Abstract: | This article is primarily about the seals of the National Security Agency (NSA) and its Central Security Service (CSS). Specifically, this article provides, for the first time, a copy of the NSA seal that preceded the current one, a copy of the CSS seal, and their respective histories. A brief biography of the current CSS Deputy Chief and a very brief history about CSS itself is also provided. A number of references are made to James Bamford's two books: Body of Secrets (May 2001) and The Puzzle Palace (1982). My intention is not to nitpick his works. Rather, I simply wish to clarify points that readers may find confusing, especially since he is the world's leading authority on NSA. I not only admire Bamford's investigative journalism, but also strive toward the very high standard that he has set. |