Edward Ellis Smith American Cold War intelligence officer, historian, economist, diplomat Date of Birth: 31.03.1921 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Military Service
2. Intelligence Career
3. Moscow Assignment
4. Later Career
5. Historical and Literary Contributions
6. Legacy

Early Life and Military Service

Waldemar J. Smith was born in West Virginia and graduated from West Virginia University in 1943. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army in Europe, earning three Bronze Stars for bravery.

Intelligence Career

After the war, Smith joined Army Intelligence in Washington, D.C., and studied at the Strategic Intelligence School, Counter Intelligence School, and Naval Language School. He became fluent in Russian and was assigned to Moscow as an assistant military attaché in 1948. In 1950, he returned to Washington and was assigned to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Moscow Assignment

In 1953, Smith became the first CIA officer to be sent to Moscow under diplomatic cover. As a diplomat, he studied the Soviet Union's economic policies. In 1956, he reported that the KGB had attempted to recruit him, using his intimate relationship with a Soviet embassy maid. He was recalled from Moscow and dismissed from the CIA.

Later Career

Following his dismissal from the CIA, Smith worked at the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution and Peace. From 1970 to 1980, he served as vice president of Crocker Bank and later worked for Smith Bellingham International Inc.

Historical and Literary Contributions

Smith authored two books on Russian history, including works on the Tsarist secret police and Joseph Stalin's early life. He also published numerous articles on Russian affairs in scholarly journals.

Legacy

Smith died in a car accident. Until his death, he faced suspicions of passing classified information to the KGB. However, his legacy as a decorated war veteran, intelligence officer, and historian remains complex and intriguing.