Navy Federal Credit Union

One of the two American officers shielded by William Jessee during the action that earned him the Silver Star was Captain Mark Hodges, commanding officer of Battery A, 132d Field Artillery Battalion, who had been a neighbor and schoolmate of Jessee in Paris, Texas.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Division:

    36th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    1943

    Headquarters, 36th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 23 (1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Staff Sergeant William F. Jessee, United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 36th Infantry Division, in action during the invasion of Salerno in 1943. Staff Sergeant Jessee protected the lives of two wounded American officers, as well as that of a wounded German soldier. During the action he raised his left arm, showing the Red Cross brassard, to ward off approaching German tanks during the battle. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.