The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant William P. Duncan (MCSN: 181315), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Bougainville, Solomon Islands, 7 November 1943. When the officer leading an attack against a strongly entrenched enemy position was wounded, Gunnery Sergeant Duncan braved heavy hostile fire to carry the officer to shelter and, returning to his comrades, took command and led them in a successful charge, destroying the enemy position and capturing five machine guns. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Gunnery Sergeant Duncan and the United States Naval Service.