Raymond E. Duffee, Navy Cross: Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class United States Naval Reservces For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Hospital Corpsman with a Marine Rifle Company in action against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, November 20 to 22, 1942. When marine troops attempting to reach the beach over a coral reef were caught in an intense steady stream of enemy machine-gun fire. DUFFEE unhesitatingly waded into the bullet-swept waters to assist the wounded, making approximately fifteen trips to bring helpless men to the cover of the seawell. Twice venturing some seventy-five yards inland, he administered first aid and changed the dressings of a wounded officer whose evacuation from a shellhole was precluded by the activities of numerous snipers operation in the are and later, courageously returning with two stretcher bearers under cover of darkness, suceeded in bringing the officer to saftey despite heavy enemy fire. DUFFEE’s splended initiative, expert professional skill and fearless devotion to duty in the face of grave peril undoubtedly saved many lives and were keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Mr. Duffee joined the L.O.V. in 2003.