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 (Infantry), [then Sergeant] Emile Rene Counasse, 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 from 28 May 1944 to 6 September 1944. Second Lieutenant Counasse was parachuted into France in civilian clothes to act as radio operator for a secret agent who was organizing and arming resistance forces. Although the area in which he worked was strongly-held by German occupation forces, making radio work particularly hazardous, he successfully transmitted operational information to England and received orders. The work performed by his enabled the organizer to build up a strong resistance network, and, after D-Day, to coordinate resistance activities throughout the department with the activities of the allied armies in their liberation of France. Second Lieutenant Counasse’s extraordinary heroism, 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, the 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.