1945年的今天,美国国务卿批准秘密的“回形针计划”,将沃纳·布劳恩等1600名纳粹火箭科学家团队转移至美国。
到1943年初,德国政府开始将约四千名科学家从前线召回,投入到军事研发工作中。“一夜之间,博士们从厨房勤务中解脱出来,理学硕士们被召回不再担任勤务兵,数学家们被从面包房里找了回来,精密机械师也不再充当卡车司机”,胡泽尔在《从佩内明德到卡纳维拉尔》中回忆。
在“阴天行动”中,美军斯塔弗斯少校最初的意图仅限于讯问这些科学家,但他所获悉的情况改变了行动的目标。1945年5月22日,他向美国战争部建议将他监管下的400名德国科学家中的100人撤离至美国,理由是对“太平洋战争”至关重要。
自1945年7月19日起,美国参谋长联席会议开始在“阴天行动”框架下管理这批被俘的火箭专家。然而,驻地名称“阴天营”在当地传开后,该计划更名为“回 形针行动”。因为那些有意招募至美国工作的专家的档案夹上被别一枚回形针。
Operation Paperclip remains one of the most intriguing and controversial episodes of post-World War II history. From my own deep interest in wartime scientific developments, I found that understanding the backgrounds and motivations behind this covert program adds significant depth to its historical importance. Initially, the operation aimed to interrogate Nazi scientists to understand their advanced rocket and missile technology. However, as it progressed, it became clear that the United States saw not only immediate military advantages but also long-term scientific potential by integrating these experts into their own research programs. For example, experts like Wernher von Braun played pivotal roles in the later development of the US space program, particularly NASA's Apollo missions. What struck me the most is how the operation's code name evolved from "Operation Overcast" to "Operation Paperclip" because of the literal paper clips attached to the scientists’ files, highlighting a seemingly mundane yet symbolically significant detail about bureaucratic secrecy. Furthermore, the program reflects complex ethical dilemmas, as many of these scientists were previously part of the Nazi war machine, raising questions about the trade-offs made during the Cold War era between moral concerns and national security interests. Understanding these aspects gives a broader perspective on how scientific progress and political pragmatism can intersect during critical historical moments. In conclusion, Operation Paperclip not only brought tangible technological gains but also serves as an example of how history's hidden narratives influence present-day science and international relations. For anyone fascinated by how WWII shaped modern science, this covert operation is a critical chapter worth exploring.


























































































