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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Jesse Hicks Carter (NSN: 0-56777), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Destroyer Squadron SIXTY-ONE and Commander Screen of a Task Group which was actively engaged in the support of landing operations of the Joint Expeditionary Force and in operations against Iwo Jima, Chichi Jima, Okinawa, Miyako Jima, Ishigaki Jima, Hachijo Jima and the Japanese mainland during the period 10 February to 21 March 1945, and in the bombardment of Okina Daito Jima on 1 March 1945. His brilliant seamanship and the excellent manner in which he handled the screen, which was directly under his command, are responsible for the effective protection of the Task Group. His able, aggressive, and courageous leadership was reflected in every unit of the Task Group Screen and his performance of duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Carter is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 7586 (November 25, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Jesse Hicks Carter (NSN: 0-56777), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy, while Officer in Tactical Command of a Destroyer Squadron during amphibious operations culminating in the capture of Lae and Finschhafen, New Guinea, in which ships of his squadron were assigned to close support of the amphibious craft of the assault and re-supply forces. Destroyers of his command met and repelled many persistent and vicious enemy air attacks, destroying numerous Japanese bombers and torpedo planes. His courageous and determined actions and his brilliant maneuvering of the destroyer escort and covering forces under his command, in particular during low level air borne torpedo attacks, prevented serious damage to our own forces, and inflicted disastrous losses upon the enemy, thereby demonstrating thorough indoctrination and a high degree of training of the ships of his squadron. His actions and conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.