The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel Hector DeZayas (MCSN: 0-4763), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in the assault on the left flank of the Division Beachhead on Guam, Mariana Islands, from 21 to 26 July 1944. Throughout this vital period of bitter assault fighting, Lieutenant Colonel DeZayas valiantly led his Battalion toward its objective, moving upward over rough and rugged terrain in the face of determined, fierce enemy opposition and maintaining an aggressive and vigorous attack despite one particularly heavy Japanese counterattack which considerably depleted his forces. Arriving at his assigned position and aware that another strong hostile counterattack was imminent, he unhesitatingly proceeded to his front lines to dispose his defenses and encourage his men and, during his courageous tour of inspection, was killed by a Japanese rifleman. Lieutenant Colonel DeZayas’ inspiring leadership, dauntless fighting spirit and tenacious devotion to duty under extremely perilous conditions reflect great credit upon himself, his heroic command and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.