Awful editing. “Propoganda,” Childs for Child, Australian for Austrian. I expect more from the Times.
On to the substance of the article. It’s been known for a while that Julia Child was in OSS, although details are sketchy. Presumably she wasn’t an undercover operative, as a 6 foot 2 woman would tend to stand out. It’s known that she was stationed in Chungking, China, where she met her future husband, also an OSS agent. He remained in government service, and they were stationed in Paris after the war, where she learned to cook.
This is ancient news.
“we’ll place the microfilm in the soufflé...now wheres that sherry?”
Julia Child was an intelligence agent.
Julia Child is probably best known for bringing French cuisine into Americas mainstream. But, few know that she had a dynamic career as an intelligence officer before she became a cooking icon.
She was born in Pasadena, Calif., on Aug. 15, 1912. Arriving at Smith College in 1930, Julia was an active student throughout her college career. She was a member of the Student Council, played basketball, and worked for the Dramatics Association. Julia experienced her first culinary moments at Smith, as chair of the Refreshment Committee for Senior Prom and Fall Dance. After graduating from Smith in 1934, Julia wrote advertising copy for W. & J. Sloane, a furniture store in New York City.
Soon after the United States entered World War II, Julia felt the need to serve her country. Too tall to join the military (she was 62), Julia volunteered her services to the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), which was the forerunner of todays Central Intelligence Agency. She was one of 4,500 women who served in the OSS.
She started out at OSS Headquarters in Washington, working directly for General William J. Donovan, the leader of OSS. Working as a research assistant in the Secret Intelligence division, Julia typed up thousands of names on little white note cards, a system that was needed to keep track of officers during the days before computers. Although her encounters with the General were minor, she recalled later in life that his aura always remained with her.
Julia then worked with the OSS Emergency Sea Rescue Equipment Section, where she helped develop shark repellent. The repellent was a critical tool during WWII, and was coated on explosives that were targeting German U-boats. Before the introduction of the shark repellent, curious sharks would sometimes set off the explosives when they bumped into them.
From 1944-1945, Julia was sent overseas and worked in Ceylon, present day Sri Lanka, and Kunming, China. During these last two years in the OSS, Julia served as Chief of the OSS Registry. Julia -- having top security clearances -- knew every incoming and outgoing message that passed throughout her office, as her Registry was serving all the intelligence branches. During her time in Ceylon, Julia handled highly classified papers that dealt with the invasion of the Malay Peninsula. Julia was fascinated with the work, even when there were moments of danger.
Not only did Julia contribute to the efforts of the OSS, but during her time of service, she met her husband. Paul Child was also an OSS officer. He was well traveled, and it was he who opened Julias eyes to appreciate fine French cuisine. The two married in September 1946.
Paul was assigned with the U.S. Information Agency in France in 1948, and this is where Julias studies of the culinary arts began, at one of Frances most prestigious cooking schools, Le Cordon Bleu. Her cooking career has a place in American history, as many remember her as an enthusiastic and opinionated chef. With her many television series and cookbooks, her legacy still lives on to this day.
Her contributions and eagerness to serve her country are well remembered and appreciated by the OSS family. Julia died at the age of 91 in 2004, two days before her 92nd birthday.
To refer to the OSS as a “Spy Ring” is a pathetic liberal bit of hyperbole, right down there with the referring to a recon plane as a “Spy Plane” and an ugly black rifle as an “Assault Rifle”.
That has been known for years. Decades, even. I don’t know why they’re making such a big deal about her when there are surprises to be found in the recently opened records.
Dan could have had fun with that on SNL.
Spy Ring?
Whopping big difference between a spy and an intelligence officer.
Spy Ring is what a liberal with an agenda would say.
Because of that, he became a member of the Marines' Memorial Association and often stayed at the Marines' Memorial Club hotel in San Francisco whenever he came to the West Coast from his home in New York City.
Credit where credit is due. These men and women deserve our gratitude; nice to know that they will finally be recognized for their contributions. This should be one interesting list.
will plame sue? will larry king praise the enemy??
During his service with Colby, it was Colby's habit to always have a back-up piece in addition to what ever sidearm he carried. Most of the other troops considered that a little too gung-ho and gave Colby the nickname of ‘Two-Gun Bill.’ Back in the 1980’s, this fellow went to a unit reunion and saw Colby there. Talking to Colby, he asked him if he still carried two weapons . . .
Colby opened his jacket and showed his service piece - then rolled up his pants cuff and showed him his back-up. By that time, Colby was well into official retirement. FWIW, I think the ‘circumstances’ surrounding Colby's ‘accidental’ death were highly, highly suspect. This guy never did anything rashly or without an alternate plan. I suspect he was professionally murdered.
This has been known for years, decades even.
Her OSS kit has been on display at the Smithsonian since they relocated her kitchen there.
OMG! My grandfather spied for the OSS...