The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Juan M. Duyan (0-28883), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while Commanding the 3d Platoon, Company F, 11th Infantry Regiment, Philippine Army, from 7 to 9 February 1942. Lieutenant Duyan displayed gallantry in action near Pilar-Bagnac Road, Bataan, Philippine Islands. He led his platoon in a counterattack against a greatly superior enemy force, but unable to re-establish contact with the regiment, he directed the men to organize for defense. Digging fox holes with bayonets and sharpened bamboo, and with few rifles, little ammunition, and no food, the platoon held the position against repeated Japanese attacks. For 2 days Lieutenant Duyan led the valiant unit in a desperate defense until, finally, other units fought through. Then, resupplied with food and ammunition, the platoon immediately joined in a series of attacks and destroyed the enemy who penetrated the position. Courageously leading the platoon through a 2-day siege under repeated enemy infantry and fire attacks, Lieutenant Duyan aided greatly in limiting the hostile penetration and contributed to the destruction of the enemy force.