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Operation Paperclip

The Secret Intelligence Program that Brought Nazi Scientists to America

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Operation Paperclip

Written by: Annie Jacobsen
Narrated by: Annie Jacobsen
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About this listen

The “remarkable” story of America's secret post-WWII science programs (The Boston Globe), from the New York Times best-selling author of Area 51.

In the chaos following World War II, the US 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 US 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 20th 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.

©2014 Annie Jacobsen (P)2014 Hachette Audio
United States Wars & Conflicts War Military Imperialism Espionage US Air Force Prisoners of War Holocaust Air Force
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What the critics say

"Harrowing...How Dr. Strangelove came to America and thrived, told in graphic detail." (Kirkus ReviewsI)

What listeners say about Operation Paperclip

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Almost 20 hrs of amazingly researched information

This book will test your limit for tolerance of good over evil. It can be a heavy read and hard at times to keep track of all the people. Much of it was visualised in my head , having recently walked the many roads and landmarks and listened to the history of the Third Reich and Russian army sites through Europe including Munich , Berlin , Nuremberg , Vienna and Budapest and the concentration camp at Dachau.
The more information that comes to light and the more I read and see surrounding twentieth century European history, the more I shake my head. We are only just starting to scratch the surface. Sadly there seems to be no limit to the evil and lack of conscience in some members of the human race in every country.


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Incredibly fascinating

Thoroughly enjoyed this book’s record of history. The information shared in it is riveting. You’ll love this book if you love history and close calls

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her best work in my opinion

extremely informative and captivating. just an awful truth, which I'm sure more will come to light. an extremely in depth look at what really went on after ww2

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It's a doozy

Very well written, so many characters involved. there's a lot of information to digest, but it's well laid out and is crucial in expanding your knowledge of the Third Reich. I really found it quite enjoyable, the compelling nature of the story, and recently declassified facts, helped keep my momentum going through this extended expository.

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Great Reading, Learned a Lot... But...

I love this book. There is so much I learned, and I consider myself someone who knows a lot about the Nazi side as I find it so interesting. However, the one negative thing I found in this book, is the pronunciation of some German names. Some of them are off, which just seems so jarring to me. Surprisingly, the Russian names sound correct from what I know. But this doesn't really take me out of the book, I bet 99% of people wouldn't even notice or even care, just something I noticed.

I do enjoy this book. It was great, DEFINITELY worth the listen.

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Sobering reality & foreshadowing for 2020

This book makes it known there are rules for thee but not for me.

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Most interesting read of my life.

Finished this book and immediately started listening over again. This is a topic I have no shortage of knowledge about, and I still learned so much. It's a deep dive and still remains interesting. I can't recommend this enough. The narration is a little dry, but the subject matter is so intense. I can't get enough of the author's work. She's going to have my attention through her entire collection.

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excellent audiobook

listened to it a week. loved every second of it. great journalism, writing and narration. will be listening to her other books

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Best journalism in a long time!

I absolutely love this book!! ot is a must for everyone thanknypu Annie for working this and sharing the information with the world.

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don't trust the government

the government always works against us in the end unfortunately. sad but true
we are just casualties and pawns of war fir someone else's ultior motives

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