The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Hector DeZayas (MCSN: 0-4763), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the battle of Piva Forks, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on November 21, 1943. Ordered to execute a reconnaissance in force of Japanese positions, Lieutenant Colonel de Zayas’ battalion was halted during a river crossing by overwhelming fire from Japanese bunker positions concealed in the jungles and swamps. Boldly advancing to the forefront of the battle and finding that his force was opposed by a reinforced hostile position, he vigorously engaged the Japanese with a part of his battalion and by-passes the enemy’s position with the remainder. Proceeding with his reconnaissance, he discovered a second Japanese battalion in support of the first and, after determining the hostile scheme of defense and locating the key defensive positions, disengaged his battalion from action with minimum casualties. By his valiant leadership and brilliant tactics, Lieutenant Colonel de Zayas gained valuable information which made possible the destruction of the enemy’s fortifications prior to the regimental attack, and his inspiring conduct throughout the operation was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.