Oss

Carl F. Eifler, who commanded the first OSS covert operations unit during World War II and was dubbed "the deadliest colonel" for his daring exploits and planning of operations behind enemy lines, has died. He was 95. Eifler died April 8 of natural causes in a medical rehabilitation center in Salinas, Calif. Central Casting couldn't have supplied a more imposing figure than the 6-foot, 2-inch, 240-pound, tough-as-nails Army colonel.

Walter A. O'Meara, 92, chief of planning for the Office of Strategic Services, the predecessor of the CIA, during World War II and media director for Adlai E. Stevenson's 1952 presidential campaign. O'Meara left an advertising career in 1950 to write novels and nonfiction. His best-known books include "Grand Portage," a novel based on the life of fur trader Daniel Harmon, and "Minnesota Gothic," a mystery novel about a family living in an old Victorian house.

James H. Andros of Ventura, a decorated World War II veteran who served in the Office of Strategic Services, died Tuesday at a local hospital. He was 75. Andros was born May 14, 1922, in Chicago and lived in Ventura County for 11 years. He served in the OSS in North Africa, Greece, Yugoslavia, Italy, France and Germany. Andros participated in numerous operations including Operation Staircase in Greece, in which the Corinth Canal bridge and railroad were destroyed.

France's super secret agent man is back in "OSS 117 — Lost in Rio," and he's better, and worse, than ever with a lot of bang, bang, bang, stumble, bumble, fumble in flashy '60s era suits of impeccably poor taste. The latest edition of the French spoof again stars Jean Dujardin as Hubert Bonisseur de la Bath, an idiot suave-ant of secret agents with brilliantine hair and a specialty for sailing through politically incorrect pronouncements with the same aplomb he does shoot-outs with bad guys.

Seven deputies from the Los Angeles County sheriff's gang unit have been placed on leave on suspicion that they belong to a secret clique that celebrates shootings and brands its members with matching tattoos, sources confirmed. The move is a sign of the intensifying nature of the investigation of the "Jump Out Boys. " Suspicion about the group's existence was sparked several weeks ago when a supervisor found a pamphlet describing the group's creed, which promoted aggressive policing and portrayed officer shootings in a positive light.

Maverick actor Sterling Hayden, the one-time Hollywood leading man whose restlessness led him through careers as a sea captain, OSS agent and gun-runner to ultimate success as an author and respected character actor, died Friday at his home in Sausalito. Hayden, 70, had been undergoing treatment for cancer for several months. "It was a quiet passing," said his son-in-law, George Ruckert. "He more or less went in his sleep."

On a stormy night more than 42 years ago, Francis Loetterle parachuted into Thailand on a mission to train 300 "Free Thai" in sabotage, street fighting and jungle warfare against the Japanese army. His more recent arrival was far less risky and adventurous, but he said it was just as important to him. The 69-year-old retired business executive from Scottsdale, Ariz.

Retired Army Col. Aaron Bank, who led a number of daring missions during World War II but was best known for his postwar role in organizing and serving as the first commander of the Army's elite Special Forces, has died. He was 101. Bank, who was known as "the father of the Green Berets," died Thursday of natural causes at his home in an assisted-living facility in Dana Point, said his son-in-law, Bruce Ballantine.

Truly embracing Joost van Oss and Sherrie Levine's recent collaborative work--the product of their yearlong residency in the Getty Research Institute's scholar program--requires a leap of faith. The five silvery aluminum sculptures on display in the institute's gallery are replicas of three tables and two chairs designed in the early 1900s by De Stijl architect Gerrit Rietveld.