John E. Weber’s Silver Star citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOHN E. WEBER, USMC.,

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, Reinforced, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, from December 26, 1943, to January 16, 1944. In the initial phase of the landing, the battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Weber’s capable command quickly overran Hill 450, thereby facilitating the successful landing of remaining troops. When his men captured Hill 150 to outflank a Japanese position and secure the beachhead line, and later, during a midnight engagement, while his battalion held a position tenaciously against repeated attacks by the enemy, Lieutenant Colonel Weber moved from point to point along his front lines, coolly directing operations despite enemy small arm, machine-gun and mortar fire from concealed positions. His inspiring leadership and gallant fighting spirit were contributing factors in the heavy losses inflicted on the enemy and in our success in that area. His courageous devotion to duty throughout this period was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

For the president,
/S/ James Forrestal
Secretary of the Navy

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Born: 20 August 1910 in Valdez, Alaska… Home of record: Seattle, Wash…. Reached the rank of brigadier general… Passed: 20 September 1985… Interred: New Tacoma Cemetery in University Place, Wash.