The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant William H. Hoyt, Jr. (MCSN: 0-13074), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to a company of the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division during combat with enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain on 3 January 1944. When his company became pinned down by intense hostile fire from well-entrenched positions on the opposite bank of a stream, First Lieutenant Hoyt led his platoon in a courageous attempt to affect a crossing but was fatally wounded by the withering barrage from enemy machine guns. First Lieutenant Hoyt’s determined leadership and selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.