William Colby

William Colby (1920–1996) was a pivotal figure in American intelligence, serving as Director of Central Intelligence from 1973 to 1976. A World War II veteran and OSS operative, he joined the CIA in 1950, rising through ranks with assignments in Asia and Europe. Colby oversaw the controversial Phoenix Program in Vietnam, aimed at dismantling Viet Cong infrastructure. As CIA director, he navigated the agency through post-Watergate scrutiny, revealing covert operations to Congress during the Church Committee hearings. His commitment to transparency strained relations with some colleagues. Retiring in 1976, Colby later consulted and wrote on intelligence matters until his death in a boating accident.