Office of Strategic Services Operational Groups

Mission:
To harass enemy columns and cut lines of communication in the Ardeche region. To protect installations and bridges valuable to Allied movements from destruction by the enemy.

To join and aid Maquis under command of Capt. Borjeau.

Summary:
29 August. Section left Maison Blanche airport near Algiers at 2110 hours in three B24 Liberator bombers for DZ "Tandem" near Devesset. Flying was excellent, with Spanish Islands, French coastline, and forces moving north visible. Men parachuted onto soft ground at 2330 hours. Reception was well organized. Men were fed at hotel in Devesset.

30 Aug. Section was transported by truck to Privas, joining Lt. McKenzie's Section.

31 Aug. Responding to report of Germans at Chomerac just east of Privas, American detail with Maquis Capt. Marguerite moved in that direction, met some Maquis holding several German prisoners, and learned that the German leaders would talk with Americans. A German prisoner who could speak French fluently was sent with a French Captain in civilian clothes to the Germans to inform them of American presence and willingness to talk terms. They returned with a Russian officer in the German Army who also could speak French well. Lt. Fontaine, Lt. Rickerson, T/5 Collette and the two Germans proceded to a German post and arrangements were made to meet the CO, a Colonel, who also could speak French. As negotiations for surrender were progressing with the leaders of multiple battalions a French armored vehicle arrived in the area and German officers waved their hands in the air shouting "we surrender to you Americans." As Capt. Vanoncini led in rounding up the prisoners Major Cox arrived from Devesset. Total number of prisoners was 3824. The battalions were part of a march unit going north to join the rest of the column. The troops consisted of Germans, Armenians, Russians and Poles.

8 September. Section moved back up to Lyon for further assignment.

Summary compiled by John Hamblet.