Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Maury
Fontaine
Yerger
POW (Korea)

Home:

Arlington

, 

Massachusetts

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 23 (VF-23)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Korea)

    Action Date:

    October 17, 1952 – September 10, 1953

    Commander Maury Fontaine Yerger (NSN: 0-165477), United States Navy, was captured by Communist forces after his aircraft was shot down over Korea on 17 October 1951, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his release in Operation Big Switch on 10 September 1953.

  • Air Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighter Squadron 23 (VF-23)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    August 1 – October 17, 1952

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Air Medal to Lieutenant Commander Maury Fontaine Yerger (NSN: 0-165477), United States Navy, for meritorious achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Jet Fighter Aircraft in Fighter Squadron TWENTY-THREE (VF-23), based on board the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 1 August 1952 to 17 October 1952. Completing twenty missions during this period, Lieutenant Commander Yerger participated in daring flights over an active combat area in the face of grave hazards. By his courage, skilled airmanship and devotion to duty throughout, he contributed materially to the success achieved by his squadron and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.