The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Duane W. Buck, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity on 27 December 1942 while serving as a Corpsman attached to the SECOND Marine Division during a combat patrol which made contact with the enemy in the Solomon Islands. During the fire fight he courageously went to the aid of wounded men in the face of heavy fire. When this patrol was recalled, Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Buck immediately, without orders joined another combat patrol which soon engaged the enemy, and he again braved heavy enemy fire to give first aid to wounded men. By his fearlessness in the face of fire and attention to duty he undoubtedly saved the lives of two Marines who were seriously wounded. After this battalion broke contact with the enemy, Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Buck was unceasing in his efforts to relieve the sufferings of the wounded. He remained on active duty for a period of over 16 hours, without relief or rest. Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Buck by his intrepidity, gallantry and devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service.