Allen Dulles

Biography

Allen Welsh Dulles was a pioneering figure in American intelligence, serving as the first civilian Director of Central Intelligence and longest-serving director. As head of the CIA during the early Cold War, he oversaw significant events, including the 1953 Iranian coup d'état, the 1954 Guatemalan coup d'état, and the Bay of Pigs Invasion. However, his tenure was marked by controversy, including the failed invasion of Cuba, leading to his resignation.