Maurice D. Jester (May 13, 1889 – August 31, 1957) was a notable member of the United States Coast Guard.[1][2] Jester enlisted in the Coast Guard as a surfman.[3] By 1936 he had risen to the rank of Chief Boatswain. In December 1941, after the USA entered World War II, Jester was given a Lieutenant's commission, and he was given command of the USCGC Icarus.
In 1942 Jester lead the Icarus during the sinking of the German U-boat U-352, successfully rescuing surviving German crew.[2][3] U-352 was larger and better armed than the Icarus. Jester received a Navy Cross for his leadership.
An issue of Life magazine featured an image of Jester on its cover.[2]
References[]
- ↑ William Preston. "Heroic and Notable Coast Guard CPOs". United States Coast Guard. https://www.uscg.mil/cpoacademy/History/heroic.asp. Retrieved 2016-07-14. "The ICARUS was commanded by Lieutenant Maurice D. Jester, a former Chief Boatswains Mate with more than twenty five years of Coast Guard service."
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Thomas P. Ostrom (2009). The United States Coast Guard in World War II: A History of Domestic and Overseas Actions. McFarland publishing. pp. 90, 193. ISBN 9780786453719. https://books.google.ca/books?id=-_BNt02kWdIC&pg=PA90&lpg=PA90&dq=Maurice+D.+Jester,+USCG&source=bl&ots=zflpWPRHXQ&sig=_FGzQrDF73VFsbmrF-dg559awyY&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjk3e3dyPPNAhXKZj4KHeOIDs8Q6AEIIzAB#v=onepage&q=jester&f=false. Retrieved 2016-07-14.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "U-352". United States Coast Guard. 2016-01-12. https://www.uscg.mil/history/uscghist/U352.asp. Retrieved 2016-07-14. "Icarus was commanded by Lieutenant Maurice D. Jester. Jester was not a young officer lacking experience. He was 52 years old, having enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1917 as a surfman. During the next twenty years he served on five cutters, advancing to Chief Boatswain in 1935. In December 1941, he received a commission as a lieutenant and a month later was given command of Icarus."
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