Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Second-Lieutenant

Unit:

N Section, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

May 3rd, 1943

Citation:
"Fenrik Karl Vilnes acted as ?-in- Command, and ably assisted the Force Commander in the attempted attacks ? in the ? ? withdrawal.
He was in immediate charge of the section which inflicted considerable loss on the enemy. On the capture of the coastal steamer he was left in command of two sections consisting of 18 men, secured the necessary transport, and despite even more intensive enemy searched succeeded in evacuating them without loss.

This officer showed considerable enterprise and force of leadership. He had to shepherd his men during the last week so that they were continually on the move in order to elude enemy vigilance, and although short of supplies kept them in good spirit and good condition.

He showed personal courage in the face of the enemy, and considerbale coolness when he travelled by train in the closest proximity to a number of German troops.

I recommend that Fenrik Karl Vilnes should be awarded the Military Cross."

Colin Gubbins
Major-General