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.