The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Willie R. Tipton (MCSN: 668058), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Automatic Rifleman of Reconnaissance Company, Headquarters Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 4 November 1950. Painfully wounded when the motorized reconnaissance patrol in which he was participating was subjected to vicious enemy small arms and mortar fire, Private First Class Tipton repeatedly exposed himself to the hostile fire in order to cover the withdrawal of the remainder of the patrol, all but one of whom were wounded. Resolutely persisting in his gallant efforts to safeguard the casualties, he steadfastly continued to fire upon the enemy until a second wound necessitated his evacuation. By his aggressive determination, outstanding courage and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave danger, Private First Class Tipton upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.