The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Jesse P. Hickey, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Platoon Corpsman, Second Platoon, Company F, Battalion Landing Team 2/1, Thirteenth Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), Regimental Combat Team TWO, SECOND Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in New Ubaydi, Iraq, on 16 November 2005. During Operation STEEL CURTAIN, 21 enemy personnel engaged Petty Officer Hickey’s platoon with frontal and flanking automatic fire from four well-fortified, mutually supporting positions. Petty Officer Hickey exposed himself to automatic gunfire while rushing 75 meters through an enemy kill zone to assist and evacuate wounded Marines. After saving a wounded Marine’s life in an immediate evacuation, he treated another Marine within the casualty collection point. As the enemy employed multiple grenades in a nearby exchange of fire, Petty Officer Hickey ran into the heart of the fierce melee to provide first aid to a severely wounded Marine who lay immobilized in the kill zone. Enemy grenade explosions wounded Petty Officer Hickey with shrapnel to his entire body. Undeterred by his wounds, he continued treating casualties and evacuated a gravely wounded Marine to the casualty collection point. With one of his arms incapacitated by his wounds, Petty Officer Hickey refused treatment for himself while he directed Marines to conduct the proper medical procedures required to stabilize the wounded within the casualty collection point. Petty Officer Hickey’s valiant efforts were instrumental in saving numerous lives. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Petty Officer Hickey reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.