The Office of Strategic Services (OSS) was established during World War II to provide strategic intelligence and conduct covert operations against enemy forces. The agency's special weapons and equipment division developed a range of spy devices that played a crucial role in the war effort. These devices included everything from explosive-filled pens to radio transmitters disguised as everyday objects. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the OSS's most innovative and effective spy gadgets, revealing how they were developed and used in the field. From the early days of the war, the OSS recognized the importance of technological advancements in gaining an advantage over the enemy. As such, the agency invested heavily in research and development, producing a wide range of devices that could be used by agents in the field. These devices ranged from simple items like hidden pockets and secret compartments to more complex inventions like the famous "exploding pen. " One of the most significant contributions of the OSS was the development of the first practical handheld radio transmitter. Prior to the war, radios were bulky and difficult to transport, making them impractical for use in the field. However, the OSS developed a compact, portable device that could be easily carried by agents and used to send and receive messages in real-time. This technology revolutionized the way intelligence was gathered and communicated during the war, allowing agents to quickly transmit information back to headquarters. Another important contribution of the OSS was the development of explosive-filled pens.

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