The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private William U. Ducy (MCSN: 327457), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on October 14-15, 1942. Along with another Marine from the Communications Section of the First Pioneer Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, Corporal Ducy was assigned to Company A which was under heavy bombardment by hostile field artillery. For two days, with cool courage and utter disregard for his own personal safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to vigorous shelling in order to repair wire lines continually severed by enemy fire, and thereby enable the company to maintain uninterrupted communications with its platoons and the battalion command post. His heroic conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.