Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Colonel

Awarded on:

May 6th, 1945

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel Frederic Donnet, Army of France, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Chief Engineer of the Army Detachment of the Atlantic, in action against enemy forces on 15, 18, and 30 April 1945. By his outstanding professional knowledge and extraordinary courage Colonel Donnett contributed to the conquest of the German redoubts of Royan, Grave, and Oleron. Under direct and heavy fire, he personally led the mine clearing parties which made possible the successive capture of these strong German fortifications by tanks and infantry. Colonel Donnett's prodigious personal vigor and the heroic example he set for the troops reflect the highest traditions of the French Army.