Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Compagnon

Awarded on:

November 20th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

6 citations

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

with clasp "Libye"

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Capitaine (Captain)

Unit:

Bureau Central de Renseignements et d'Action, Régime Républicain de Résistance Gouvernement en exil

Citation:
"This officer became the leader of a nascent resistance movement in South-Eastern France in 1940, at a time when resistance was unpopular and had little support. In 1943 he escaped to England for instruction and training, and was parachuted to the maquis on 18 Oct. 43 in the strategic important area of Ain, Jura and the Haute Savoie. Liaison with other maquis leaders and the co-ordination and execution of the plans of departmental and regional heads, could only be maintained by constant and hazardous journeys, undertakenby Capt. ROSENTHAL, always through enemy infested areas.

The growth of the maquis formations in the Haute Savoie was largely due to this offier's initiative and much of the subsequent achievement of the resistance in this vital area can ben attributed to his outstanding leadership and ability.

Among a continuous series of sabotage operations, many of extreme hazard, led by Capt. Rosenthal before D-day, was the brilliant action under his eprsonal direction, which in spite of inadequate equipment and arms, put the Schmidt Ross ball bearing works at Annecy out of production for many months.

This officer was continually in action throughout the Haute Savoie campaign during August when groups under his command played a mayor part in the liberation of the department, and Capt. Rosenthal personally accounted for many of the enemy engagements fought at close quarters.

It is recommended that this officer who throughout nearly three years service of extreme hazard in an allied resistance organisation in the field, showed great qualties of leadership, courage and devotion to duty, be awarded the Military Cross."

Signed:
Colin Gubbins
Major-General