The first director of the Office of Strategic Services at the start of World War II was looking for a unique combination of character traits to outfit a new team of combatants during World War II.
“We need Ph.D.s that can win a bar fight.”
Gen. William “Wild Bill” Donovan’s description was apt as he began assembling a force that could outwit and outmuscle the enemy.
In Marietta, Frank A. Gleason fit the bill.
Fresh out of Penn State University with a degree in chemical engineering, Gleason was young, fit and ready to serve his country fighting the Empire of Japan.
Source: After 74 years, Army veteran recognized for wreaking WWII chaos with OSS | Army Times