Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant (junior grade)

Unit:

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

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in enemy occupied territory from June to September 1944. Lieutenant Athens trained a guerrilla liaison mission in the Evros district of Greece in the use of American weapons and, through the establishment of good will and cooperation with the Guerrillas, was successful in leading their attacks on the garrisoned towns of the region which resulted in the forcible expulsion of more than 3,000 German troops. Lieutenant Athens transformed these mountain fighters in Greece into a well trained and efficient band and news of his liberation of the Evros spread throughout Greece. He was instrumental in recruiting more than 10,000 Greeks for service in the allied cause and through his efforts a flow of essential supplies was systemically delivered to them. He accomplished the infiltration of an American Intelligence team into Bulgaria, captured a group of Bulgarian spies and confiscated their information. The performance of Lieutenant Athens brought great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)