David M. Whipp

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Army Award) to David M. Whipp (K-100010), Lieutenant, U.S. Cost and Geodetic Survey, for gallantry in action while serving with the 1st Field Observation Battalion from 14 March to 24 March 1943, during the attack on El Guettar, Tunisia. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant Whipp proceeded in advance of the Infantry to establish survey control for all of the Artillery to be engaged in this attack. By his actions Lieutenant Whipp accomplished this survey control two days prior to the time that our Artillery occupied these positions, despite heavy enemy shell fire. On *** April 1943 near Korian, Tunisia, Lieutenant Whipp was assigned the mission of establishing the survey control of a forward Flash Ranging Observation Post. After setting up his survey instruments at the O.P., which was under fire from enemy artillery, Lieutenant Whipp observed an enemy battery. Though not a trained artilleryman, he contacted the Corps Artillery fire direction center by radio and called for fire on the enemy battery. He succeeded in neutralizing this and other enemy batteries comprising a battalion of Artillery. By his coolness, courage, and devotion to duty Lieutenant Whipp was an inspiration to his men and is deserving of the highest praise, exemplifying the highest traditions of United States Armed forces.