OPERATION PAPERCLIP Essay Example

been a Nazi general.

After surrendering to intelligence officers, Reinhard Gehlen was sent to Virginia, where a plan was set up to repatriate him to Germany and restore his intelligence network. He was given the responsibility of overseeing over 600 former Nazi agents in areas under Russian control. However, in 1948, Roscoe Hillenkoetter, the Director of the CIA, took over Gehlen's position. The organization played a crucial role for the CIA as they served as their eyes and ears on the field.

The CIA utilized the employment of numerous individuals, both spies and scientists, for the US government. Specifically, they recruited over 1600 Nazi scientists to work for the US security forces. This decision was primarily driven by a concern for the Russian threat. Certain fears surrounding Russia's military capabilities were substantiated, although others were mere works of fiction. Accordingly, the US government aimed to enhance their own military in response to perceived advancements by Russia.

The president brought the scientist to the US because he believed they could assist the military and American researchers in scientific endeavors[5]. Despite their status as war criminals, most of the scientists were pardoned by the USA and given a second chance. However, both Germans and Americans had their own secrets: The US dropped two atomic bombs on Japanese cities, resulting in death and injury to over 1 million civilians. The recruitment of Nazi war criminals by the US was a betrayal to its Allies and American troops who fought and died on the battlefield to eliminate Hitler and Nazi remnants, only for them to find refuge in the US.

The Paperclip project benefitted many prominent individuals, including Otto Ambros, a

scientist who had previously worked as a manager at a rubber company in Auschwitz. Ambros was responsible for inventing Sarin gas, which was infamously used to kill those deemed inferior in the gas chambers. He faced charges of slavery and mass murder during his trial.

However, in 1951, Ambros was granted clemency by the US and later offered a contract at the US Department of Defense. Dr. Frank Olson collaborated with former German soldiers and scientists to develop mind-controlling interrogation techniques. The intelligence community aimed to surpass the Soviets, who were believed to possess similar capabilities. Dr. Frank's program meant to test how American spies would respond if captured and interrogated using these Soviet techniques.

Emil Augsburg, an SS officer in the German military and a key player in Hitler's government, died instantly after jumping from a building. He had a prominent role in eliminating enemies of Germany and Jewish individuals during World War II. After the war, he was sentenced by the Polish government in absentia but managed to avoid being captured. However, he found work with the US intelligence services where his knowledge of the Soviets, acquired through his expertise on Russian affairs, proved highly valuable.

Additionally, Walter Robert Dornberger, another scientist, also benefited from the Paper Clip project.

He was a close friend of Hitler and a General in the Third Reich. Additionally, he was a skilled engineer who played a vital role in developing rockets for the Nazi regime. After relocating to the US, he utilized his expertise to contribute to missile development for the US military and successfully constructed the inaugural air-to-surface missile. The immense demand for space exploration led to Nazi scientists being

assigned to this important mission.

Wernher Von Braun, an important figure in NASA's project expansion, built the V-2 rocket for the German military and later moved to the United States. While part of the Nazi party, he played significant roles in aerospace projects and served as an SS officer. After World War II, he was recruited by the CIA where he used his expertise to design the V-2 rocket. At the Army Ballistic Missile School, he further advanced missile technology by creating the Jupiter-C-rocket.

The rocket was used to launch the first American satellite into space, while Wernher played a vital role in various moon mission projects. Unlike other scientists who willingly joined the Nazi party, Werner Dahm reluctantly became a member due to external pressure. He utilized his expertise in aerodynamics to aid Germany's progress in supersonic wind tunnel and rocket development. Werner worked with a team of experts in building the V-2 rocket, which included radar-guided missile technology and propellant tanks.

Werner was an exceptional engineer and is credited with designing the ballistic missile warhead using a theoretical approach. After being recruited by the US, he joined NASA where his research focused on aerodynamics, including hydrogen propellant engines and the Saturday V rockets. As a result of his research, Dahm was promoted to the position of chief of aerodynamics. Hermann H Kurzweg, who was previously the chief designer of the V-2 rocket program, was also brought to the US. He was part of a team of researchers working on supersonic wind tunnel projects and designing anti-aircraft rockets.

