Truman Seal - Flickr - The Central Intelligence Agency

On Feb. 17, 1950, President Harry S. Truman signed an Executive Order authorizing this as the official seal of the Central Intelligence Agency. He autographed and presented this rendition to then Director Roscoe Hillenkoetter. The eagle represents vigilance, a symbol of our nation. The defense shield in the middle signifies Intelligence as being our nation’s First Line of Defense. The 16-point compass rose symbolizes information coming in from all points of the globe and being brought together at one central place.


For more information on CIA history and this artifact please visit www.cia.gov