The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Betram A. Hayner (MCSN: 428766), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Automatic Rifleman of Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-first Marines, THIRD Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands on 21 July 1944. While his platoon was engaged in defending a vital ridge line against repeated attacks by the enemy, Private First Class Hayner courageously moved up and down the lines in the face of intense hostile mortar and small arms fire to fill gaps caused by casualties. Delivering effective rifle fire which forced the Japanese to withdraw on several occasions, he unhesitatingly moved forward after each withdrawal to inflict further destruction upon the enemy and thereby contributed materially to the success of his platoon in holding the vital position. By his aggressive fighting spirit, initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Hayner upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.