The President of the United States takes pleaseure in presenting the NAVY CROSS to:
RAYMOND E. DUFFEE, PHARMACIST'S MATE SECOND CLASS UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE
For service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
"For extraordinary heroism as a hospital corpsman with a rifle company during action against enemy forces in Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, November 20-22, 1943. When marines attempted to reach the beach over the coral reef and were caught in intense enemy machine gun fire, Pharmacist's Mate 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, determination, and untiring devotion to duty, he saved many lives. His actions throughout the operation were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
For the President,
James Forrestal
Secretary of the NavyRay was also awarded the British Distinguished Service Medal (D.S.M.) on June 21, 1946 at the British Consulate in San Francisco. Clarence Petrie received his decoration, the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (C.G.M.), at same ceremony. Clarence and Ray were tentmates in New Zealand.
Ray after receiveing D.S.M. at the British Consulate
Ray's movements on Tarawa.
Thank you very much Ray for all your help and information.
You, Clarence, Bill, and a few thousand others who were at Tarawa are all heroes!!!
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copyright 2001 T.O.T.W.
Created 12 April 2001 - Updated 9 June 2004
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