The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Francis T. Duffy (MCSN: 436404), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Runner for the Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 27 February 1945. When a group of the enemy attacked his Commanding Officer and the observation post personnel with hand grenades from a concealed position, Private First Class Duffy unhesitatingly advanced alone and, although wounded by grenade fire, succeeded in annihilating two of the Japanese. By his courage and initiative, he eliminated a serious threat to this vital position and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.