From OSS To Green Berets: The Birth of Special Forces

by Aaron Bank

The father of the Green Berets tells his own story, from his early days with the Office of Strategic Services and his training with the French resistance, to his tour of duty in Indochina and the creation of the Army's Special Forces Group

Genres: Military Fiction

232 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1986

About the author

Colonel Aaron Bank (November 23, 1902 – April 1, 2004) was an officer of the United States Army, and the founder of the US Army Special Forces, commonly called "Green Berets". He is also famous for his exploits as an OSS officer during World War II, parachuting into France to coordinate and activate the French Resistance and organizing an operation intended to capture Adolf Hitler. During his retirement years, Bank played a quiet but critical role in warning the nation about the risks of terrorism [1] and modern technology and he is largely responsible for the high level of security at U.S. nuclear power plants since the early 1970s.

Reviews

[Bob Mayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The classic from the man himself, Aaron Banks. He was at a formal dinner we had in 10th Special Forces Group and was still quite a character. I find the OSS truly fascinating. How quickly they learned their tradecraft. And how quickly people forget it.

[William DuFour · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging, informative and educating book about the early days of the Special Forces as well as the OSS.

[Michael Papier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of the men that first helped bring Special Forces into existence. Aaron Banks and Russell Volckman (the lesser known of the two) both a fascinating individuals that are exceptional soldiers in what they did accomplish and their vision for the future. The book could have had more details but any insight into the man and soldier is a bonus to me. De Oppresso Liber!!! We stand on the shoulders of Giants!!!

[Darren Sapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a unique insiders account to the OSS in World War II. Predecessor to the CIA, the OSS (Office of Strategic Services) conducted intelligence and unconventional warfare operations behind enemy lines. Participants sometimes spoke several languages, came from numerous nationalities, and involved both sexes. The author, Aaron Bank, takes the reader through the OSS from the time of his entry into the service to the founding of the Green Berets. Included is his preparation for a mission to capture Hitler that was canceled in the waning days of the war in Europe. His story and exploits are legendary. There is a reason he is known as the Father of the Green Berets and has a special operations training building named after him at Fort Bragg.

[Corbin Routier · Rating 5 out of 5]

A major disservice to the special operations community is the magic and myth behind their legacy. This book narrates the growth of unconventional warfare during World War II and the aftermath of that great conflict. This perspective contributes to a more realistic description of how special operations contributes in the emerging styles of global conflict. The author participated in the OSS and was the first commander of the 10th Special Forces Group.