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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant George Edward Jerue (MCSN: 0-15495), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as a Leader of a Tank Platoon of the First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 15 September 1944. When the command tank in which he was leading his platoon across a section of beach received a hit from a concealed enemy 75-mm. field gun, First Lieutenant Jerue remained exposed to heavy enemy mortar fire while directing an advance of about three hundred yards along the mine-strewn beach to enable his lead tank to open fire and destroy the enemy gun and crew. Then detecting the location of another well-concealed enemy machine gun which had shifted its fire from the infantry to the tanks, he made his way to another tank about twenty yards distant and, after climbing upon the outside of the turret and manning a machine gun, remained exposed while directing the tank toward the enemy emplacement and indicating with his tracers the location of the target to his turret gunner. His cool courage, gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    1st Tank Battalion

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    May 16, 1945
    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 86491

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant George Edward Jerue (MCSN: 0-15495), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Tank Liaison Officer and Commanding Officer of Company C, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 16 May 1945. When friendly tanks were operating in the valley south of Dakeshi Ridge and forward of friendly lines, First Lieutenant Jerue observed intense hostile artillery and mortar fire and troop movements which indicated that a strong counterattack was developing in that zone of action. Since communications with the tanks had been disrupted and it was evident that the unit had not detected the impending counterattack and would be in a perilous situation if not informed, he courageously went forward into the fire-swept valley and, communicating by voice with the tanks, personally directed their fire against the counterattacking Japanese. Later, when the desperate enemy force had virtually reached the right flank of the battalion’s line, First Lieutenant Jerue observed that fire from the friendly tanks was falling dangerously close to our troops and, in the midst of the furious fire fight, again moved forward to direct the tank’s fire. By his personal valor, initiative and aggressive spirit throughout, he upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.