The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal William J. Dugan, Jr. (MCSN: 517846), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Pioneer Company, Twenty-second Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, 29 July 1944. When well-concealed enemy forces opened heavy fire on his company causing many casualties, Corporal Dugan courageously exposed himself to heavy enemy machine-gun fire and, running forward to the aid of a Marine who had collapsed from heat exhaustion, carried the stricken man to a place of safety. His initiative and courageous concern for the welfare of a comrade were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.