Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Gunnery Sergeant (Warrant Officer Class Two)

Unit:

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

Awarded for:

Operation Jedburgh

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Office of Strategic Services, Marine Detachment, American Embassy, London, England, during operations behind enemy Axis lines in the Savoie Department of France, from 1 to 31 August 1944. Completely realizing the hazardous risks involved, Gunnery Sergeant LaSalle volunteered to act as instructor to resistance forces in this sector and, although severely injured while parachuting from the plane to his area of duty, succeeded in fulfilling his mission Risking the heavy concentration of hostile troops in this section, he assisted, until totally incapacitated, in the training of resistance forces who subsequently harassed the enemy with splendid results. By his courage and self-sacrificing devotion to duty throughout, Gunnery Sergeant LaSalle upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander 12th Fleet: Serial 14928