Colonel Aaron Bank

Colonel Aaron Bank was a renowned United States Army officer, best known for his role in establishing the USASFC, also known as the Green Berets. He was a key figure in the development of Unconventional Warfare and was involved in various covert operations during World War II and the Korean War, working closely with organizations such as the OSS and the CIA. Bank's experiences and expertise were influenced by his interactions with notable figures, including William Joseph Donovan, Omar Bradley, and Dwight D. Eisenhower. His legacy extends to the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, which continues to train Special Forces operatives in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

● Early Life and Education

Colonel Aaron Bank was born in New York City to a family of Jewish immigrants from Russia. He grew up in a neighborhood surrounded by German Americans, Italian Americans, and Irish Americans, which would later influence his ability to work with diverse groups. Bank attended Stuyvesant High School and later enrolled in the City College of New York, where he developed an interest in International Relations and Geopolitics, studying the works of Carl von Clausewitz and Sun Tzu. He was also an avid reader of The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, staying informed about global events, including the Treaty of Versailles and the Rise of Nazi Germany.

● Military Career

Bank's military career began in 1942, when he enlisted in the United States Army during World War II. He was assigned to the OSS, where he worked under the direction of William Joseph Donovan and Allen Dulles. Bank participated in various covert operations, including the Jedburgh missions in France and the Operation Sunrise in Switzerland, collaborating with French Resistance fighters, such as Charles de Gaulle and Jean Moulin. He also worked with other notable figures, including Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Joseph Stalin, during the Yalta Conference and the Potsdam Conference. Bank's experiences during this period were shaped by his interactions with SOE agents, French Resistance fighters, and other Allies of World War II.

● Special Forces and Legacy

In the post-war period, Bank played a crucial role in establishing the USASFC, drawing inspiration from the British Commandos and the Soviet Spetsnaz. He worked closely with General Matthew Ridgway and General James Van Fleet to develop the concept of Unconventional Warfare and Counterinsurgency. Bank's vision for the Green Berets was influenced by his experiences during World War II and his interactions with notable figures, including Che Guevara, Fidel Castro, and Mao Zedong. The USASFC was officially established in 1952 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with Bank as one of its first commanders. He also contributed to the development of the USASFC motto, "De Oppresso Liber," which reflects the unit's mission to liberate the oppressed, as seen in operations such as the Bay of Pigs Invasion and the Cuban Revolution.

● Awards and Decorations

Throughout his military career, Colonel Aaron Bank received numerous awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart. He was also awarded the French Croix de Guerre and the Belgian War Cross for his service during World War II. Bank's contributions to the development of Special Forces were recognized by the United States Army, which awarded him the Distinguished Service Medal. He was also honored by the CIA and the FBI for his contributions to Intelligence and Counterintelligence, working closely with J. Edgar Hoover and Allen Dulles.

● Later Life and Death

After retiring from the United States Army in 1958, Colonel Aaron Bank settled in California and became involved in various business ventures, including Consulting and Writing. He wrote several books on Military History and Special Operations, including "From OSS to Green Berets" and "Knights Cross," which provide insight into his experiences during World War II and the Korean War. Bank passed away on April 1, 2004, at the age of 101, in Dana Point, California, leaving behind a legacy as one of the founders of the USASFC. His contributions to the development of Special Forces continue to influence Military Doctrine and Counterterrorism strategies, as seen in operations such as the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War. Category:United States Army Special Forces