Operation Paper Clip: The Secret Intelligence Program that Brought Nazi Scientists To America by Anne Jacobsen

 My Rating: 4.6

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?

This was LONG and I think it could have been edited down a lot. I do appreciate that she wanted to show all of the background and research but I think it could have been edited down a LOT. Still, it was interesting to learn about this time in history. It is definitely a dilemma as to whether we made the right move or not to allow such horrific individuals to escape their crimes and to come to America to help our scientific endeavors. Thanks to Jenna on Instagram shoegaljeana for this recommendation.