He was eventually transferred to the American Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and commissioned into the United States Naval Reserve with the rank of lieutenant.
Later, as Allied troops approached Paris, they discovered a large force of German tanks hidden in woodlands and called in air strikes to destroy them.
His citation read in part: He displayed much ingenuity and daring, as when, on one occasion, he recovered an unexploded aerial bomb, transported it to a bridge, and used the explosive for partially demolishing that target.
Beugnon's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States.Post-war he was sent to Hollywood to act as a technical advisor to the makers of the film O.S.S., starring Alan Ladd.
He decided to stay in the United States, adopted the name Raphael Bretton, and worked as a set designer in films and television.