Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Maurice
David
Jester
1889

–

August 31, 1957

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Maurice Jester enlisted in the Coast Guard as a Surfman in 1917, working his way up to Chief Boatswain’s Mate by 1935 while serving on five cutters. Commissioned as a Lieutenant and promoted to Lieutenant Commander, he was the first Coast Guardsman to earn the Navy Cross in World War II, and the first Coast Guard Officer to receive the award for a combat action in direct confrontation with enemy forces.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Icarus (WPC-110)

    Action Date:

    May 9, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 304 (July 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Maurice David Jester, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ICARUS (WPC-110) during a successful action on 9 May 1942, with an enemy German submarine. The conduct of Lieutenant Commander Jester throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.