OSS (Office of Strategic Services)

Type: Company

As of November 2026, OSS (Office of Strategic Services) has been mentioned in one podcast episode on Stuff You Should Know (Nov 2025). Julia Child served in the OSS during World War II; experience contributed to later life and introduced her to Paul Child.

The Office of Strategic Services (OSS) was the second non-departmental civilian intelligence agency of the United States. It was formed during World War II as the direct successor of the Office of the Coordinator of Information (COI). The OSS was created as an agency of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to coordinate espionage activities behind enemy lines for all branches of the United States Armed Forces. Other OSS functions included the use of propaganda, subversion, and post-war planning.