Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War Army Distinguished Service Cross/Bronze Star group of ten named to Second Lieutenant Louis G. V. Hyde, U.S. Army Signal Corps - awarded the M.B.E. for his services as a Wireless Operator with the Maquis of the Haute Marne department

Army Distinguished Service Cross, edge numbered, ‘2765’, reverse machine engraved, ‘L. G. V. Hyde’, slot brooch; Bronze Star, reverse machine engraved, Louis Hyde’, slot brooch; Army Good Conduct Medal, reverse machine engraved, ‘Louis Hyde’; American Campaign Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, two bronze stars on ribbon; Victory Medal 1945; G.B., Order of the British Empire, 2nd issue, Member’s (M.B.E.) Military Division breast badge, silver; France, Fourth Republic, Legion of Honour, Officer’s breast badge, silver-gilt and enamel, rosette on ribbon, enamel damage; Croix de Guerre 1939, with incorrect Belgian ‘L’ palm on ribbon; War Commemorative Medal 1939-45, 2 clasps, France, Liberation, very fine and better except where stated (10) £600-800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Named and Attributable American Medal Groups.

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M.B.E. approved 7 Jul. 1945. (02045274) Second Lieutenant Louis G.V. Hyde, U.S. Army.

‘This American officer was parachuted into France on 1st June 1944 as wireless operator to a new circuit in the HAUTE MARNE. On arrival it was found that this circuit was small and badly organised. A Maquis group was, however, soon formed, but the organiser and others were arrested on 28th June, the circuit being thus destroyed. HYDE then carried on alone and, as the Gestapo were on his trail, had to move continuously day and night. By his tireless energy and diplomacy HYDE established good relations with the local resistance leaders and organised their supplies of arms. He was in constant personal communications with LONDON by wireless, as well as performing his duties as an organiser.
With the arms supplied through HYDE by LONDON, the HAUTE MARNE F.F.I. did excellent sabotage work. Several trains were derailed, notably a train of German SS troops near PRUTHOY, resulting in heavy casualties. A petrol dump at FOULAIN and an ammunition dump at LANGRES were successfully attacked at the beginning of September. Numerous German patrols were ambushed and an important bridge at LANG RES was saved from demolition when the Germans retreated.

Lt. HYDE was largely responsible for these results. He showed high qualities of courage, perseverance and loyalty.’

With copied citation, together with cloth and metal rank insignia for display purposes.

This lot is sold as seen and is not subject to return. Please see saleroom notice on lot 280 for fuller details.