For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company K, Third Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 24 May 1968 during Operation Allen Brook in Guang Nam Province, Company K was ambushed near the village of Le Bac (1) by a large North Vietnamese Army force and two platoons were pinned down and separated from the remainder of the company. Although fully realizing the danger involved and that previous attempts to reach several seriously wounded Marines had resulted in additional casualties, Private First Class JESTER disregarded his own safety as he made three trips into the fire-swept area to move his injured comrades to safety. During one of these trips, he observed an enemy machine gun position. Crawling to within ten feet of the bunker, he killed two enemy soldiers with hand grenades. Observing another North Vietnamese soldier firing from a nearby spider hole, he aggressively attacked the position and killed the enemy with accurate rifle fire. Although hampered by the tropical heat, he continued his selfless efforts, resupplying his companions with water and ammunition on each return trip from the rear area. When the forward units were order to withdraw to facilitate the employment of supporting arms, Private First Class JESTER voluntarily remained with the last group to leave in order to provide covering fire for the movement of his comrades. Throughout the fire fight, his heroic efforts and presence of mind were an inspiration to all who served with him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, bold initiative and unswerving devotion to duty at great personal risk, Private First Class JESTER upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.