Office of Strategic Services Operational Groups

Mission:
To assist and organize Maquis in the Ardeche in operations against the enemy.

Summary:
13 August. On this date the Section took off on its original mission to block the Col de Larche in the Montgenevre area of the Franco-Italian border, close to Capt. Lorbeer's Section, "Nancy." The Germans at this time controlled most of the highways on the border. When the Sterling bomber reached the region climatic conditions prevented descent below 2000 feet. Jumping was not permitted and the plane returned to Algiers. In the next two weeks operations were planned but had to be scrubbed.

28 August. The Section left the Maison Blanche Airport near Algiers in three Flying Fortresses for DZ "Tandem" in the Ardeche. When the wrong signal was sent from the DZ the planes went to an alternate DZ where there were no lights, and then returned to the primary field where Capt. Vanoncini asked the pilot to allow the jump regardless of the signal. The drop was successfully completed by 0130 hours. Reception included warm welcome by Maquis and OGs in the vicinity, and the men were fed and billetted in Devesset.

31 August. Capt. Vanoncini was one of Maj. Cox's party that went to the observation spot near Tournon and viewed the tremendous German movement up the highway on the west side of the Rhone.

3 Sept. By this date Section had gone to Ste Etienne where they were received by wildly appreciative people and where they met the Maquis, 180 men under the competent Capt. Georges, with whom they were to work. The Section moved on to St. Martin en Haut and on the 3rd led a column into Lyon where uncontrolled fire accompanied the celebration, some of the fire coming from the Milice left behind. By late evening the city appeared to be a fairly safe place.

8 Sept. Maj. Cox sent Capt. Vanoncini to the Hautes Alpes to consider possible operations against Germans moving up the Po valley to Torino. Reconnaissance with Capt. Lorbeer and Lt. Weeks of areas between Col de St. Veran and the Po valley showed little desire of the Resistance to oppose German movements. At one point Capt. Lorbeer's unit was surrounded but Capt. Vanoncini's Section moved to maintain an avenue of escape. Orders were received to cease operations in that area.

Summary compiled by John Hamblet.