Maurice Jester
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| Maurice D. Jester | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1889-05-13 Chincoteague, Virginia |
| Died | 1957-08-31 (aged 68) Chincoteague, Virginia |
| Occupation | USCG sailor and officer |
| Known for | First American captain to capture the crew of a U-boat |
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 2, 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. Retrieved on 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.”
- ↑ Jump up to: 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. United States Coast Guard, 90, 193. ISBN 9780786453719. Retrieved on 2016-07-14.
- ↑ Jump up to: 3.0 3.1 U-352. United States Coast Guard (2016-01-12). Retrieved on 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.”