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| First Lieutenant Jeffery R. Scharver |
Class
of 2006
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United States Marines
Silver Star |
Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while
serving as an AH-1T (TOW) Cobra Attack Helicopter Pilot in
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261, 22nd Marine Amphibious
Unit conducting combat operations on the Island of Grenada
on 25 October 1983. While conducting an armed reconnaissance
mission in support of ground forces, First Lieutenant
Scharver’s wingman was hit by multiple anti-aircraft
artillery projectiles and forced down behind enemy lines.
With full knowledge of their vulnerability as a single aircraft
without a wingman’s protective cover and with total
disregard for their own safety, First Lieutenant Scharver
and his pilot exposed their aircraft to heavy anti-aircraft
artillery fire while engaging enemy ground forces and preventing
the certain capture of the helpless and gravely wounded crew.
Requesting assistance from a rescue aircraft and organizing
the rescue attempt, First Lieutenant Scharver and his pilot
fearlessly continued to engage the anti-aircraft emplacements
that encircled the zone protecting the more vulnerable rescue
aircraft and buying enough time to effect a successful rescue.
Purposely remaining behind until the rescue aircraft could
escape the enemy fire, First Lieutenant Scharver sacrificed
his life after a gallant struggle so that others might live.
By his extraordinary courage, uncommon valor, and steadfast
devotion to duty in the face of danger, First Lieutenant Scharver
reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest
traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval
Service.
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