Navy Federal Credit Union

Jesse Booker was the first Marine aviator shot down and captured during the Korean War. He remained the only Marine pilot in enemy hands until April 1951, and was held in captivity until the end of the war.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    August 12 – 20, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Jesse Vernon Booker (MCSN: 0-20617), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Islands Area, from 12 August 1944 to 20 August 1944. Captain Booker completed his sixtieth mission in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred and on one or more of these missions such enemy opposition was encountered . His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    February 4, – May 31, 1944

    Commanding General 1st Marine Aircraft Wing: Serial: A-9012 (August 19, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Jesse Vernon Booker (MCSN: 0-20617), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Islands Area, from 4 February 1944 to 31 May 1944. Captain Booker completed his fortieth mission in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred and on one or more of these missions such enemy opposition was encountered . His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 50 (VF-50)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Korean War)

    Action Date:

    August 7, 1950 – August 27, 1953

    NARA Database: Repatriated Korean Conflict Prisoners of War, 7/5/1950 – 10/6/1954

    Captain Jesse Vernon Booker (MCSN: 0-20617), United States Marine Corps, was held as a Prisoner of War after he was shot down and captured during the Korean War on 7 August 1950 and was held until his release on 27 August 1953.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    February 4, – March 11, 1944

    Commanding General 1st Marine Aircraft Wing: Serial: A-9012 (August 19, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Jesse Vernon Booker (MCSN: 0-20617), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Islands Area, from 4 February 1944 to 11 March 1944. Captain Booker completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred and on one or more of these missions such enemy opposition was encountered . His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.