Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class (Marine)

Unit:

Company E, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded for:

Operation Stalemate II

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 15 September 1944. During a hostile tank counterattack, Private First Class Lyth picked up his light machine gun and two belts of ammunition and, moving directly into the path of an attacking tank, deliberately exposed himself to its fire while he delivered accurate fire into the vision slot of the vehicle, killing its operator and stalling the tank within thirty feet of his gun. When the remainder of the tank crew attempted to escape, he annihilated them with hand grenades, thereby preventing the tank from breaking through his company's lines and inflicting heavy casualties. His aggressive conduct, coolness in the face of enemy attack and courageous devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on Private First Class Lyth and the United States Naval Service."

Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 00422.