Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Sergeant]

    Regiment:

    Haute-Marne Department

    Division:

    Office of Strategic Services

    Action Date:

    May 31 – October 1, 1944

    Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 87 (May 9, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Sergeant] Louis GŽrard-Varet Hyde, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Office of Strategic Services, in action against enemy forces from 31 May 1944 to 1 October 1944. Lieutenant Hyde was parachuted into enemy-occupied France, in civilian clothes, as a radio operator and assistant to the organizer of resistance forces in the Haute-Marne Department. He successfully established radio contact with London headquarters transmitting valuable intelligence information, and also took an active part in the arming, training, and organizing of the Macqui. When the organizer of his circuit was captured by the Gestapo, he immediately assumed command, and, despite the increased danger of capture, succeeded in reorganizing his forces. Upon the arrival of supplies, he led specially trained sabotage units to attacks on railway installations and highway bridges. First Lieutenant Hyde’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.