Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

"C" Company, Le Régiment de la Chaudière, 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
On 11 June 1944 Corporal Desbiens was given command of a reconnaissance patrol of one section and was ordered to find out the strength and dispositions of the enemy. The patrol came under fire from machine-gun, mortar and grenades in such a way that withdrawal seemed impossible. With determination and coolness, knowing that the information was essential to the conduct of the operations, Corporal Desbiens organized the withdrawal of his section by having some men throw grenades and fire at the enemy while the remainder crawled back under machine-gun and mortar fire for approximately 300 yards through a nearby wheatfield, bringing back safely 4 men plus the vital information that the place was heavily fortified. Due to that information an attack was organized and Le Hamel and Rots were occupied.
Throughout the action he displayed great devotion to duty and his personal courage was an inspiration to his men.