Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Colonel

Unit:

Special Allied Airborne Reconnaissance Force, Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force

Awarded on:

May 11th, 1945

Citation:
"This officer is the DEPUTY COMMANDER of the FORCE, which is composed of personnel of five different nationalities, BRITISH, US, FRENCH, BELGIAN and POLISH and which contains a HQ Staff half of which is BRITISH and half US.

Although he had no previous experience of working with the BRITISH Army, Col RAYMOND acted from the start with understanding, loyalty and enthusiasm.

During my absence at ADVANCED HQ in FRANCE he has been in command of the main portion of the FORCE which by reason of its international composition is difficult to handle. It is very largely due to the ability, patience and tact of this officer that the various nationalities of this FORCE have lived in complete harmony.

He has done a great deal to assist in promoting the great Esprit de Corps in this FORCE and I feel convinced that he has done considerable services to the Allied Nations in promoting good fellowship and goodwill between the various compnents of this FORCE."

Signed
Brigadier J.S. Nichols DSO MC
Commander SAARF