Artifact Details
The CIA’s seal is comprised of the eagle, defense shield, and 16-point compass rose.
On 17 February 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.
Artifact Specs
45 cm x 42.5 cm
(L x W)
Learn More
Our First Line of Defense: Presidential Reflections on US Intelligence