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Fourcaud, Pierre

Date of birth:
March 27th, 1898 (St. Petersburg, Russian Empire)
Date of death:
May 2nd, 1998 (Paris, VIIth, France)
Nationality:
French (1870-present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Commandant
Unit:
F Section, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government
Awarded on:
January 7th, 1943
Recommendation:
"I would like to recommend that a British decoration be conferred upon Commandant Pierre FOURCAUD of the Fighting French Forces.

Although severely wounded, he made a strenuous and successful effort to reach England in July 1940. On arrival here, he immediately volunteered for a mission abroad and, in spite of his physical disability, left this country in August 1940 and succeeded in reaching France. He was in England again in December 1940 but returned to France in January 1941.

During the time Commandant Fourcaud was in France in the face of considerable difficulties, he was largely instrumental in our receiving much valuable information. He was eventually arrested by the Vichy authorities in September 1941 and remained in prison for twelve months. After escaping to this country he immediately rejoined the Fighting French Forces.

I strongly recommend that Commandant Fourcaud be awarded the O.B.E."

Signed
Colin Gubbins
Head SOE
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Compagnon
Unit:
F Section, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government
Awarded on:
May 25th, 1943
l' Ordre de la Libération
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Colonel
Unit:
F Section, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government
Awarded on:
May 6th, 1946
"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces on February - June 1944. Colonel Fourcaud's outstanding accomplishments, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the Allied Nations."

War Department, General Orders No. 41
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)

4 citations
Croix de Guerre (1914-1918)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

3 citations
Croix de Guerre (1939-1945)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With rosette
Médaille de la Résistance Française
Order of the White Eagle

Sources

Photo