The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Roger Dow Lipscomb (MCSN: 2034550), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours on 15 January 1967, Sergeant Lipscomb’s platoon was attacked by a numerically superior Viet Cong force, estimated to be of battalion size. Armed with small arms, automatic weapons, and hand grenades and satchel charges, the enemy force launched a three-pronged human wave assault and succeeded in penetrating a portion of the platoon’s perimeter. Throughout the ensuing three hour battle, Sergeant Lipscomb displayed calm courage, inspiring leadership and skillful utilization of available forces while directing his unit’s efforts in defeating the savage attack. On one occasion, as he emerged from his bunker, Sergeant Lipscomb noticed an enemy soldier attempting to employ a satchel charge. With exceptional presence of mind, he killed the man and then shot and killed three more Viet Cong who had penetrated the defensive perimeter. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Lipscomb courageously braved intense enemy fire to move from position to position, directing the fire of his men and offering them encouragement. When two tanks arrived at the position, he boarded one of the vehicles in order to effectively direct its fire in destroying the remaining Viet Cong forces. In large measure due to Sergeant Lipscomb’s heroic actions and professional skill, a numerically superior enemy force was successfully repelled and sixty-one Viet Cong were confirmed killed. By his outstanding leadership, bold and courageous actions and selfless devotion to duty throughout, Sergeant Lipscomb upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.