Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Special Operations, Office of Strategic Services (OSS), U.S. Government

Awarded on:

1945

Awarded for:

Operation Jedburgh

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the Office of Strategic Services, in action against enemy forces from 11 April 1944 to 10 September 1944, in France. Second Lieutenant Beugnon was parachuted into France, in civilian clothing, as an organizer of resistance forces. He organized, trained and led resistance groups in sabotage activities against enemy objectives with such success that railway traffic in the Creil area was practically at a standstill and all underground cables were useless to the enemy. During the entire period of operations it was most difficult to deliver supplies to Second Lieutenant Beugnon because of the heavy enemy troop concentrations, and much of the demolition supply had to be improvised or taken from the enemy. He displayed much ingenuity and daring, as when, on one occasion, he recovered an unexploded aerial bomb, transported it to a bridge, and used the explosive for partially demolishing that target. Sergeant Beugnon's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."

Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 33