John W. Duggan

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Star to John W. Duggan, Fireman, United States  Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong Communist aggressors in the Republic of Vietnam on 3 December 1969. Fireman Duggan was the After Fifty Caliber Machine Gunner on Assault Support Patrol Boat 6854 on night waterborne guard post position on the Vam Co Tay River. At 1955 hours, he felt a metal object strike his leg and come to rest on the engine cover behind him. With complete disregard for his own safety, Fireman Duggan left his battle station, fell to his knees and attempted to locate the object. In pitch darkness, he found a live enemy hand grenade, threw it overboard where it exploded upon contact with the water, narrowly averting serious injury to himself and other members of the crew. He then immediately remanned his weapon and unleased a devastating barrage of fire against the enemy completely suppressing their initiative. Fireman Duggan’s extraordinary courage under fire, exemplary professionalism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.