<style type="text/css"> .no-show { display: none; } .disable-fade-in{ opacity: 1 !important; transform: none !important; visibility: visible !important; } </style>
Artifacts

Identification Card of Allen W. Dulles

Artifact Details

A two part ID card with Allen W

President Eisenhower selected prominent attorney and wartime OSS veteran Allen Welsh Dulles to be his DCI. Dulles was a person of stellar reputation in the intelligence field.

Allen W. Dulles started his career in the US Diplomatic Service in 1916. He joined the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII. As a member of the OSS, he directed intelligence operations from Switzerland. Through a series of personal contacts and difficult negotiations, he helped bring an early end to the Allied forces’ Italian campaign in 1945. Through his work, he helped save hundreds, if not thousands, of lives.

In 1951, Dulles joined the newly created Central Intelligence Agency. President Eisenhower appointed him CIA Director in 1953. During his tenure, Dulles approved the development of the U-2 spy plane. He also conceived the CIA’s Original Headquarters Building located at Langley, Virginia, and oversaw its construction.  Dulles never occupied the building, however, because he retired in 1961 – just days before construction was completed.  He is the longest serving director in CIA’s history.

Artifact Specs

15.8 cm x 12.8 cm

(L x W)

Video

Warning: This video below may contain flickering or flashing scenes.

Learn More

Fifteen DCIs’ First 100 Days

Allen Welsh Dulles: 1893-1969