THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Silver Star citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow marines. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

I was bringing back old memories and thought of Jim Hoyez. We went to school together for a couple of years in grade school and were best friends in Lacomb Oregon. I too am a Marine 0311 and served with Golf 2/5 at An Hoa and then LZ Baldy. I am greatly saddened on hearing of his loss. He was a really good friend
Cpl Joe W Johnson

Dear PFC James Hoyez, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

We knew each other as young Boot Marines and as Oregon natives. We came home together. We were stationed together and then were to never see each other again. In 1968 I got the call you lost your life in Vietnam. When it was my turn to be in Nam, I felt a little closer to you. My brother, I will never forget you and your face still fresh in my mind will always know the guilt I feel today and for ever. May our God hold you until we see each other again..

James K. Hoyez
Date of death: KIA
Home of record: Albany Oregon
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

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.
Action Date: September 11, 1968

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Private First Class

Company: Company M

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 5th Marines

Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF