William R. Tipton

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to William R. Tipton (668058), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Reconnaissance Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Korea, on 4 November 1950. While participating in a motorized reconnaissance patrol of enemy terrain, Private First Class Tipton, serving as an automatic rifleman, and other members of the patrol were subjected to heavy enemy small arms and mortar fire and all but one of his squad were wounded. Although seriously wounded in the leg, and suffering from pain and loss of blood, Private First Class Tipton repeatedly and fearlessly exposed himself to the enemy fire and covered the withdrawal of the wounded patrol members with his automatic rifle until he received a second wound and could no longer operate his weapon. His courageous actions materially aided the wounded members of the patrol to withdraw to friendly lines and report the results of their assigned mission. Private First Class Tipton’s display of initiative and heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.