The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Lyall W. Gurtiz (MCSN: 507474), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Driver of a Medium Tank serving with the Fourth Tank Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 16 June 1944. With his tank badly damaged by repeated direct hits of hostile artillery fire during a perilous advance against the Japanese, Corporal Grits steadfastly continued to operate the vehicle in a determined effort to complete his mission. Finally forced to abandon his disabled vehicle, he fearlessly assisted other members of his crew in entering a rescue tank, but was himself fatally wounded by enemy machine-gun fire while attempting to climb aboard. His dauntless courage, valiant fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty were an inspiration to his comrades and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.