The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Robert L. Duncan (MCSN: 649345), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of a Machine Gun Squad of Company H, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 30 November 1950. When his company became pinned down by heavy enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire during a regimental attack against a hostile roadblock, Private First Class Duncan, in company with the only other surviving member of his squad, put his machine gun into action. Despite extremely mountainous terrain, the heavy enemy fire directed at his area and his dead and wounded comrades lying about him, he returned accurate and effective fire against the attackers and, when the ammunition was expended, moved through intense fire, grabbed a box of ammunition from another position and returned to man his weapon. While most of the unit was seeking cover, he again braved fire to obtain additional ammunition and continued to manipulate his weapon effectively against the attackers until his gun crew had gained fire superiority and eliminated the fierce opposition. By his courage in the face of grave danger, Private First Class Duncan served as an inspiration to his comrades and contributed to the success of his company’s assault against the hostile position. His heroic efforts were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.