Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Special Operations, Office of Strategic Services (OSS), U.S. Government

Awarded on:

November 15th, 1944

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the Office of Strategic Services, in action against enemy forces behind enemy lines from 9 June 1944 through 25 August. Showing complete disregard for his own life and courageous solicitude for the lives of his men, Captain Cyr destroyed several enemy trucks which were bringing up reinforcements. Although he knew that such actions jeopardized his own escape, on two occasion, Captain Cyr guided to safety American and British pilots untrained in operating on the ground behind enemy lines, and gave them instructions to facilitate their return to England. Although Captain Cyr knew that the Gestapo had an accurate description of him and were searching for him relentlessly, he continued his work in the Loire Inferieure, realizing its strategic importance in the U.S. Army. When Captain Cyr received from a member of the underground the German plans for the defense of the coast of Loire Inferieure, including the important port of St. Nazaire, he insisted he himself take the risk of delivering them through the German lines. He handed them over to the Assistant Chief of Staff G-2, Headquarters, VII Corps. After receiving orders from the Army Commander, he returned through German lines to deliver them to the Resistance Groups and to stay with them to see that everything possible was done for the U.S. Army. Captain Cyr's intrepid actions, 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, his unit, and the United States Army."

Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 116

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)