Maurice D. Jester

Maurice D. Jester 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

  1. ↑ William Preston. "Heroic and Notable Coast Guard CPOs". United States Coast Guard. 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. 1 2 3 Thomas P. Ostrom (2009). The United States Coast Guard in World War II: A History of Domestic and Overseas Actions. McFarland publishing. United States Coast Guard. pp. 90, 193. ISBN 9780786453719. Retrieved 2016-07-14.
  3. 1 2 "U-352". United States Coast Guard. 2016-01-12. 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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