Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier General

Unit:

HQ, 32nd Infantry Division "Red Arrow", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1942

For extraordinary heroism in action near Buna, New Guinea, on 15 December 1942. Immediately prior to launching an attack on an enemy position, Brigadier General Byers, without regard to his personal safety, visited the front line troops in close proximity to the enemy and to the impact are of our own preparatory mortar concentration, inspiring the men to a greater effort by his personal example. When the attack was launched, he advanced to a position within fifty yards of the assaulting troops. When wounded by an enemy sniper, he continued observation of the action and encouragement of the troops until he was evacuated. His inspiring example of heroism contributed greatly to the success of the attack.

Headquarters, South West Pacific Area, General Orders No. 63 (1942).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier General

Unit:

HQ, 32nd Infantry Division "Red Arrow", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1942

For his role in the fighting in Papua New Guinea.

Headquarters, South West Pacific Area, General Orders No. 63

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier General

Unit:

HQ, 32nd Infantry Division "Red Arrow", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1942

For being wounded in in Papua New Guinea.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier General

Unit:

I Corps, U.S. Army

Awarded on:

June 20th, 1944

For meritorious service from 7 March 1944 to 17 April 1944 at Goodenough Island, Southwest Pacific Area, and from 22 April 1944 to 30 April 1944 at Hollandia, Dutch New Guinea. As Chief of Staff, General Byers performed outstanding and meritorious services in coordinating the several planning units during the preparation for an amphibious operation. During the combat phase of this operation his unremitting tact and energy were responsible for the prompt installation and subsequent forward displacement of the task force headquarters with a minimum of confusion and delay. His outstanding example during the long hours of work under trying circumstances served as an inspiration to all those whom he came in contact.

Headquarters, I Corps, General Order No. 19 (20 June 1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier General

Unit:

I Corps, U.S. Army

Awarded on:

July 4th, 1944

For meritorious achievement in connection with military operations at Biak Island, Southwest Pacific Area, during the period 15–26 June 1944. As chief of staff of a Task Force, Brigadier General Byers made frequent visits to front line elements in order to orient himself with regard to the situation and to familiarize the commanding general with it. On one such occasion a motor vehicle following closely behind that in which he rode was ambushed by the enemy and all the occupants were killed. In addition, he made an aerial reconnaissance of a suspected enemy point of resistance based on fortified caves. The information thus obtained was of great value in eliminating the position.

Headquarters, I Corps, General Orders No. 29 (4 July 1944).
This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leaf to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier General

Unit:

I Corps, U.S. Army

Awarded on:

November 24th, 1944

For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services in New Guinea from 22 June 1942 to 2 September 1944. General Byers displayed exceptional ability in the coordination and operation of various staff agencies. His sagacity, unusual initiative and skillful planning were of inestimable assistance in directing operations during the Papuan and New Guinea campaigns. He fostered cordial relations with commander of Allied forces, materially increasing the effectiveness of operations. Through his diligence, sound judgment and wide experience, General Byers solved innumerable problems and contributed substantially to the success of offensive operations.

Headquarters, USAFFE, General Order No. 124

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier General

Unit:

Eighth Army, U.S. Army

Awarded on:

February 2nd, 1945

For outstanding and meritorious service from 20 December 1944 to 26 January 1945. General Byers, as Chief of Staff of the Eighth Army supervised and coordinated the plans for the preparation and movement of units scheduled to reinforce US Army troops in the Lingayen Gulf area, Luzon, Philippine Islands. The numerous obstacles presented due to widely dispersed staging areas, limited shipping facilities and the necessity of re-equipping and regrouping the units involved required close coordination of US naval and service forces and the numerous units of the Eighth Army. General Byers sound judgement, untiring efforts and tactful coordination contributed in a large measure to the success of the operation.

Headquarters, 8th Army, General Orders No. 9 (2 February 1945).
This award was obtained in the form of a second Oak Leaf to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier General

Unit:

Eighth Army, U.S. Army

Awarded on:

April 20th, 1945

For meritorious achievement from 20 October 1944 to 27 April 1945. In order to plan and coordinate his duties as chief of staff of an army, General Byers made numerous flights to various parts of the Philippine Islands contacting subordinate commanders and gaining first hand information on the progress of operations. many of the flights were made over hostile territory, in an unarmed plane, and danger from enemy fire was always probable and expected. By his frequent contacts with subordinate units and the valuable information he obtained, the success of operations was greatly enhanced,. General Byers courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and the military service.

Headquarters, 8th Army, General Orders No. 32

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier General

Unit:

Eighth Army, U.S. Army

Awarded on:

October 24th, 1945

For gallantry in action on Biak, Netherlands New Guinea on 17 June 1944. Troops of the Hurricane Task Force, dispirited by three weeks of vicious fighting, were in a critical condition in the Sump area on Biak Island. The Japanese, hidden in caves, had maintained their principal lines of resistance despite all efforts of American forces. At this point General Byers made a personal reconnaissance of the most advanced positions. Although enemy mortar shells were bursting behind him, he continued to observe the enemy and to obtain information which was instrumental in the subsequent defeat of Japanese forces. The disheartened American troops were inspired by General Byers' conspicuous bravery and his disregard of danger instilled with them the spirit vital to victory. The spectacular leadership exhibited by General Byers in this action is within the highest tradition of the military service.

Headquarters, Eight Army, General Orders No. 145 (24 October 1945).
This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leaf to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier General

Unit:

Eighth Army, U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1946

Performed meritorious and distinguished service in the Southwest Pacific Area and Japan from January to October 1945. As Chief of Staff, Eighth Army, General Byers displayed a high degree of professional skill in successfully coordinating and supervising the formulation and execution of staff plan for the assault landings and operations in the Visayan Islands, Mundanao, Luzon, the Sulu Archipelago, and for the occupation of Japan. Through his prompt and accurate solution of many problems, the Army successfully executed fifty-two amphibious assaults, nine of which were major operations, and his seasoned judgment and foresight dud much to make possible the sound initiation and effective execution of plans for the occupation of Japan.

War Department Bulletin No. 42, 1946.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major General

Unit:

Eighth Army, U.S. Army

Awarded on:

March 5th, 1948

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff of the EIGHTH Army from October 1945 to January 1948. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Byers and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army. (This award supersedes the award of the Army Commendation Ribbon to Major General Byers for service from 1 to 31 December 1945.)"

Department of the Army, General Orders No. 17 (Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu)

Rank:

Lieutenant General

Awarded on:

June 10th, 1959

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in duties of great responsibility from March 1948 to 31 May 1959. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Byers and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army."

Department of the Army, General Orders No. 22 (Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)