- SURNAME
Studler
- FORENAME
Andre Joseph Marie Lucien
- UNIT
F Section SOE
- RANK
Lieutenant
- NUMBER
02045134
- AWARD
Military Cross
- PLACE
France
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from U.S.A.
born 11.3.1912, Reis, France
resided Redhill, England
24.10.1936 arrived New York, USA (occupation wine business)
grammar school education
single without dependents upon enlistment
29.06.1942 draft card New York City, New York
15.12.1942 entered service New York City, New York
codename Sylvain
Historian Circuit (assistant)
died 02.05.1988 Le Foeil, Cotes-D'Amor, France (Aged 86)
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 Second Lieutenant Andre Studler, 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 5 April 1944 through 10 October 1944, in enemy-occupied territory. Second Lieutenant Studler's intrepid actions, 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, his unit, and the United States Army.
Military Cross : This American Officer was landed in France by air in April 1944 as arms instructor to a new circuit to be built up by a British organiser in the Orleans area.
Although, separated from his circuit for a time, Studler began to train the local resistance group. Later, in his own area, he was appointed chief instructor and sabotage expert. He worked untiringly, travelling around the area instructing the various groups in the use of arms and explosives, organising reception committees and carrying out sabotage. Through his efficient use of the Eureka (which he had to carry with him on his bicycle 20 - 50 kilometers every time) large and successful receptions were effected not only during moon periods but also between moons.
In addition to numerous minor acts of sabotage on railways and communications, Studler was responsible for several large-scale coups de main on important targets, notably the Pont de Beignets (an important road bridge), the bridge over the Betz river on the Montargie - Paris railway, the bridge over the Rolande on the Montargis - Malesherbes line and the railway shunting points of the Boiscommun - Nibelle Station. All these and many other operations were carried out in an area thick with Germans and Studler had many narrow escapes. His chief was arrested in June, and the W/T operator in July, but Studler carried on until he / himself was arrested early in August 1944.
After a daring escape, Studler, instead of going into hiding, took to organising a maquis for guerrilla actions against the retreating German forces and took part in numerous ambushes and harassing activities rendering invaluable service to the Armies.
The excellent results achieved by this circuit were largely due to Lieut Studler's magnificent work. For his courage, loyalty and devotion to duty, it is recommended that he be awarded the Military Cross.
Military Cross : This American Officer was landed in France by air in April 1944 as arms instructor to a new circuit to be built up by a British organiser in the Orleans area.
Although, separated from his circuit for a time, Studler began to train the local resistance group. Later, in his own area, he was appointed chief instructor and sabotage expert. He worked untiringly, travelling around the area instructing the various groups in the use of arms and explosives, organising reception committees and carrying out sabotage. Through his efficient use of the Eureka (which he had to carry with him on his bicycle 20 - 50 kilometers every time) large and successful receptions were effected not only during moon periods but also between moons.
In addition to numerous minor acts of sabotage on railways and communications, Studler was responsible for several large-scale coups de main on important targets, notably the Pont de Beignets (an important road bridge), the bridge over the Betz river on the Montargie - Paris railway, the bridge over the Rolande on the Montargis - Malesherbes line and the railway shunting points of the Boiscommun - Nibelle Station. All these and many other operations were carried out in an area thick with Germans and Studler had many narrow escapes. His chief was arrested in June, and the W/T operator in July, but Studler carried on until he / himself was arrested early in August 1944.
After a daring escape, Studler, instead of going into hiding, took to organising a maquis for guerrilla actions against the retreating German forces and took part in numerous ambushes and harassing activities rendering invaluable service to the Armies.
The excellent results achieved by this circuit were largely due to Lieut Studler's magnificent work. For his courage, loyalty and devotion to duty, it is recommended that he be awarded the Military Cross.
WEB LINKS:
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C9975205 (SOE File)https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7403306 (MC)
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/32953 (DSC)
NATIONAL ARCHIVES:
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C9975205 (SOE File)https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7403306 (MC)
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