The Office of Strategic Services (OSS) was a United States intelligence agency formed during World War II in 1942. It was created to gather and analyze information about enemy forces and to conduct covert operations. The OSS played a crucial role in supporting the Allied war effort by coordinating espionage activities and conducting sabotage missions against Axis powers. After the war, the OSS was disbanded in 1945, and its functions were largely transferred to the newly established Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in 1947. The OSS is often credited with laying the groundwork for modern intelligence practices and has influenced various aspects of intelligence and special operations in the U.S. military and government.