Editing Reinhard Gehlen (section)

==Reinhard Gehlen==
Reinhard Gehlen (1902–1979) was a German intelligence officer whose career bridged Nazi Germany and the Cold War, shaping modern intelligence operations. Born in Erfurt, he joined the German Army in 1920, rising to prominence during World War II as head of Fremde Heere Ost, analyzing Soviet military capabilities. Anticipating defeat, Gehlen preserved his intelligence files, surrendering to U.S. forces in 1945. He offered his anti-Soviet expertise, leading to the creation of the Gehlen Organization under U.S. and CIA supervision. Staffed by former Nazi operatives, it conducted espionage against the Soviet bloc. In 1956, the organization became the West German BND, with Gehlen as its first president until 1968. His network was crucial for NATO’s anti-communist strategies, including possible ties to [[Operation Gladio]]’s stay-behind units, though direct involvement remains unconfirmed. Gehlen’s reliance on ex-Nazis and operational failures, like Soviet infiltration by agent Heinz Felfe, drew criticism. Retiring in 1968, he published his memoirs, The Service, in 1971, defending his legacy. Gehlen died in 1979, leaving a controversial legacy as a key Cold War spymaster, instrumental in Western intelligence but tainted by his Nazi-era ties and ethical compromises.