Theron Monroe Duncan

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Theron Monroe Duncan, Ensign, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving Gunner aboard the U.S.S. BOISE (CL-47), during action against enemy Japanese forces off Cape Esperance, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on the night of 11 – 12 October 1942. When fires broke out in Gun Turrets ONE and TWO of the BOISE, intensifying the danger already threatening that vessel, Ensign Duncan, in the face of imminent explosions and possible asphyxiation, entered the smoke-filled chambers to help extinguish flames, break firing leads and open switches on loaded guns. His courageous devotion to duty, maintained with utter disregard for his own personal safety, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.