Jett T. Ford, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Jett T. Ford, Jr. (0-53246), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company in the FIRST Marine Division, in Korea, on 24 November 1952. Serving as a Platoon Commander, Second Lieutenant Ford displayed outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty. Upon learning that a patrol of his unit was under attack by enemy forces, he voluntarily led a reinforcing and evacuation group tot heir aid. After arriving at the position, he went from man to man, moving the more seriously wounded to the center of the perimeter and giving encouragement and aid to the Marines. He directed and supervised the evacuation of the casualties as rapidly as possible and called and adjusted friendly artillery and mortar fire to protect the position. During this time, he was informed of two Marines who were still unaccounted for and refused to return to the outpost until he had conducted a thorough search for the missing men. During the search, one enemy soldier was killed while attempting to drag one of the Marine bodies away. After the successful completion of the search, he held the patrol intact to remove all friendly and enemy equipment and weapons. Only when daylight made his location untenable, did he consent to return to the combat outpost. Second Lieutenant Ford’s inspiring leadership and aggressive spirit contributed materially to the success achieved by the patrol and his gallant and courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.