Jacky W. Liles

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Jacky W. Liles (NSN: 2970460), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Medical Corpsman with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Korea, on 25 July 1953. With his company subjected to devastating enemy mortar and artillery barrages while occupying a friendly outpost position far forward of the main line of resistance, Hospital Corpsman Third Class Liles unhesitatingly crossed an open area in the face of the murderous hostile fire to assist a seriously wounded Marine. After administering medical treatment to the casualty, he remained in the position for over an hour until the intensity of the hostile barrage decreased and then safely evacuated the wounded man. By his inspiring initiative, marked courage and selfless devotion to duty, Hospital Corpsman Third Class Liles was directly responsible for saving the life of another and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Jacky W. Liles (NSN: 2970460), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 12 July 1953. Serving as a Corpsman, Hospital Corpsman Third Class Liles displayed outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty. He was serving with a friendly combat patrol that had penetrated deep into enemy territory when it was suddenly subjected to devastating hostile small arms and grenade fire. Although painfully wounded, he expressed complete disregard for his personal safety, by gallantly refusing evacuation and continuing to render medical aid to his wounded comrades. Only after assuring himself that all of the wounded had been cared for and evacuated, did he treat his own serious wounds and allow himself to be evacuated. Through his outstanding courage and indomitable spirit he was directly responsible for the saving of two Marines’ lives. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Liles’ gallant and courageous actions throughout served as an inspiration to all who observed him and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.