Period:

Korean War (1950-1953)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division "Indianhead", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

March 24th, 1951

Citation:
"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Corporal Jess S. Hershberger (ASN: RA-19260116), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Heavy Mortar Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 15 February 1951 in the vicinity of Wonju, Korea. During the night of that date, the Netherlands Detachment, United Nations Force in Korea, to which unit Corporal Hershberger was attached a mortar forward observer, under fierce enemy attacks was forced to withdraw from its positions on high ground and had to launch three successive assaults before it regained its former positions. The first two assaults were supported by heavy mortar fire directed by Corporal Hershberger from an advanced and exposed position. Seeing that the assault troops required even closer supporting fire in order to gain their objective, Corporal Hershberger on the final charge left his radio operator behind, mounted the radio on his back and with fixed bayonet joined the leading squads of the assault force. Thus advancing toward the enemy, he confidently called for mortar fire so close at times s to imperil his own life, yet so effective that it permitted the attackers finally to reach the hostile positions and drive the enemy from the high ground with heavy losses. The gallantry displayed by Corporal Hershberger reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service."

Awarded as a Bronze Oak Leaf.
General Orders No. 65.

Period:

Korean War (1950-1953)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division "Indianhead", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

January 20th, 1951

Citation:
"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Jess S. Hershberger (ASN: RA-19260116), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Heavy Mortar Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 29 November 1950 in the vicinity of Kaechon-ni, Korea. On that date Corporal Hershberger was attached with his mortar to a rifle company. The company was subjected to a fierce assault and was forced to withdraw under heavy enemy pressure. Corporal Hershberger, displaying complete indifference for his personal safety and to the hostile mortar and small arms fire, set up his 4.2 inch mortar in full view of the attacking enemy. Aided by another soldier he began firing with deadly accuracy upon the onrushing enemy. The fire he delivered blunted the enemy�s drive and protected the rifle company�s right flank during its successful disengagement. The route of withdrawal lay through a roadblock which the enemy had set up to the company�s rear. Corporal Hershberger voluntarily made a reconnaissance of the roadblock and then led a patrol through the enemy lines to establish contact with other regimental units. His actions prevented the enemy from organizing in sufficient strength and permitted the rifle elements to effect an orderly withdrawal, with all its vehicles and wounded personnel. The gallantry and initiative under severe enemy fire displayed by Corporal Hershberger reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service."

General Orders No. 15

Period:

Korean War (1950-1953)

Rank:

Corporal

Awarded on:

May 8th, 1951

"Distinguished himself for courageous action under heavy enemy fire against the enemy, on the night of February 14-15, 1951 at MANYONG near WONJU in KOREA during the fighting for Hill 325, exposing himself several times to mortal danger, by providing 4.2 inch mortar fire in a very calm and skillful manner in necessary support to four platoons of the Dutch United Nations Detachment.
Furthermore, when the final assault was launched, with a bayonet attached to his rifle and a radio set on his back, he followed the storming troops and kept in close contact with the platoons, which continued to receive his mortar fire support.
By doing so, he contributed a great deal to the fact that the detachment was finally able to successfully complete the difficult task assigned to it."

Royal decree no. 22