Nazis on the Potomac: The Top-Secret Intelligence Operation that Helped Win World War II

by Robert K. Sutton Narrated by David Colacci

Overview

Now a green open space enjoyed by residents, Fort Hunt, Virginia, about fifteen miles south of Washington, DC, was the site of one of the highest-level, clandestine operations during World War II.



Shortly after the United States entered World War II, the US military realized that it had to work on exploiting any advantages it might gain on the Axis Powers. One part of these endeavors was to establish a secret facility not too close, but also not too far from the Pentagon which would interrogate and eavesdrop on the highest-level Nazi prisoners and also translate and analyze captured German war documents.



That complex was established at Fort Hunt, known by the code name: PO Box 1142. The American servicemen who interrogated German prisoners or translated captured German documents were young, bright, hardworking, and absolutely dedicated to their work. Many of them were Jews, who had escaped Nazi Germany as children-some had come to America with their parents, others had escaped alone, but their experiences and those they had been forced to leave behind meant they all had personal motivation to do whatever they could to defeat Nazi Germany. They were perfect for the difficult and complex job at hand.

Editorial Reviews

ARGunners.com

"...a full account of the crucial work done at Fort Hunt."

ARMY Magazine

"...appropriate for anyone with an interest in the history of World War II and in particular, its intelligence services."

The Journal of America's Military Past

"Relying heavily on personal details to deliver its punch, this book is readable, interesting, and elegantly produced. The photographs are well chosen and complement the narrative. The bibliography and endnotes will help those readers who want to explore the subject further."

Paul Fairbrook

"Bob Sutton has managed to retain the interest of the reader in this complicated and unusual narrative by selecting a number of 'Ritchie Boys' (and others) and throughout the book he provides details of their lives which makes their unusual accomplishments understandable."

Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International

"This is a fascinating account of the secret facility, known by the code name of 'PO Box 1142,' which was established by the U.S. Government near the Pentagon during the Second World War to interrogate and surveil high-ranking Nazi war prisoners, as well as to translate and analyze important captured German war-related documents."

Midwest Book Review

A unique and hitherto obscured aspect of the American involvement in World War II, [this book] is an exceptionally well written, organized and presented account of a once heavily classified military intelligence gathering program."

New York Journal of Books

"Sutton tells the incredible previously secret story of an institution where Americans listened and learned the lessons needed to win World War II.

Studies in Intelligence

"... fills a gap in World War II intelligence history by documenting the origins of a number of European Theater intelligence successes thanks to the work of Ft. Hunt interrogators. It demonstrates how good intelligence arises from patient accumulation and synthesis of information. Sutton also reminds us of the value in selecting the right people for the job and letting them do their thing."

Product Details

BN ID:	2940176014433
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	03/15/2022
Edition description:	Unabridged

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