Vernon L. Austreng was born on March 2, 1922. He served as a member of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Operational Group Pat, one of the thirteen American parachutists of Operation Percy Pink under the leadership of 1st Lt. Thomas Allen Legare.

On August 12, 1944, he parachuted into the drop zone known as La Roche near Cadouin, France, along with twelve fellow operatives and interpreter Leon Robert, delivered by three B-24 “Liberator” aircraft laden with 51 containers of arms and supplies. Their mission was to support the local Maquis Resistance and work alongside British Special Operations Executive (SOE) agents to sabotage German fuel and transport lines. From their base at the Château de Bétou, they helped train partisans, distribute weapons, and carry out operations that disrupted German movements in the Dordogne. After nearly a month behind enemy lines, they returned safely to England on September 10, 1944.

Austreng ended his military service as a Corporal in the US Army. He died on January 18, 1975, and is now buried in the Americus-Saint Olaf Cemetery, Reynolds, Grand Forks County, North Dakota, USA.

Source of information: www.connexionfrance.com