiers for parachute operations behind enemy lines. He parachuted into southern France as part of Operational Group (OG) Pat, a mission designed to support the French Resistance in their efforts to disrupt German military operations. His team worked closely with local resistance fighters, providing them with weapons, training, and intelligence.
LaGueux’s contributions to the mission were significant. He and his team conducted numerous sabotage operations, targeting German supply lines, communication networks, and transportation infrastructure. These efforts helped to weaken the German forces and pave the way for the Allied invasion of southern France in August 1944.
For his bravery and dedication, LaGueux was awarded a bronze arrowhead for his European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. This decoration recognized his participation in a combat parachute jump, a symbol of his courage and commitment to the mission.
LaGueux’s experiences with the OSS during World War II laid the foundation for his future career in intelligence. His work with the French Resistance and his ability to operate effectively in high-pressure, covert environments demonstrated his exceptional skills and set the stage for his later contributions to the CIA.
Post-War Career and CIA Service
After World War II, LaGueux worked for American Cyanamid for three years before joining the newly formed Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in 1949. His fluency in French initially earned him a position in the European Division of the Directorate of Plans (now the Directorate of Operations). In this role, he was involved in various covert operations and intelligence-gathering missions across Europe, leveraging his language skills and wartime experience.
However, LaGueux soon transitioned to the Far East Division, where he held numerous senior leadership positions both at CIA Headquarters and overseas. His assignments in the Far East included postings in Japan, Korea, and other strategic locations. LaGueux’s work in this region was critical during the early years of the Cold War, as the CIA sought to counter communist influence and gather intelligence on Soviet and Chinese activities.
One of the most significant periods of LaGueux’s career was during the Vietnam War. He served as Deputy Chief of the CIA office in Saigon, which was the largest overseas station in the world at the time. In this capacity, LaGueux was responsible for overseeing a wide range of intelligence operations, including espionage, counterintelligence, and covert action programs aimed at supporting the South Vietnamese government and countering the Viet Cong insurgency.
LaGueux played a crucial role during the fall of Saigon in 1975. As North Vietnamese forces closed in on the city, he was instrumental in planning and leading the evacuation of key Vietnamese leaders, CIA personnel, and their families. His efforts ensured the safe departure of many individuals who would have been at great risk had they remained in the city. For his actions during this period, LaGueux was awarded the Intelligence Medal of Merit, recognizing his exceptional service and dedication under extremely challenging circumstances.
Throughout his career, LaGueux demonstrated remarkable leadership, strategic acumen, and a deep commitment to the mission of the CIA. His contributions to American intelligence operations in both Europe and the Far East left a lasting impact and helped shape the agency’s efforts during some of the most critical periods of the 20th century.
Later Life and Legacy
After retiring from the CIA in 1977, LaGueux continued to contribute to the field of intelligence and national security. He served on the Executive Committee of the Heritage Foundation President’s Club. Conrad Edward LaGueux passed away on June 26, 2001, at the age of 79. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His contributions to both the OSS and CIA have left a lasting impact on American intelligence operations.
Resources
Central Intelligence Agency
CIA.gov
USASOC OSS Website (Official US Army Website)
www.soc.mil/OSS/index.html
The OSS Society
OSSSociety org