William A. Dugan

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to William A. Dugan (RA33439811), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a member of Company B, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division. Sergeant Dugan distinguished himself by heroic action near Pangdangdong-ni, Korea, on 13 October 1951. During its attack against well dug-in enemy forces, his company was subjected to devastating enemy fire and one platoon became pinned down by intense machine gun fire. Sergeant Dugan, Platoon Sergeant, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved into a forward and exposed position from which he directed his men and urged them forward in their assault. During the raging conflict, he received serious shrapnel wounds but refused to be evacuated and continued to lead the fighting. As a result of his tactical skill and fearless leadership, his men were able to secure their objective, inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy. Sergeant Dugan’s heroic action and selfless devotion to duty reflect the greatest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.