In 2017, OSS veterans will finally be recognized for their heroic service and their major role in helping win World War II.

Washington — They flew under the radar during World War II: spies gathering intelligence, working in the shadows and doing dangerous work behind enemy lines in Europe and Asia.

They were part of the “Greatest Generation,” and they were part of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). Finally, after all these years, these veterans will be recognized for their heroic service and their major role in helping win the war.

But, few Americans know much about this spy agency. Don’t let the name the “Office of Strategic Services” fool you. The OSS was the predecessor of the CIA, and it is where both the Navy Seals and Special Forces got their start.

Next year is the 75th anniversary of the OSS. 2017 is also when the OSS is finally being awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. Charles Pinck, president of the OSS Society, has fought long and hard to get Congress to pass the “Congressional Gold Medal Act,” which the president signed into law Dec. 14, 2016.

“OSS founder General William Donavan said his personnel performed some the bravest acts of World War II,” Pinck said. “That’s why they deserve a Congressional Gold Medal.”

Pinck’s father was OSS, and had worked behind enemy lines in China during the war. Pinck said there will be a presentation ceremony on Capitol Hill sometime next year and that the medal will then be on display at the Smithsonian.

“We’re just really looking forward to honoring the veterans of the OSS next year at the ceremony,” he said.

Sadly, many of these veterans are no longer with us, and will not get to see one of the nation’s highest civilian awards being presented to the agency.

But Pinck sees this as an opportunity to educate the American people on the OSS and its contributions to helping win the war.

“You know this organization played such an important role in this country’s defense really since World War II,” he said.

Copyright © 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.