The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Edmund R. Durocher (MCSN: 330008), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of a Communication Observation Post in Company H, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy Japanese forces on the island of New Britain, Bismarck Archipelago, on 30 December 1943. Throughout vicious and repeated early morning hostile attacks on friendly positions during which the Sergeant in charge of mortar fire observation was killed and his telephone seized, Corporal Durocher engaged the enemy in fierce hand-to-hand combat, killed several hostile troops, regained control of the telephone and assisted in maintaining the fire observation and communication with our guns. Despite painful leg and jaw wounds, he steadfastly remained at his position throughout the entire battle and aided directly in the final repulse of the hostile assault. His outstanding courage, daring initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave danger reflect great credit upon Corporal Durocher and the United States Naval Service.