Through the Paperclip initiative, he was able to immigrate to the United States and join NASA's Naval Ordinance Division as

a director. He continued his research from Germany at the US Naval Laboratory and eventually became the chief researcher in the Department of Aerodynamics. Konrad Dannenberg, a member of Von Braun's team, also contributed to the development of the V-2 rocket.

They were also the people who launched the first item in space. His main area of research was rocket engine manufacturing. After the Paperclip initiative, he joined his former colleague in assisting the US in creating missiles and rocket engines. The scientist also played a role in developing engines utilized by satellites and shuttles. NASA awarded him a special medal for initiating the development of the largest rocket ever. Kurt Heinrich Debus actively organized moon missions and satellite launches.

Before coming to the US, Walter Roberts worked with Von Braun on the development of the V-2 rocket. He was a member of the NAZI party and SS, and his expertise lay in missile development. In the US, he accomplished building air to surface missiles and guided missiles. Another German scientist, Hubertus Strughold, played a key role in pioneering the space medicine program.

Before Hubertus came to America, he was involved in conducting experiments on individuals without their consent, often leading to death, trauma, or permanent disability. These experiments entailed performing surgery without anesthesia, subjecting individuals to vacuum environments and oxygen deprivation, as well as exposing them to conditions causing hypothermia[12].

The experiments aimed to observe people's reactions in various situations. Their purpose was to assist German soldiers in handling different scenarios and contribute to the advancement of racial indoctrination. While in the US, Hubertus supervised research on the impact of vacuum and weightlessness on individuals. These experiments

were crucial in the development of the space shuttle. As an engineer, Hubertus played a vital role in constructing simulators utilized by astronauts for flight training. Additionally, Stronghold research contributed to the design of pressure suits worn by astronauts.

Among his accomplishments, he contributed to the design of support systems utilized in shuttles. Additionally, Kurt Blome conducted an experiment involving plague vaccines on individuals confined within concentration camps. Subsequently, he faced charges for the elimination of ailing individuals, although he was ultimately cleared of such allegations. Moreover, he engaged in research and production of biological weapons. The United States government transported Kurt to their country and enlisted him to partake in biological warfare research for the military.

Hemann Becker, a former Nazi official, subjected inmates to inhumane experiments during his time. These experiments included depriving them of food, making them consume sea water, and observing their reactions. Additionally, he faced accusations of causing the deaths of 80 prisoners through low-pressure conditions. Surprisingly, the US Air Force sought his expertise and requested him to document these horrific tortures.

Reinhard Gehlen, a former general in Hitler's military, commanded a squadron responsible for the persecution and murder of Jews and other minority groups. With assistance from the CIA, Reinhard managed to escape Germany. The United States government utilized Reinhard's knowledge and actions to establish death squads in Argentina, Chile, and various other locations.

The arrival of Dr. Hubertus Strughold, a scientist from Germany, had a profound influence on the medical field. His contributions included the creation of a support system utilized on the space shuttle. Collaborating with space engineers, he also aided in the development of a protective suit

to ensure the safety of astronauts. The research and efforts of Dr. Hubertus played a crucial role in safeguarding today's astronauts.

Although the scientists had a dark past, their contribution could not be ignored[14]. The politics of the country was affected by the Paperclip operation where the politicians ignored ethics for the sake of national security. The US was supposed to ensure there was justice carried out in Germany. However, their personal interest was too high and they chose to protect the war criminals. Because of the Cold War, America was willing to overlook all the horrific things done by the scientists. The ethical issues could not pass the public eye, and the scientists had to be brought to the US in secret[15]. The US government has always acted like the Big Brother and looking at other nations that violate various international agreements.

Despite the fact that the United States had forfeited its moral authority to dictate to other nations, it continued to support the same individuals whom its allies had fought against. This decision was met with disapproval from other countries due to the sacrifices made by those who battled Hitler and utilized a significant amount of their resources. Consequently, this action by the courageous and liberty-loving nation was viewed as both a political and moral betrayal.

The political system justified their actions by referencing national interest and the Soviet threat. The US recognized the Soviets' danger, leading to an arms race during the Cold War era. After Adolf Hitler's downfall, individuals accountable for war crimes were meant to be held accountable. Though certain culprits received sentences, a number of them eluded punishment with assistance from both

the CIA and the US government.

