Jesse G. Folmar

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Jesse G. Folmar (0-26438), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in aerial combat against the enemy while serving with the FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in Korea. On 10 September 1952, Captain Folmar led a two-plane flight of Marine attack aircraft that had been directed to strike a concentration of enemy troops near the town of Ch’Innamp’O, North Korea. As the flight approached the target area the conventional propeller type aircraft were suddenly attacked by eight hostile jet interceptors. Captain Folmar immediately initiated effective defensive measures so that he and his wingman could bring fire to bear on the enemy aircraft. Aggressively turning inside one of the superior hostile jets, Captain Folmar skillfully fired a burst from his guns that ripped into the side of the jet, causing it to burst into flames. The enemy pilot, his clothing ablaze, abandoned the flaming jet, which crashed into the Taedong estuary. As Captain Folmar turned to ward off another attack his aircraft was struck and critically damaged by enemy fire and he was forced to parachute. The hostile jets continued to make firing runs as he descended and landed in the water from which he was rescued by friendly forces. Captain Folmar’s courageous conduct in the face of the enemy resulted in the complete destruction of a vastly superior hostile aircraft and contributed substantially to the safe return of his wingman. His heroic actions, outstanding airmanship and selfless devotion to duty throughout reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.