Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Rea Eugene Duncan (MCSN: 0-13798), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 21 February 1945. Determined to advance his company over the low, open terrain studded with Japanese gun positions and pillboxes, Captain Duncan fearlessly disregarded the tremendous volume of mortar and artillery fire pouring down from cave-pocked enemy-held cliffs to the front which commanded complete observation of the beaches and terraces and, consistently moving well ahead of his men to direct accurate return fire against the enemy’s strongly organized centers of resistance, frequently took positions ahead of supporting tanks to spot innumerable strategic targets. Taken under concentrated fire from two hostile machine guns and knocked to the ground when a Japanese bullet penetrated his helmet, he quickly recovered himself and boldly stood upright despite the smashing fury of artillery shells bursting on all sides and continued his relentless advance. Cool and undaunted, he spurred his men inexorably forward, storming powerful fortifications and overcoming fanatically fighting Japanese to wage a furious battle culminating in a dashing assault which carried his unit approximately one thousand yards up the western beaches within a period of two hours. Although severely wounded during the latter part of the action, Captain Duncan, by his sustained valor and unyielding determination to close with the enemy, had instilled in his heretofore untried company the confidence of veterans, thereby enabling them to render gallant service during a critical stage of operations. His dauntless leadership and effective combat tactics in the face of savage opposition were important factors in the fulfillment of his company’s mission and reflect the highest credit upon Captain Duncan and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received