The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Lawrence C. Hays, Jr. (MCSN: 0-5624), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands from 21 to 23 November 1943. Gallantly leading his unit across five hundred yards of fire swept coral reef during landing operations, Major Hays, despite the heavy casualties sustained, immediately reorganized his battalion into a strong fighting force and, directing a brilliantly executed two day attack against a heavily defended hostile strong point which had been retarding the westward progress of the operation, reduced the last serous pocket of Japanese resistance and contributed to the firm establishment of the beachhead. His forceful and determined leadership, daring aggressiveness and cool and courageous action under fire were essential factors in the success of our forces in capturing this strongly fortified enemy atoll, and his zealous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.