The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Hoyt C. Duncan, Jr. (MCSN: 0-15845), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a platoon leader attached to a company of the Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in combat against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, from 26 to 28 December 1943. On 26 December when his company commanding officer and the executive officer were killed, First Lieutenant Duncan unhesitatingly took charge of the unit and boldly continued the assault on hostile positions without interruption. On the afternoon of 28 December, after four leaders had been killed or wounded during a fierce attack against the enemy, he again assumed command of the company and, fearlessly exposing himself to the determined fire of the Japanese, led his men through the lines to their objective. His brilliant leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and unswerving devotion to duty were an inspiration to his comrades and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.