Operation Paperclip

The fascinating story of America's secret post-WWII science programs, from the New York Times bestselling author of Area 51 and Biological War.

“This book is a remarkable achievement of investigative reporting and historical writing.” ―Boston Globe

In the chaos following World War II, the U.S. government faced many difficult decisions, including what to do with the Third Reich's scientific minds. These were the brains behind the Nazis’ once-indomitable war machine. So began Operation Paperclip, a decades-long, covert project to bring Hitler’s scientists and their families to the United States.

Many of these men were accused of war crimes, and others had stood trial at Nuremberg; one was convicted of mass murder and slavery. They were also directly responsible for major advances in rocketry, medical treatments, and the U.S. space program. Was Operation Paperclip a moral outrage, or did it help America win the Cold War?

Drawing on exclusive interviews with dozens of Paperclip family members, colleagues, and interrogators, and with access to German archival documents (including previously unseen papers made available by direct descendants of the Third Reich’s ranking members), files obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, and dossiers discovered in government archives and at Harvard University, Annie Jacobsen follows more than a dozen German scientists through their postwar lives and into a startling, complex, nefarious, and jealously guarded government secret of the twentieth century.

In this definitive, controversial look at one of America's most strategic—and disturbing—government programs, Jacobsen shows just how dark government can get in the name of national security.

“Harrowing ... How Dr. Strangelove came to America and thrived, told in graphic detail.” —Kirkus Reviews

★ “Highly recommended for readers in World War II history, espionage, government cover-ups, or the Cold War.” —Library Journal (starred review)

★ “An engrossing and deeply disturbing exposé that poses ultimate questions of means versus ends.” —Booklist (starred review)

“Darkly picaresque.” —The New Yorker

“The most in-depth account yet of the lives of Paperclip recruits and their American counterparts.” ―New York Times Book Review

“Important, superbly written.” —USA Today