Allen Dulles

first civilian and longest-serving Director of Central Intelligence (DCI)

Allen Welsh Dulles (April 7, 1893 – January 29, 1969) was an American diplomat and lawyer who became the first civilian Director of Central Intelligence (DCI). He was its longest-serving director so far.

Allen Dulles
Director of Central Intelligence
In office
February 26, 1953 – November 29, 1961
PresidentDwight Eisenhower
John F. Kennedy
DeputyCharles P. Cabell
Preceded byWalter B. Smith
Succeeded byJohn McCone
Deputy Director of Central Intelligence
In office
August 23, 1951 – February 26, 1953
PresidentHarry S. Truman
Dwight Eisenhower
Preceded byWilliam H. Jackson
Succeeded byCharles P. Cabell
Deputy Director of Central Intelligence for Plans
In office
January 4, 1951 – August 23, 1951
PresidentHarry S. Truman
Preceded byPosition established
Succeeded byFrank Wisner
Personal details
Born
Allen Welsh Dulles

(1893-04-07)April 7, 1893
Watertown, New York, U.S.
DiedJanuary 29, 1969(1969-01-29) (aged 75)
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Resting placeGreen Mount Cemetery
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)
Clover Todd
(m. 1920; his death 1969)
Children3
EducationPrinceton University (BA)
George Washington University (LLB)

Dulles was head of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) during the early Cold War. He oversaw the 1954 Guatemalan coup d'état, Operation Ajax, the Lockheed U-2 aircraft program and the Bay of Pigs Invasion. Following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Dulles was one of the members of the Warren Commission.

Between his stints of government service, Dulles was a corporate lawyer. His older brother, John Foster Dulles, was the Secretary of State during the Eisenhower Administration.[1]

References change

  1. "Allen W. Dulles, C.I.A. Director From 1953 to 1961, Dies at 75. Allen W. Dulles, Director of Central Intelligence From 1953 to 1961, Is Dead at 75". The New York Times. January 31, 1969.