The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Jacob Kopf Rippert (ASN: 0-22115), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Company of the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from March through July 1943. While proceeding to his battalion’s position, Captain Rippert and his men were subjected to heavy enemy machine gun fire. While attempting to locate and destroy this gun, one of his men was wounded. Captain Rippert exposed himself to this fire and carried the wounded man to safety. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Rippert, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.