When most Americans think of Julia Child, they picture a joyful woman in pearls, wielding a whisk, reminding us that cooking should be fun, and that butter is never the enemy. Especially at the holidays, her legendary roast turkey has become part of countless family traditions.
But before Julia Child became America’s most beloved chef, she served her country in a very different way.
Long before Julia Child made her TV debut, she was part of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the World War II intelligence organization that would later evolve into today’s U.S. Special Operations Forces and the CIA.
From the OSS to the Stove
In 1942, Julia McWilliams (she wouldn’t become Julia Child until later) joined the OSS after being turned away from military service due to her height—she was 6’2”. (Did you know that the “WAVES”, Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, had a maximum height limit of 6’? Not to be discouraged, she took on a civilian role in America’s first centralized intelligence agency, working alongside analysts, operatives, and strategists whose mission was simple but dangerous: win the war through innovation, intelligence, and unconventional thinking.
Julia was assigned to the OSS Research and Development Division, where she worked on highly classified projects supporting Allied forces overseas. One of her most notable assignments involved helping develop a shark repellent to protect explosives used by Navy underwater demolition teams, a small but critical innovation that saved lives and safeguarded missions.
Her work took her overseas to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and China, placing her directly in the global fight alongside the men and women operating behind enemy lines.
It was during this time that she met Paul Child, also an OSS officer—and the man who would later introduce her to French cuisine, changing the course of her life forever.
A Legacy of Ingenuity and Service
The OSS was known for its creativity, adaptability, and willingness to do things differently—traits that are hallmarks of today’s U.S. Army Special Forces, Navy SEALs, Air Force Special Operations, Marine Raiders, and Special Operations Aviation units.
In many ways, Julia Child embodied the OSS spirit:
· Resourceful under pressure
· Willing to learn and innovate
· Committed to service beyond self
These same qualities define today’s Special Operations Forces, who continue to operate in complex environments where creativity, courage, and resilience are just as important as strength and skill.
A Holiday Table with a Meaningful Story
Julia Child later became famous for her holiday meals—especially her iconic roast turkey—bringing families together around the table with warmth, humor, and generosity. But behind that festive image is a deeper story of national service, quiet sacrifice, and a generation that answered the call when the world needed them most.
As we gather this holiday season—sharing meals, laughter, and traditions—we are reminded that many of the freedoms we enjoy today were secured by individuals like Julia Child and the OSS operatives who paved the way for today’s Special Operations community.
At Special Operations Warrior Foundation, we honor that legacy by standing with the families of those who continue to serve in the shadows—ensuring that the children of fallen Special Operations Personnel and all Medal of Honor Recipients are supported from cradle to career.
This holiday season, as turkeys roast and families gather, we remember that even America’s most beloved chef once served on the front lines of ingenuity and courage—part of a legacy that lives on through today’s Special Operations Forces.
Sources:
- Weapon Julia Child: Cooking Up Spy Ops for OSS
- Business Julia Child Helped Develop Shark Repellant During World War II
- Julia Child Wiki
- ARSOF Lineage or Legacy?
