Hector de Zayas (September 7, 1910 – July 26, 1944) was a highly decorated United States Marine Corps lieutenant colonel.

[1] On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, drawing the United States into World War II.

Landing at Blue Beach 2, Lieutenant Colonel de Zayas' battalion was the first to reach the island and faced little resistance from the defending Japanese.

A platoon led by First Lieutenant Steve J. Cibik moved ahead of the battalion, holding the ridge against several counterattacks for the next four days.

[4] De Zayas' battalion was crossing the Piva River on November 21 when the Marines were pinned down by heavy fire from a Japanese bunker complex.

De Zayas moved forward to personally direct the fire of his Marines before leading part of his unit around the enemy position.

De Zayas then encountered an enemy battalion supporting the bunker system, and was able to withdraw his men with minimal casualties.

[3][4] On July 21, 1944, de Zayas led his battalion ashore at Red Beach One near Adelup Point during the battle of Guam.

[3] By dawn, de Zayas learned of the potential of a second enemy attack and moved to the front lines to reposition his men.