Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    28th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 16, 1969

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Jesse Wayne Lockhart (ASN: 0-5351847), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action on 16 February 1969. On this date, Lieutenant Lockhart was serving as a platoon leader with his company which was located in three mutually supporting ambush sites twenty kilometers northwest of Lai Khe. At approximately 2000 hours, movement was detected in his element’s killing zone and he engaged the unknown size enemy force with suppressive fire. When the ambush was completed, Lieutenant Lockhart led a squad on a sweep of the area and proceeded to another of the sites. He then joined another platoon leader in the search of his killing zone and was suddenly subjected to intense hand grenade and automatic weapons barrages which killed a fellow soldier. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Lockhart continued to ignore his welfare and led his element forward into the treacherous area where they found three insurgent bodies and one weapon. His courageous initiative and bold determination significantly contributed to the successful outcome of the encounter. First Lieutenant Lockhart’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division and the United States Army.