The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Jack R. Shipley, Jr. (MCSN: 2272283), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Combat Engineer with Company A, First Engineer Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 15 March 1968 during Operation FORD, Corporal Shipley was attached to Company E, Second Battalion, Third Marines conducting a search and destroy mission in Thua Thien Province. As the unit approached a hamlet, his platoon came under heavy small arms and recoilless rifle fire from a North Vietnamese Army battalion. Realizing that the enemy positions had to be destroyed, Corporal Shipley unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own safety assaulted and destroyed eight North Vietnamese emplacements, utilizing five-pound satchel charges, personally killing ten of the enemy. His aggressive fighting spirit and heroic actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal Shipley upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.