Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Jack R. Isaacs (ASN: 0-1288058), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company G, 3d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against the enemy on 22 December 1944 at ****, Belgium. Hearing gunfire and yelling in the vicinity of his OPL and simultaneously receiving word that his first platoon was being attacks, Captain Isaacs turned over CP duties to his Executive Officer and ran to personally direct the defense of the company sector. Upon his arrival Captain Isaacs, with complete disregard for his own safety, directed the withdrawing elements of his command in the face of devastating small arms fire. Setting up positions from which any attempted penetration could be blocked, Captain Isaacs exposed himself to heavy fire in order to better the positions and to check each man personally. Then, from within fifty yards of the enemy, Captain Isaacs directed and adjusted mortar and artillery fire upon the enemy positions, inflicting heavy casualties. The leadership and courageous aggressiveness of Captain Isaacs were an inspiration to his men and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Airborne Forces.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    505th Parachute Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    82d Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    February 3, 1945

    Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 73 (May 22, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Jack R. Isaacs (ASN: 0-1288058), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 3 February 1945, near ****, Germany. Captain Isaacs, Commanding Company G, 3d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, by skillful and aggressive leadership, led his company through an attack that completely neutralized five enemy pillboxes and caused the death or capture of thirty-nine of the enemy. Captain Isaacs after issuing his attack order accompanied his leading platoon in the assault and by skilled leadership and voluntary exposure to heavy small arms, mortar and artillery fire directed the attack to a successful end. This gallant act of leadership and personal bravery by Captain Isaacs enabled his company to accomplish its mission with a minimum of casualties and is in keeping with the most honored traditions of the Airborne Forces.