The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class James K. Hoyez (MCSN: 2352555), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Radio Operator with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 11 September 1968, while participating in Operation MAMELUKE THRUST in Quang Nam Province, Company M was maneuvering across an open rice paddy when the unit came under intense automatic weapons and small arms fire from a large enemy force. Realizing that numerous Marines had been wounded in the initial burst of fire, Private First Class Hoyez immediately removed his radio and advanced with his squad across the fire-swept terrain to assist the casualties. Arriving at the point of heaviest contact, he administered first aid to several of his injured companions and then carried them to positions of relative safety. Alertly observing a Corpsman wounded while attempting to rescue one of the fallen Marines, Private First Class Hoyez fearlessly returned once more to the hazardous area and was moving the man to a covered position when he observed that the wounded Corpsman had ceased breathing. Completely disregarding his own safety, he assumed a kneeling position exposed to the enemy fire and rendered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to his comrade. While engaged in this selfless task, Private First Class Hoyez was fatally wounded by hostile fire. His heroic actions and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several men. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Hoyez upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.