The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Hospitalman Apprentice First Class Hayward Homa Skaggs, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Corpsman attached to the SECOND Marine Division at Tarawa, on 21 November 1943. Hospital Apprentice First Class Skaggs defied constant danger as the assault wave to which he was attached disembarked in small boats on a coral reef 500 yards from shore. For hours he cared for casualties in the water, administering first aid and carrying them to small boats for evacuation, in one instance giving up his own life belt to insure the safety of a wounded comrade. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.