Ike's Spies: Eisenhower and the Espionage Establishment

Out of the many "you must read this and write a book review" books I have had assigned... this is alright, gives an insight to Eisenhower and how the CIA came to be. Wish it talked more on the CIA

This book is essentially in two parts. The first concerns Eisenhower's use of military intelligence as Allied commander in chief in Europe from 1942 to 1945. It is particularly good on his use of military intelligence before and immediately after the invasion of North Africa in November 1942, Operation Torch. He focuses book on Ike's use of human spies and of Ultra, the British code-breaking effort. His explanation for the Allied failure to anticipate Hitler's Ardennes offensive of December 1944 is very convincing. This book is must reading for all WWII buffs interested in the Allied war effort in Western Europe.The second part is Eisenhower's relationship to the CIA and the NSA during his presidency from 1953 to 1961. This part focuses in particular on the two successful CIA coup d'etats in Iran and Guatemala in 1953 and 1954 respectively and the failed CIA invasion of Cuba in April 1961 at the Bay of Pigs and Eisenhower's role in it before he left the White House. It is a bit dated but still very good.

Found the WWII phase a little tedious yet can appreciate the need to build a foundation. However, I began skipping around in the book to "cherry pick" segments of interest. Ambrose does a good job of painting a picture of Ike that differes from the general public perception. We see Ike the strategist as well as Ike the tactitian at work. It was also interesting to see how the momentum built leading to the "Bay of Pigs" and how much is lost in transition from one administration to another...it seems that had Ike and JFK communicated throughly the BoP would never have happened.Overall, Ambrose left me convinced that the spy game has become more about egoes and politics. Where it once was an integral tool to help seal the victory in WWII. The goals were clear and the organization(s) were aligned to achieve a common goal of victroy over the Nazi's. Today the goals are less clear and the efforts are much more political and ego driven. The relative agencies are growing through the need to meet sub-optimized internal objectives. A dangerous war time tool that is in search of a purpose....That is a frightening scenario.

Interesting, detailed factual account but in my view it lacked the strong story line that usually distinguishes Ambrose's work. There didn't seem to be much to explain how the spy network that had served so well in WW II came to the position of pretty routinely getting things wrong by the late '50s and early '60s.

Stephen Ambrose is a solid historian and a beautiful writer who has written several superb books, however, this is not among the top rank. Out of respect for this writer, I had high expectations when I picked up "Ike's Spies" but I ended up feeling quite disappointed. This work holds up throughout the war years but runs fairly weak during the period when Eisenhower was president. Eisenhower's reputation as president has improved as historians have come to better understand the international post war environment and how well he navigated through it. Ambrose fails to effectively describe the contextual environment which is necessary to evaluate the success and failure of American espionage during the eight years Ike was in office.

This book describes the actions in the European theater during WWII and then the formation of the CIA and how it was initially used. This includes great details of the British breaking the Enigma machine code and how it was used, the incredibly successful deception in support of the Normandy invasion and the post war activities of the CIA including Iran, and the Bay of Pigs. It is a must read for any WWII buff and to understand Ike's presidency.

Excellent read. If you like Ambrose you'll love this book.

I enjoy absorbing the research that Stephen Ambrose puts into each of his books. Each one enhances my knowledge of this critical period in the history, not only of our Country but of the world.These men and women changed the face of the earth when they were so young. I admire each and every one of them and mourn their passing. Soon they will all be gone and we will be left with the lives they gave to us a long time ago.