Existing comment:
Sir William Stephenson
"Little Bill"
Our Man in New York:
Immortalized in the book, The Man Called Intrepid, William Stephenson orchestrated the World War II strategic and intelligence alliance between Great Britain and the US.
A veteran World War I pilot and self-made millionaire, Stephenson was charismatic and smart. After Winston Churchill became Prime Minister, Stephenson was sent to New York to insure US support for Britain's fight against Hitler. Stephenson led a massive campaign that resulted in public support of Britain and the establishment of the first US government intelligence service -- the OSS. Churchill recommended Stephenson for knighthood, noting that "This one is dear to my heart." |