The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Russell W. Lippert (MCSN: 262135), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Platoon Sergeant of a medium Tank Platoon of Company C, Fourth Tank Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian Islands, Marianas Group, from 15 June to 1 August 1944. Leading a section of three medium tanks in support of an infantry Battalion, Platoon Sergeant Lippert contributed materially to the success of the forces during this phase of the campaign and, through careful observation, aided directly in the location and annihilation of many fortified enemy positions. Although wounded on one occasion when his own tank was destroyed by hostile fire, he resolutely changed vehicles and continued to press the attack. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Platoon Sergeant Lippert and the United States Naval Service.