The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the

NAVY COMMENDATION MEDAL to

                       STAFF SERGEANT JAMES P. DUGAN

                    UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

For service as set forth in the following

    CITATION:

               "For heroic achievement while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company E, Second Battalfon, First Marines, First Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of 16 July 1969, his platoon was occupying a night defensive position during Operation Pipestone Canyon when he alertly overheard voices in a tree line to his direct front. Exhibiting outstanding resourcefulness and tactical judgment, Staff Sergeant Dugan

immediately deployed his platoon on line and was cautiously advancing on the hostile position when the point element came under intense small arms fire. Reacting Instantly and with complete disregard for his own safety, he directed his platoon in deliverlng a heavy volume of accurate suppressive fire on the enemy while simultaneously leading his men In an assault through the hostile position. The results of his bold attack were four Viet Cong soldiers killed and the capture of two Viet Cong who later revealed valuable Intelligence Information regarding the disposition of Viet Cong forces In the

Operation Pipestone Canyon area. By his courage. determined resourcefulness and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Staff Sergeant Dugan upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service." 

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.

For the Secretary of the Navy

H.W. BUSE, JR

Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps

Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific

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