Office of Strategic Services Operational Groups

Mission:
To organize and strengthen the resistance forces in the Drome area operating against the enemy. To hit them wherever and whenever possible.

To reconnoiter National Highway No. 7, Route Napoleon, destroy enemy communication lines, and report by radio any troop movements, possible bomb targets and general intelligence to headquarters.

Summary:
6 August. Section left Blida Airport at 2130 hours in Halifax bomber and at 0130 on 7 August parachuted to DZ, "Framboise," 28K east of Montelimar and 3K southwest of Bourdeaux. Lights of Spain and coastline of France were seen in the clear night. Flight crew was reassuring, drop completed with no serious injuries, and reception was of typical French hospitality.

2 August. Section moved through the Drone area, joining Maquis Lt. Kirsch and his 15 men with whom Section would work. At midnight on the 12th two high tension towers, 900 ft. apart, and each 70 ft. high were toppled using C2 on 2 legs of each tower, cutting the line between Upie and Montmeyran..

15 August. Section moved to next target, a stone bridge on R.N.538. Security was posted, demolition charges were placed, security withdrew, and a perfect demolition job was completed.

On return trip to base the Section saw American planes bomb Valence and Jerry AA bring down three B-17s. Maquis brought two of a crew that bailed out to the Section the next day, preventing capture by Germans.

18 August. The report for this day is a spine-tingling 2-page account of how the American and Maquis Sections attacked and disposed of 50 Germans in the town of Montmeyran. Several received hits from enemy shrapnel but "were not seriously hurt."

20-21 August. Through the night long, heavily guarded and well camouflaged convoys were observed moving north on R.N.7. Early on the 21st a lone truck full of Jerries was ambushed; 30 killed.

Later on the 21st Section was overrun by advance elements of the 36th Division.

22-28 August. Move north to Grenoble with no major involvements.

Summary compiled by John Hamblet.