Timeline

National Security Agency Established

November 4, 1952:

“The NSA was established [….] by order of President Harry Truman. This decision followed the Nation’s important work in breaking German and Japanese codes during WWII, which contributed to Allied success against the German U-Boat threat in the North Atlantic and victory at the Battle of Midway in the Pacific, and other successes. President Truman’s decision to establish NSA followed several studies on how best to continue this codebreaking work in the post-war era.

In 1959, pursuant to its authority under Article I of the Constitution, Congress enacted the National Security Agency Act which provides a separate legislative basis for NSA’s activities.” — NSA

Related Resources:

Photo: NSA’s headquarters, Ft. Meade, Md. (Credit: NSA)

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