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 Corporal Albert P. Deshayes (ASN: 17122774), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 3d Battalion, 517th Parachute Infantry Regimental Combat Team, 13th Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces in August 1944, in France. After his jump into enemy-held territory in Southern France on 15 August 1944, Corporal Deshayes found himself separated from other parachutists of his unit. Through his own initiative and resourcefulness, he contacted the French underground. In the following days Corporal Deshayes led patrols of F.F.I. men which captured 29 Germans and killed many more. On one occasion he and another American set up an ambush for enemy patrol and completely wiped it out, killing 20 Germans in the one trap. Later, when the commanding officer of the German-held garrison of La Roche announced he was ready to talk terms of surrender, Corporal Deshayes was one of the three men to go to the meeting, despite the possibility of a trap. During the negotiations, which lasted approximately three hours, Corporal Deshayes stood guard outside the building opposite ten German guards. Although the building was under constant American artillery fire, Corporal Deshayes remained at his post until negotiations were complete. The surrender of the garrison resulted in the capture of 174 prisoners, 15 machine guns, two 20-mm. guns, and 175 rifles. Corporal Deshayes gallant fortitude, 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.