The O.S.S. in Italy, 1942-1945

Book excerpt: Using a wealth of information from recently declassified documents as well as his extensive collection of personal papers, Corvo presents the only truly authoritative study of the O.S.S. Corvo, who was chief of O.S.S. operations in Italy during the Italian campaign, effectively sets the record straight and offers a detailed picture of the work of the Italian Secret Intelligence Section, its relationship to other parts of the intelligence community, and the impact of its operations on postwar U.S.-Italian relations. Because of the restricted status of most Office of Strategic Service documents, postwar studies of the O.S.S. in World War II have been based more on speculation and hearsay than on fact. Using a wealth of information from recently declassified documents as well as his extensive collection of personal papers, Corvo presents the only truly authoritative treatment of the subject yet published. The author, who was chief of O.S.S. operations in Italy during the Italian campaign, effectively sets the record straight and offers a detailed picture of the work of the Italian Secret Intelligence Section, its relationship to other parts of the intelligence community, and the impact of its operations on postwar U.S.-Italian relations. He corrects the many misconceptions, distortions, and historical errors that have resulted from a lack of information about specific O.S.S. operations and reveals and describes several operations that remained altogether secret for four decades. Corvo examines the challenges faced by O.S.S. Director William J. Donovan, including pressures arising from the jealousy of competing intelligence services and the extraordinary demands placed on his organization by high military and diplomatic officials. The conduct of field operations is discussed, together with prior intelligence planning, recruitment, and training of O.S.S. personnel in the United States. The author considers the contributions of other branches such as Special Operations, X-2, research and analysis, maritime units, and commando-type operational groups, as well as the crucial collaboration between O.S.S. and Italian underground forces. Biographical sketches of Italian resistance leaders are supplied. The first full and accurate account of the O.S.S. operations, methods, and strategies that were to serve as a blueprint for military intelligence in every theater of the war, this book adds significantly to our knowledge of World War II, and will be of interest to scholars in that field and to specialists in military history, military intelligence, and related areas.