Operation Paperclip

Operation Paperclip was a secret U.S. program after World War II aimed at recruiting German scientists, engineers, and technicians, many of whom had been involved in Nazi military projects. The U.S. government believed that their expertise could be valuable for national security, particularly in the fields of rocketry and technology during the Cold War. The operation allowed these individuals to immigrate to the U.S., often under false pretenses about their Nazi affiliations, contributing to advancements in aerospace and defense, including NASA's early space missions. The operation sparked ethical debates about morality and accountability in post-war scientific collaboration.