The CIA sought information on the Soviets and opted to enlist ex-generals with connections in the country. By establishing a presence and gathering intelligence, they effectively responded to threats from the Soviet Union. Additionally, the Airforce aimed to gain scientists to enhance their own capabilities. These scientists were highly skilled specialists in various disciplines.

The arrival of German scientists to the country brought new ideas and fresh perspectives to sectors like NASA, leading to rapid expansion and advancement. These scientists made significant contributions, such as designing the outer body of a shuttle to protect it from high friction-induced burning, developing astronaut suits, designing the space shuttle simulator, and creating the life support system in the shuttle[16].

The Americans faced a challenging decision: whether to let the Soviets grow and endanger national security or work with the Germans. Despite knowledge of their actions, both the CIA and US government decided to collaborate with them. National security was given priority, considering the bigger picture[17]. The CIA acknowledged that these individuals who committed terrible acts had considerable potential and were dedicated patriots. Additionally, it is important to mention that not all scientists endorsed Hitler's policies.

Some individuals exerted pressure to complete the assigned projects. Warfare is a morally problematic activity. The scientists involved in different projects were merely manipulated for political purposes. Upon reflection, certain individuals can rationalize the actions of the United States, while others consider that citizenship cannot be acquired through financial means.

Scientists are being called to take responsibility for the suffering they inflicted on people, as some of their actions were both inhumane and violated laws related to warfare. However, it is uncertain

if the US administration shares this viewpoint. Ultimately, history will be the ultimate authority in judging whether the actions undertaken by the US were morally correct or not.

The decision's morality will be a subject of speculation for future generations, as this process will continue for a significant duration.

Bibliography

1. BBC NEWS | UK | Magazine | Project Paperclip: Dark Side of the Moon. Home - BBC News. Accessed May;1,;2017. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4443934.stm.
2. Hunt, Linda, Operation Paperclip, and Constitutes EBook. Secret Agenda.;The United
3. States government, Nazi scientists, and project paperclip;(1945)
4. "Implementation of the Nazi War Crimes Disclosure Act." National Archives. Accessed May;2,;2017. https://www.archives.gov/iwg/reports/nazi-war-crimes-interim-report-october-1999.
5. Jacobsen, Annie. "Operation Paperclip.";The secret intelligence program that brought
6. Jacobsen brings to light the secret intelligence program known as "Operation Paperclip" that brought Nazi scientists to America. First edition.

New York: Little, Brown, and Company;(2014).

https://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/sociopolitica/esp_sociopol_mj12_29.htm.

Archives, accessed May 2, 2017. https://www.archives.gov/iwg/reports/nazi-war-crimes-interim-report-october-1999

[5] According to the Central Intelligence Agency's website, Operation Paperclip was a secret intelligence program aimed at bringing Nazi scientists to America. The program can be accessed at https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/csi-studies/studies/vol-58-no-3/operation-paperclip-the-secret-intelligence-program-to-bring-nazi-scientists-to-america.html, and was accessed on May 1, 2017.

[6] In the book "Secret Agenda: The United States Government, Nazi Scientists, and Project Paperclip" by Linda Hunt (1991), the author discusses the involvement of the United States government and Nazi scientists in Project Paperclip.

[7] The Central Intelligence Agency's website also provides information on Operation Paperclip and its goal to bring Nazi scientists to America. The program can be found at https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/csi-studies/studies/vol-58-no-3/operation-paperclip-the-secret-intelligence-program-to-bring-nazi-scientists-to-america.html, and was accessed on May 1, 2017.

[8] The BBC News article titled "Project Paperclip: Dark Side of the Moon" discusses the dark history of Project Paperclip. The article can be accessed at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4443934.stm.

The following sources provide information and analysis on Operation Paperclip, which recruited Nazis for the United States government:

1. Linda Hunt, Secret Agenda: The United States Government, Nazi Scientists, and Project Paperclip (1991): Accessed on May 1, 2017, at http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/operation-paperclip-national-security-trumped-ethical-concern/.
2. "The Rutherford Institute :: Project Paperclip: Nazis in America," The Rutherford Institute :: Welcome: Accessed on May 1, 2017, at https://www.rutherford.org/publications_resources/john_whiteheads_commentary/project_paperclip_nazis_in_america.
3. BBC NEWS | UK | Magazine | Project Paperclip: Dark Side of the Moon: Accessed on May 1, 2017, at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4443934.stm.The following and their contents are preserved: