Background

Cord Meyer was born on November 10, 1920, in Washington, District of Columbia, United States. He was a son of Cord Meyer and Katharine Blair Meyer (Thaw). He grew up in a rich family, his father was a diplomat and real estate developer, his mother was from a Pennsylvanian family that earned its wealth in the coal business. His grandfather, also Cord Meyer, was a property developer and a chairman of the New York State Democratic Committee.

Education

Cord was educated at St. Paul's School in New Hampshire, after that he entered Yale University.

Career

In 1942 Cord Meyer joined the 22nd Marine Regiment and fought in the Pacific War. He took part in the Battle of Eniwetok, and in the Battle of Guam as a platoon leader, losing his left eye in a grenade attack. He became a first lieutenant and got the Bronze Star Medal.

Meyer held several prominent positions within the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) between 1951 and 1977, including the roles of international organizations division chief, associate deputy director of plans, and London station chief. An idealistic, liberal activist in his youth, Meyer shocked his cohorts when, upon returning from service in Guam during World War II, he joined the CIA. Meyer wrote a small number of books and stories during his lifetime. His first book, Peace or Anarchy, was published in 1947. Some of his other works include his highly criticized autobiography Facing Reality, as well a short story titled “Waves of Darkness,” which earned him both the O. Henry Prize for best first-published short story and the MGM Atlantic Prize. The CIA awarded Meyer three Distinguished Intelligence medals during his career. He retired from the CIA in 1977.

Much of the information about the work of Meyer exploration is still kept secret, but it is known that in the early 1970s, he was the personal assistant to the CIA Director and the Deputy Head of the Department, which develops covert operations. According to some reports, he was involved in the introduction of the CIA agents in the international trade union and youth organizations.

After retiring from the CIA in 1977, C. Meyer became a columnist and wrote several books, including an autobiography.

Achievements

• Meyer made a brilliant career in the CIA, reached high posts and was an outstanding intelligence officer, for which the CIA awarded him 3 medals. In addition, he gained recognition in his literary activity, and his short story titled “Waves of Darkness” earned him the O. Henry Prize and the MGM Atlantic Prize.

Works

More photos

• book

  • Peace or Anarchy

    (After serving in World War II, Meyer led the United World...)

  • Facing reality: From world federalism to the CIA

    (This is an autobiography, telling about work in the CIA a...)

    1947

Views

Cord Meyer had pacifist views and faith in world government.

Personality

Quotes from others about the person

• "He was a loyal defender of freedom around the world. It was Cord Meyer who developed the concept, doctrine and methods of covert operations in the name of safeguarding the interests of our country. He played an important role in America’s struggle against Soviet influence." - George Tenet
  
  "Intellectual, combat veteran, heavy drinker and smoker." - Bob Woodward

Connections

Cord Meyer was married to the American artist Mary Pinchot Meyer (October 14, 1920 - October 12, 1964). They had the same pacifist views and faith in world government. They got married on April 19, 1945. At the end of 1945, they have born eldest son Quentin. In 1947, their second son was born - Michael. In 1950, the couple had a third son - Mark.

On December 18, 1956, their middle son, nine-year-old Michael was crushed by a car near the house and died.

Mary was also known as John F. Kennedy's lover.

Cord and Mary divorced in 1958.

Father:

Cord Meyer

Mother:

Katharine (Thaw) Meyer

child:

Mark Meyer

child:

Quentin Meyer

child:

Michael Meyer

ex-wife:

Mary Pinchot Meyer

Grandfather:

Cord Meyer