The Debrief: Behind the Artifact – Helms Letter

In May 1945, an Office of Strategic Services (OSS) - the predecessor to today's CIA - officer Richard Helms wrote a touching and eloquent letter to his young son on a captured sheet of Adolf Hitler's stationery. This letter aligned with Richard's commitment to making the world a little safer. After writing this letter, Helms' career took him from desk officer to executive leadership. On June 30, 1960, Richard Helms was appointed as the Director of CIA.