- Other Entry
- SURNAME
Johnson
- FORENAME
Owen Denis
- UNIT
F Section SOE (OSS, attached)
- RANK
Captain
- NUMBER
- AWARD
Military Cross
- PLACE
France
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from U.S.A.
born 2.5.1908 Washington, District of Columbia, USA
son of Owen McMahon Johnson (1878-1952)
mother Cecile Denis (nee de Lagarde) Johnson (1885-1918)
codename Gael
Marksman Circuit (w/t operator)
parachuted to France 18.10.1943
1949 married Eleanor Post (nee Close) (1909-2006)
died 01.02.1993 (Aged 74) Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne, Ain, Rhône-Alpes, France
Cimetière Communal de Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne, Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne, Departement de l'Ain, Rhône-Alpes, France
CITATION:
Distinguished Service Cross : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant and First Lieutenant] Owen Denis de la Garde Johnson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the Office of Strategic Services, in action against enemy forces from 18 October 1943 -to 7 October 1944. Captain Johnson was parachuted into France, in civilian clothing, together with one other allied officer, to act as an organizer of resistance forces in the Departments of Haute-Savoie, Jura and Ain. He was largely responsible for the effecting of parachute operations which resulted in the delivery of arms, ammunition and equipment to the resistance groups in that area. By his tact, initiative, resourcefulness and leadership, he was successful in organizing 6,700 Frenchmen whom he directed in persistent sabotage and guerilla warfare activities which were of inestimable assistance to the Allied Armies in their liberation of France. Captain Johnson’s personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
Military Cross : This American officer was landed in France by Hudson aircraft in October 1943 as W/T operator to a British circuit controlling Maquis forces in the Haute Savoie and the Ain.
On his arrival there were 600 armed FFI in this circuit, but by the time the American Army reached their positions the Maquis numbered nearly 7,000 armed men. Johnson was mainly responsible for the W/T traffic which made possible the numerous parachute operations required to arm this force.
Whenever his organiser was absent JOHNSON took his place and carried on his work ably and devotedly.
He took part in many major and minor engagements between the Maquis and the Germans and some of the heaviest attacks, including one of two enemy divisions with supporting aircraft and artillery. occurred when he was in command.
His chief reports on him as follows:-
"I cannot write too highly of the magnificent work done by Captain Johnson during the whole period he was under my command. Working in very dangerous and trying conditions, at times pursued by the enemy for months on end, he never once let up, earning by his courage and devotion the admiration and esteem of all those with whom he came in contact. Over and above his radio work, which he did admirably. he very ably seconded me in mine. I could not have wished for a more loyal, courageous and devoted friend. He contributed very largely to the success of our enterprise. I consider that Captain Johnson's work was first class and deserving of the highest award".
It is recommended that Johnson be appointed an Officer in the Order of the British Empire (Mil) (Hon.).
Military Cross : This American officer was landed in France by Hudson aircraft in October 1943 as W/T operator to a British circuit controlling Maquis forces in the Haute Savoie and the Ain.
On his arrival there were 600 armed FFI in this circuit, but by the time the American Army reached their positions the Maquis numbered nearly 7,000 armed men. Johnson was mainly responsible for the W/T traffic which made possible the numerous parachute operations required to arm this force.
Whenever his organiser was absent JOHNSON took his place and carried on his work ably and devotedly.
He took part in many major and minor engagements between the Maquis and the Germans and some of the heaviest attacks, including one of two enemy divisions with supporting aircraft and artillery. occurred when he was in command.
His chief reports on him as follows:-
"I cannot write too highly of the magnificent work done by Captain Johnson during the whole period he was under my command. Working in very dangerous and trying conditions, at times pursued by the enemy for months on end, he never once let up, earning by his courage and devotion the admiration and esteem of all those with whom he came in contact. Over and above his radio work, which he did admirably. he very ably seconded me in mine. I could not have wished for a more loyal, courageous and devoted friend. He contributed very largely to the success of our enterprise. I consider that Captain Johnson's work was first class and deserving of the highest award".
It is recommended that Johnson be appointed an Officer in the Order of the British Empire (Mil) (Hon.).
WEB LINKS:
• https://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient/recipient-22293/• https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C9033185 (SOE File)
FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/194220204/owen-denis_de_la_garde-johnsonNATIONAL ARCHIVES:
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7489085(MC)
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