The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Burbeth L. Whipple (MCSN: 0-15920), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company K, Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands from 15 to 30 June 1944. Assuming command of his company when the Commanding Officer was wounded and evacuated, First Lieutenant Whipple constantly exposed himself to hostile machine gun and rifle fire to reconnoiter the area when his company was surrounding a pocket of strong Japanese forces emplaced in deep ravines and rocky cliffs. Ordering his men to attack and eliminate the many points of resistance he personally led them through heavy small arms and mortar fire and during the assault on one emplacement, b raved the continued barrage to climb the side of a rocky cliff and direct fire on a hidden enemy position. Although wounded by mortar fragments, he continued the skillful performance of his duties, thereby contributing materially to the elimination of several strong points and to the advance of our forces. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.