Artifact Details
On January 29, 1987, Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) William Casey tendered his resignation from a Washington, D.C. hospital bed almost exactly six years after his installation as thirteenth DCI. In December 1986, Casey had collapsed in his office due to a malignant brain tumor, and he died a few months later in May 1987. Casey’s arrival as DCI in 1981 brought a new sense of mission to the Agency, as President Ronald Reagan called on CIA to stem communist advances in third world countries. With support from the Reagan administration, Casey brought increased funding and additional personnel to CIA. This artifact, held by the CIA Museum, is a springtime photo of the Original Headquarters Building with a handwritten note from Casey that says, “In appreciation of our CIA family and your dedication to our mission. William J. Casey.”