THE WALL OF FACES

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Semper Fi, Marine

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Navy Cross citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow marines. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever…..

I served with Richard Duncan as a recruit in Platoon 1130, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, from October to early December 1966. Seventy-seven or us finished the training and it was a trial by fire. Our Platoon Commander, Gunnery Sergeant Otis Williamson was merciless and turned us into Marines ready for war. About half of the platoon was assigned the infantry MOS, Richard being one. We were composed mostly of Californians and completed our training just in time for the worst combat South Vietnam had to offer. Richard met that burden with courage and heroism. Gunny Williamson would be proud of his recruit from Livermore.

Dear Cpl Richard Duncan,
Thank you for your service as a Machine Gunner. Independence Day is approaching, and we remember your sacrifice. We remember all you who gave their all. It has been too long, and it's about time for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Richard Winerfred Duncan
Date of birth: 20-Oct-48
Date of death: November 8, 1967
Home of record: Livermore California
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Navy Cross

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Richard Winerfred Duncan (MCSN: 2327745), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Machine Gun Squad Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on the afternoon of 8 November 1967. During Operation ESSEX, Corporal Duncan's company was attempting to seize a small but heavily fortified village in Quang Nam Province when it suddenly came under intense mortar and automatic weapons fire which killed the acting platoon commander and seven other Marines, and temporarily pinned down the lead platoon in a rice paddy. Quickly assessing the situation, Corporal Duncan displayed unusual courage, leadership and composure under fire, as he maneuvered his machine gun team across the open area to a position behind a dike. He directed a heavy volume of fire against the North Vietnamese Army force, suppressing its fire sufficiently to enable the Marines lying in the open field to move to relatively safe positions. As he was moving his team back to rejoin the platoon, he was painfully wounded. When a defensive perimeter was established and his squad was assigned to provide cover for the left flank, he ignored his own injury as he deployed his men and moved along the perimeter to insure their firing positions provided maximum security for their sector against hostile attacks. As darkness fell, the enemy force launched an assault but was repulsed by the extremely heavy volume of fire from Corporal Duncan's team. The enemy then commenced a grenade attack to destroy the Marines' firing positions. Observing one of his men completely exposed to the incoming grenades, Corporal Duncan, completely disregarding his own safety and the intense pain of his wound, moved to aid his fellow Marine. When a grenade landed nearby, he fearlessly used his own body to shield the man. He repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy's fire, as he moved into the open to deliver covering fire while the squad reached more secure positions. After all members of his team had reached safety, Corporal Duncan was mortally wounded as he advanced to join his men at the new position. His bravery and daring actions throughout the engagement inspired his men to steadfastly maintain their position and repulse the fanatical enemy assault. By his courageous fighting spirit, bold initiative and unswerving devotion to duty at great personal risk, he upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

Action Date: 8-Nov-67

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Corporal

Company: Company M

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 5th Marines

Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF