James Jesus Angleton The Cia And The Craft Of Counterintelligence
James Jesus Angleton was a legendary figure in the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) who served as the agency's chief of counterintelligence from 1954 to 1975. He was known for his analytical mind and his obsession with the Soviet Union's intelligence operations. Angleton was instrumental in shaping the CIA's counterintelligence efforts during the Cold War, and his legacy still shapes the agency's work today.
The Early Years
Angleton was born in Boise, Idaho, in 1917, but grew up in Italy, where his father was a businessman. He went to Yale University, where he studied English literature and was a member of the Skull and Bones secret society. After graduation, he worked briefly as a journalist before joining the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor to the CIA, during World War II.
The CIA Years
After the war, Angleton stayed with the intelligence community, joining the newly-formed CIA in 1947. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the agency's chief of counterintelligence in 1954. In this role, he was responsible for identifying and neutralizing foreign intelligence threats to the United States.
The Mole Hunt
One of Angleton's most famous initiatives was the "mole hunt" of the 1960s and 1970s. Angleton became convinced that there was a Soviet spy within the CIA, and he launched an exhaustive investigation to uncover the traitor. The mole hunt was controversial, and many within the CIA criticized Angleton's methods. In the end, the investigation turned up few leads, and no definitive evidence of a spy was ever found.
Legacy and Controversy
Despite the failure of the mole hunt, Angleton's legacy in the CIA is still felt today. His emphasis on counterintelligence and his careful attention to detail have become hallmarks of the agency's work. However, Angleton was also a controversial figure, and his methods have been criticized as overly paranoid and damaging to the CIA's morale. Angleton died in 1987, and is buried in Virginia.
Conclusion
James Jesus Angleton was a complex figure whose impact on the CIA cannot be overstated. His legacy as the agency's chief of counterintelligence during the Cold War still shapes the way the CIA operates today. While his methods were controversial, there is no doubting his dedication to protecting the United States from foreign intelligence threats.