Ralph H. Coyte

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ralph H. Coyte (0-5673), Major, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous courage as Commanding Officer of Company B, SECOND Marine Raider Battalion, during the Marine Raider Expedition against the Japanese-held island of Makin in the Gilbert Islands on 17 and 18 August 1942. With keen judgment and decisiveness in tactical combat, Major Coyte disposed a portion of his company into the center of the line and succeeded in outflanking an enemy machine-gun position which had been holding up the advance. His personal valor and coolness under fire reflect great credit upon Major Coyte, his command and the United States Naval Service.

Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 21, 1942