The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Edwin C. Duncan (ASN: 0-378869), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 11 February 1945. While making an assault river crossing, the infantry company commanded by Captain Duncan met fierce resistance and sustained heavy casualties, both in the water and on either shore. Confronted with a difficult evacuation problem, Captain Duncan personally scoured the river banks and secured a number of small native boats. Then, while constantly exposed to heavy enemy fire, he led a volunteer group in rescuing the wounded. He crossed the waist-deep river eight times, pushing the laden boats before him, until all the casualties had been evacuated. Captain Duncan’s leadership was instrumental in the successful accomplishment of a difficult and hazardous mission. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.