Hector Jose DeZayas was born on September 7, 1910, in New York, New York County, New York. He was the son of Hector Augustus DeZayas and Annabelle Dilberger Izard. He was married to Helen Gwendolyn Van Houten De Zayas.

He served in the Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division as a Lieutenant Colonel during World War II. He was Killed in Action on July 26, 1944, during the Battle for Guam.

Navy Cross Citation:
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, Marianas 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.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com