Raymond A. Jess

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Major Raymond A. Jess, 0276989, Infantry, 314th Infantry, United States Army, for gallantry in action as battalion executive officer in France. On 26 June 1944, near the beach in Cherbourg, the 1st Battalion advance was checked by mined barbed wire entanglements and heavy machine gun fire from enemy pill boxes which, at the time, were successfully withstanding the fire of allied artillery and tanks. After observing the scope and weight of the enemy fire, Major Jess determined that a small body of men could breech the barrier. A lieutenant volunteered to lead his platoon through and Major Jess accompanied the unit. The platoon successfully negotiated the dangerous area, neutralized the nearest pull box and captured 125 of the enemy. The courage and disregard for his own safety displayed by Major Jess reflect highest credit upon the military forces of the United States.