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Julia Child and Paul Child in the OSS

Todd Turner

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The True Story of Their Time in Intelligence

Julia Child and Paul Child were two of the most influential people in American cuisine. But before they became known for their cooking, they were both spies in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II.

A Covert Affair: Julia Child and Paul Child in the OSS

by Jennet Conant

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2874 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	417 pages

In this book, author Todd Brewster tells the fascinating story of the Childs' time in the OSS, from their recruitment to their training to their dangerous missions in Europe. It's a tale of adventure, danger, and romance that will appeal to fans of history, espionage, and cooking alike.

The Recruitment

Julia McWilliams was a young woman from Pasadena, California, when she was recruited by the OSS in 1942. She had a degree in English from Smith College and was working as a copywriter in New York City. Paul Child was a career diplomat who had served in the State Department before the war. He was recruited by the OSS in 1943.

The Childs were both recruited because of their language skills. Julia spoke French and German, while Paul spoke French, German, and Italian. They were also both intelligent and resourceful, making them ideal candidates for espionage.

The Training

The Childs underwent rigorous training at Camp X, the OSS's training facility in Virginia. They learned how to use weapons, explosives, and communication devices. They also received training in espionage techniques, such as how to recruit informants and how to conduct surveillance.

The Childs were both excellent students. Julia was known for her ability to learn new languages quickly, while Paul was known for his intelligence and his ability to think strategically.

The Missions

The Childs were assigned to different missions in Europe. Julia was sent to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) to work with the British Special Operations Executive (SOE). Paul was sent to France to work with the French Resistance.

Julia's mission was to establish a network of informants who could provide the OSS with information about Japanese troop movements in Ceylon. She was also tasked with sabotaging Japanese ships and installations.

Paul's mission was to help the French Resistance plan and execute attacks against the German occupiers. He also worked with the OSS to train and equip the Resistance.

The Childs were both successful in their missions. Julia's network of informants provided the OSS with valuable information about Japanese troop movements, and she sabotaged several Japanese ships and installations. Paul helped the French Resistance plan and execute several successful attacks against the German occupiers.

The Return Home

The Childs returned to the United States in 1945 after the war ended. They were both decorated for their service in the OSS.

After the war, Julia and Paul continued to work in intelligence. Julia worked for the CIA, while Paul worked for the State Department. They both retired from government service in the 1960s.

In the 1960s, Julia and Paul began their second careers as cooking teachers. They wrote several cookbooks together, and they hosted a popular cooking show on PBS called "The French Chef." Julia Child became one of the most famous chefs in the world, and she is credited with helping to bring French cuisine to America.

The Legacy

Julia and Paul Child were two of the most influential people in American cuisine. Their work in the OSS during World War II helped to shape the course of the war, and their work as cooking teachers helped to change the way Americans eat.

The Childs' story is a fascinating tale of adventure, danger, and romance. It's a story that will appeal to fans of history, espionage, and cooking alike.