"Operation Fleur de Lys" is an early Escape episode that dramatizes an incident recorded in the book Sub Rosa: the O.S.S. and American Espionage (1946) by former O.S.S. agents Stewart Alsop and Thomas Braden. William N. Robson adapted the story for radio.
(It is worth noting that in later years, Stewart Alsop became a prominent newspaper columnist and political analyst. Thomas Braden became a CIA operative, then a journalist, and later the co-host of CNN's Crossfire. He was also the author of the 1975 book Eight is Enough, which spawned the ABC television series of the same name.)
The episode begins in London at the Office of the Strategic Services during World War II. An operation is being planned to assist the advance of Allied Forces in Nazi occupied France. Two O.S.S. agents will parachute into northern France and then organize roadblocks on three major highways. The leader of the local French rebels, and his soldiers, will aid them in their mission.
The two agents assigned to this operation make their parachute jump successfully, but when they land, they quickly discover that the local patriots aren't as organized as they had hoped. Will the agents continue with their mission, or will they take the next plane back to London?
"Operation Fleur de Lys" was written, produced, and directed by William N. Robson. Jack Webb played Duke. Also appearing were Elliott Lewis, Peggy Webber, and Harry Bartell. This episode aired on July 14, 1947.
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