The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Roger S. Tripp (MCSN: 846594), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Squad Leader of an Engineer Demolition Squad of Company B, Fifth Engineer Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands from 9 to 14 March 1945. On 13 March, while working with an infantry company, Sergeant Tripp volunteered to lead his quad forward of the front lines in an effort to destroy an enemy position which had delayed the advance of the infantry for two days. He then led his men forward to a vantage point from which he could reconnoiter the position and under cover of his squad’s fire, went forward alone and placed a demolition charge on the enemy held fortification. Although subjected to intense small arms and hand grenade fire from the enemy while placing this demolition charge, Sergeant Tripp carried out his mission and by destroying the position, enabled the infantry to advance. His leadership, heroic spirit and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.