PHOTO RELEASE: Shaheen Presents Former OSS Operative Roger Campbell with the Congressional Gold Medal in Recognition of His Service During World War II

(Wolfeboro, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) presented Technician Fourth Grade Roger Campbell (Ret.) with the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his heroic service as part of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II at the Wright Museum of World War II. The OSS was the precursor to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and special operations community. In March, the United States Congress bestowed the Congressional Gold Medal to the OSS in recognition of the service and contributions made by Americans who comprised the intelligence agency, and recognized for the first time the collective service of Campbell and all OSS officers who served during World War II. At 97 years old, Campbell is one of fewer than 100 members of the OSS who are still alive today. Campbell was joined by his family and community, as well as Deputy Adjutant General Warren Perry, Brigadier General Bill Conway and Wayne Marshall, Post Commander of VFW Post 8270 Ossipee.

“We’re gathered today to honor an American hero,” said Shaheen. “Roger served his country with bravery and distinction as a member of the United States’ first intelligence agency, the Office of Strategic Services. Roger’s service took him to the jungles of Burma where he served with OSS Detachment 101 – the Kachin Rangers. As Winston Churchill described the region, ‘One could not choose a worse place for fighting the Japanese.’ Roger experienced the area’s challenges firsthand, contracting malaria three times while overseas.”  

Shaheen continued, describing Campbell’s heroism during the war: “Roger and his unit overcame the hostile environment to become a key component of Allied success in the theater… Roger’s training with carrier pigeons allowed him and other OSS operatives to discretely send coded messages across hundreds of miles of jungle. OSS leadership praised the unit, calling it ‘its most effective combat tactical force in the war.’ Today, the Central Intelligence Agency, Navy SEALS, Army Special Forces and Air Force Special Operations Command trace their lineage to the OSS and operatives like Roger. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I can tell you they are proud of this heritage – and with good reason!”

In closing, Shaheen said: “It’s fitting that we’re gathered in the Wright Museum for today’s celebration – a place that honors the immense sacrifice of brave men and women like Roger Campbell. Roger – when author Tom Brokaw called Americans who came of age during World War II the Greatest Generation, he had in mind remarkable people like you. Thank you, Roger, for your service to our nation in its time of great need.”