William Egan Colby (January 4, 1920–April 27, 1996) spent a career in intelligence for the United States, culminating in holding the post of director of central intelligence (DCI) from September 1973 to January 1976.

During the Second World War, Colby serves with the Office of Strategic Services.

After the war he joins the newly created Central Intelligence Agency.

Before and during the Vietnam War, Colby serves as chief of station in Saigon, chief of the CIA's Far East Division, and head of the Civil Operations and Rural Development effort, as well as overseeing the Phoenix Program.

After Vietnam, Colby becomes director of central intelligence and during his tenure, under intense pressure from the U.S. Congress and the media, adopts a policy of relative openness about U.S. intelligence activities to the Senate Church Committee and House Pike Committee.

Colby serves as DCI under President Richard Nixon and President Gerald Ford and is replaced by future president George H.W.

Bush on January 30, 1976.