A French Great War Legion of Honour and Croix de Guerre pair awarded to Lieutenant R. Berger, 109th Regiment of Infantry, French Sixth Army, who captured 18 Germans on the Western Front whilst under ‘very violent’ machine gun fire

France, Third Republic, Legion of Honour, Chevalier’s breast badge, silver and enamel; Croix de Guerre, bronze, with bronze palm and star, mounted from period continental wearing pins in large glazed frame, with original French Army Citation for the Croix de Guerre, approx. 58cm x 47cm (framed), blue enamel loss to first, nearly very fine and better (2) £70-£90

The official citation for the Croix de Guerre, as recommended by General Paul A. M. Maistre, French XI Army, reads (in French):
‘Monsieur René Berger, Lieutenant 109th Regiment of Infantry.
During the fighting from October 24th to 25th 1917, he demonstrated the finest military qualities of bravery. He co-operated in the capture of 17 Germans and 1 officer, whom he interrogated on the very line of combat and was subjected to very violent machine gun fire. He was able to immediately provide the reconnaissance commander with important information, which enabled him to successfully carry out the mission entrusted to him as a very young officer, hard working and brilliant from all points of view. 12 December 1917.’