Donovan presenting Stephenson with the Medal of Merit in 1946. Photo courtesy of The Intrepid Society,

William Stephenson CC MC DFC, famously known by his codename “Intrepid,” played a pivotal role in the formation of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II. As a British intelligence officer and the head of the British Security Coordination (BSC) in New York City, Stephenson’s extensive experience in espionage and covert operations proved invaluable to William J. “Wild Bill” Donovan, the man tasked with creating the OSS.

Early Life

William Stephenson, born William Samuel Clouston Stanger on January 23, 1897, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, had a diverse and adventurous early life. His mother was Icelandic, and his father was Scottish from the Orkney Islands. After his parents could no longer care for him, he was adopted by an Icelandic family and took their surname, Stephenson. He left school at a young age and worked as a telegrapher.

In January 1916, during World War I, he volunteered for service in the 101st Overseas Battalion (Winnipeg Light Infantry), Canadian Expeditionary Force. He later transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, where he became a fighter pilot and achieved the status of a flying ace with 12 victories. After being shot down and captured by the Germans, he managed to escape and return to his unit. Following the war, Stephenson became an entrepreneur and inventor, amassing wealth and influence through various business ventures. His diverse experiences and skills laid the foundation for his later role as a spymaster during World War II

The Role of the British Security Coordination (BSC)

The BSC was established in May 1940 by the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) under the authorization of Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Headquartered in the Rockefeller Center in New York City, the BSC’s primary objectives included investigating enemy activities, preventing sabotage against British interests, and mobilizing pro-British opinion in the Americas. Under Stephenson’s leadership, the BSC engaged in various activities, including news manipulation, black propaganda, and counterintelligence operations.

Stephenson’s Influence on the OSS

In the summer of 1941, President Roosevelt established the Coordinator of Information office (COI). Colonel William “Wild Bill” Donovan was chosen to lead the organization, which pleased Stephenson greatly. Donovan had previously traveled to London to study British Intelligence and had formed a bond with Churchill during a meeting arranged by Stephenson.

In 1942, the COI was reorganized and expanded into the OSS, which became the United States’ first centralized intelligence agency, tasked with collecting and analyzing strategic information and conducting special operations during World War II. Stephenson’s guidance was instrumental in shaping the structure and operations of the OSS, which was established in 1942. The OSS was tasked with collecting and analyzing strategic information and conducting special operations not assigned to other agencies. Stephenson’s collaboration with Donovan ensured that the OSS drew significant inspiration from British intelligence services, particularly the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) and the Special Operations Executive (SOE).

Stephenson’s extensive knowledge of espionage techniques and covert operations provided Donovan with a blueprint for creating an effective intelligence agency. The OSS adopted many of the strategies and methods used by the British, including the use of propaganda, sabotage, and clandestine operations to undermine enemy efforts.

The Impact of the OSS

The OSS played a crucial role in the Allied victory during World War II. Its agents conducted operations behind enemy lines, gathered vital intelligence, and supported resistance movements in occupied territories. The OSS’s efforts were instrumental in disrupting enemy operations and gathering information that was critical to the success of Allied military campaigns.

The collaboration between Stephenson and Donovan not only ensured the effectiveness of the OSS but also laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) after the war. The OSS’s legacy continues to influence modern intelligence operations and underscores the importance of international cooperation in the field of espionage.

Legacy of William Stephenson

William Stephenson’s contributions to the Allied war effort extended beyond his work with the OSS. His leadership of the BSC and his efforts to mobilize support for the Allies in the Americas were crucial in maintaining the security of British interests during the war. Stephenson’s legacy as “Intrepid” continues to be celebrated as a symbol of courage, ingenuity, and dedication to the cause of freedom.

Resources

The Intrepid Society
Intrepid-Society.org

Central Intelligence Agency
CIA.gov

USASOC OSS Website (Official US Army Website)
www.soc.mil/OSS/index.html

The OSS Society
OSSSociety org

 

By Eugene Nielsen

Eugene Nielsen provides private sector intelligence and consulting services. He has a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California. His byline has appeared in numerous national and international journals and magazines.

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