William Colby

Intelligence officer, CIA Director

William Colby - Intelligence officer, CIA Director
Born

January 4th, 1920
105 years ago

Died

April 27th, 1996
29 years ago — 76 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

United States

Links & References

Born in 1920, served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Joined the Office of Strategic Services, the predecessor to the CIA, and participated in intelligence operations. Became a key figure in the CIA during the Cold War. Appointed as the 10th Director of Central Intelligence in 1973, leading the agency during a turbulent period marked by the Watergate scandal. Oversaw controversial programs, such as the Phoenix Program in Vietnam. Resigned in 1975 following the Church Committee investigations into CIA activities.

10th Director of Central Intelligence

Oversaw the Phoenix Program

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