Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Specialist First Class

Unit:

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

"For extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty as a Member of the Office of Strategic Services, in operations against the armed enemy, in enemy occupied territory on the continent of Europe, from 2 May to 23 September 1944. During this period, Specialist First Class Poitras, after having been dropped from an airplane, acting as wireless operator and assistant to a British Army officer, was responsible for the transmission of numerous operational messages to England and receipt of operational orders from England. Throughout the period of this assignment, Poitras assisted his chief in the organization of resistance forces and in their training for sabotage and guerilla warfare activities. In numerous encounters with both the Gestapo and Germany army units, he acquitted himself with distinction. On one occasion, in the vicinity of Nods, when his group was attacked by a greatly superior force, Poitras remained behind to cover the retreat of his comrades, permitting them to withdraw with small losses. As these duties were performed in civilian clothes, Specialist First Class Poitras was, at all times, subject to execution as a spy in the event of his capture. The actions of Specialist First Class Poitras throughout this dangerous mission were an inspiration to his comrades and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service."