USPS 2006 Distinguished American Diplomats Sheet of 6 39 Cent Stamps Scott 4076

Issued on May 30c 2006 in Washington DC., this souvenir sheet honors six 20th-century U.S. diplomats. Posted to France in World War II, Hiram Bingham IV (1903-88) saved thousands of lives by issuing U.S. visas to refugees, contrary to existing national policy. Charles E. Bohlen (1904-74) worked on the Marshall Plan after World War II and helped shape U.S. foreign policy on the Soviet Union. An expert in Southeast Asia, Philip C. Habib (1920-92) also served as a peace negotiator in the Middle East. Robert D. Murphy (1894-1978) is remembered chiefly for his role in planning the Allied invasion of North Africa during World War II. Clifton R. Wharton, Sr., (1899-1990) was the first African-American Foreign Service Officer, appointed ambassador to Norway by President Kennedy. Frances E. Willis (1899-1983) became the first female Foreign Service Officer to rise to the position of ambassador.