Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Pharmacist's Mate 2nd Class

Unit:

Medical Corpsman, Company D, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

May 1945

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman attached to Company D, First Battalion, Second Marines, Second Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, during the period 20 to 22 November 1943. When Marines attempted to reach the beach over the coral reef and were caught in intense enemy machine gun fire, Pharmacist's Mate Second Class Duffee, with courageous disregard for his own personal safety, waded into the fire-swept water to assist wounded comrades to the cover of the seawall. Approximately fifteen times he exposed himself to bring to the beach men who were incapable of helping themselves. He twice ventured some seventy-five yards inland to administer first aid and change the dressings of an officer who could not be moved from the cover of a shell hole because of numerous snipers operating in that area. Later, in the dark of the night, he led stretcher bearers back to the wounded officer and evacuated him despite intense enemy fire. By his courage and efforts in behalf of others at great risk to his own life, Pharmacist's Mate Second Class Duffee undoubtedly saved many lives, and his steadfast devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Bureau of Naval Personnel, Information Bulletin No. 338 (May 1945).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Pharmacist's Mate 2nd Class

Unit:

Medical Corpsman, Company D, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

June 21st, 1946