Hospital Apprentice First Class
U. S. Navy
Fred Lester
HOSPITAL APPRENTICE FIRST CLASS FRED F. LESTER
UNITED STATES NAVY
For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while
serving as Medical Corpsman with an Assault Rifle Platoon attached to the 1st
Battalion, 22d Marines, 6th Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese
forces on Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Chain on 8 June 1945. Quick to spot
a wounded Marine lying in an open field beyond the front lines following the
relentless assault against a strategic Japanese hill position,
Petty Officer Lester unhesitatingly crawled toward the casualty under a concentrated
barrage from hostile machine-guns, rifles, and grenades. Torn by enemy
rifle bullets as he inched forward, he stoically disregarded the mounting fury
of Japanese fire and his own pain to pull the wounded man toward a covered position.
Struck by enemy fire a second time before he reached cover, Petty Officer Lester
exerted tremendous effort and succeeded in pulling his comrade to safety where,
too seriously wounded to administer aid, he instructed two of his squad in proper
medical treatment of the rescued Marine. Realizing that his own wounds were
fatal, he staunchly refused medical attention for himself and, gathering his
fast-waning strength with calm determination, coolly and expertly directed his
men in the treatment of two other wounded Marines, succumbing shortly thereafter.
Completely selfless in his concern for the welfare of his fighting comrades,
Petty Officer Lester, by his indomitable spirit, outstanding valor, and competent
direction of others, had saved the life of one who otherwise must have perished
and had contributed to the safety of countless others. By his exceptional
fortitude, inspiring initiative, and selfless devotion to duty, Petty officer
Lester reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions
of United States Naval service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Return
to Top of PageReturn
to Main PageReturn
to Alphabetical Page