Nancy Wake: World War Two’s Most Rebellious Spy

by Braddon, Russell

  Citation for the Medal of Freedom

  With Bronze Palm

  Ensign Nancy Wake, British National, FANY, for exceptionally meritorious achievement which aided the United States in the prosecution of the war against the enemy in Continental Europe, from March 1944 to October 1944. After having been parachuted into the Allier department of France for the purpose of coordinating Resistance activities, she immediately assumed her duties as second-in-command to the organiser of the circuit. Despite numerous difficulties and personal danger she, through her remarkable courage, initiative and coolness succeeded in accomplishing her objective. Her daring conduct in the course of an enemy engagement safeguarded the lives of two American officers under her command. Her inspiring leadership, bravery and exemplary devotion to duty contributed materially to the success of the war effort and merit the praise and recognition of the United States.

  GO 3. Hq USFET, 9 January 1947

  APPENDIX 2

  Complement of Maquis Groups for which Nancy Wake was Chef du Parachutage

  Group

  Number of men in Group

  Commander Fabre

  300

  Corps France. Issoire

  150

  ALLIER

  Chazemais

  440

  Cérilly

  440

  St Plaisir

  450

  Montmarault

  800

  Moulins (Cdt. Barbaroux)

  360

  Lapalisse

  850

  Montluçon

  650

  Ambert (MUR)

  700

  Ambert (FTPF)

  800

  Pontgibaud

  400

  St Gervais

  300

  Resin

  300

  Aigueperse

  300

  Sauxillanges

  250

  Ambert

  600

  Thiers

  150

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Russell Braddon was born in Sydney in 1921. In addition to The Naked Island , his bestselling memoir of four years spent as a prisoner of war during the Second World War, he also wrote a number of biographies, novels, histories and TV scripts. He lived in Britain from 1949 until 1993, and died in New South Wales in 1995.