The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Gerald M. Jacquet (ASN: 13081127), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 30th Reconnaissance Troop (Mechanized), 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 April 1945, in Germany. When his platoon was ambushed and the enemy set up a roadblock to the platoon’s rear, it was decided to overrun it. Private Jacquet volunteered to act as gunner in the lead armored car. Since his cannon was overshooting the enemy position, he manned a heavy machine gun. Discovering that the gun was out of order, he stood in full view of the enemy and, with machine gun and small arms fire falling all around him, repaired it. Private Jacquet was thrown from the vehicle when it was struck by enemy fire but courageously returned to evacuated two wounded comrades. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private Jacquet, 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.



