The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant William R. Duane (MCSN: 0-19411), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, on 26 February 1945. When the advance of his company was held up by an intense small-arms and mortar barrage from numerous well camouflaged and strongly defended enemy emplacements, First Lieutenant Duane located the positions by observing the hostile fire and repeatedly attempted to place machine guns in a spot from which effective fire could be directed on the emplacements. Unable to accomplish this mission by the use of small arms because of the nature of the terrain, he requested two medium tanks and by using their outside telephones, skillfully directed their deployment for effective fire, remaining in an exposed position to carry on his hazardous task until seriously wounded. By his courageous fighting spirit and utter disregard for his own personal safety, First Lieutenant Duane enabled his company to resume its advance, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.