The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Royce Norwood Flippin (NSN: 0-60370), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy. Lieutenant Commander Flippin was the Beachmaster of the Naval Beach Party that landed at Arawe, New Britain, on 16 December 1943, and of the Naval Beach Party that landed at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on 26 December 1943. During both of these landings he was subjected to repeated enemy bombing and strafing attacks. Upon completion of his mission at Arawe, on 23 December 1943, he withdrew, reformed his Beach Party and without respite landed three days later at Cape Gloucester. The successful landing of supplies during both of these operations was largely due to his courage, outstanding leadership, resourcefulness and untiring energy. The successful manner in which the Beach Party carried out its mission was due to the thorough manner in which he had trained his Party for these actions prior to landing. His gallantry and intrepidity in action are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.