The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant William E. Duke (MCSN: 397933), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Acting Platoon Commander of Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 21 October to 29 November 1950. With his company subjected to a series of concentrated attacks by numerically superior hostile forces south of Yudam-ni, Sergeant Duke constantly exposed himself to the intense small arms and automatic weapons fire to organize a hasty defense. Fearlessly moving among his men, he directed their accurate and effective fire and supervised the evacuation of casualties and the securing of replacements for the wounded. Seriously wounded himself, in later action, Sergeant Duke refused to be evacuated and continued leading brilliantly executed attacks to inflict heavy casualties among the aggressors and contribute to the repulsing of the enemy in each encounter. His daring and aggressive leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and inspiring courage throughout this period of intensive combat were essential factors in the success achieved by his unit and reflect the highest credit upon Sergeant Duke and the United States Naval Service.