Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

November 15th, 1945

Citation:
"Sgt MACARESCO volunteered to do escape work in RUMANIA and was dropped into that country by parachute in May, 1944, with the agent of another secret Organisation. After a successful landing, both were arrested when making for their objective, ten miles away.
He was in solitary confinement for ninety two days, under constant interrogation and subject to constant threats. He was informed that his companion had confessed and had been executed; in spite of this, MARARESCO continued to show indomitable spirit and adhered consistendly to his original story, giving a false name, R.A.F. rank and number.
Finally he was accepted as a normal prisoner of wasr and was confined in a P/W Camp. Here he immediately got in touch with the Senior American officer in the camp and set about organising an escape Committee. Upon the Rumanian surrender, as the only Rumanian speaker, he persuaded the camp Commander to double the guards, issue arms to the prisoners and open the gates.
In all his work for the Allied Cause, Sgt. MACARESCO showed great courage, initiative and devotion to duty."