The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Hobart G. Duzan (MCSN: 398755), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Mortar Ammunition Carrier of Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 15 May 1945. When his company suffered severe casualties during an attack upon a ridge line in the Naha-Shuri sector, Private First Class Duzan voluntarily crossed open terrain swept by all kinds of hostile fire and, making five trips, evacuated five wounded comrades to safety. By his bold initiative and coolness under intense enemy fire, he was instrumental in saving the lives of several casualties, and his courageous conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.