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BIOGRAPHY
Fred Faulkner Lester was born in Downers Grove, Illinois on April
29, 1926. Dedicated to serving his country during the early days of World
War II, Fred attempted to enlist at the young age of 16 years in 1942, but
was denied. He patiently waited a year and with his parents approval
enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves as Apprentice Seaman at Chicago,
Illinois on November 1, 1943. He received training at the Naval Training
Station, Farragut, Idaho, and was promoted to Seaman Second Class in January
1944. On March 3, 1944 his rating was changed to Hospital Apprentice Second
Class after additional training at Hospital Corps School, U.S. Naval
Hospital, San Diego, California. Later that month he reported to the Fleet
Marine Force, Camp Elliott, San Diego, California. Fred served with Marine
units until he was killed in action on June 8, 1945, in the battle for
Okinawa Shima. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry
above and beyond the call of duty. He was laid to rest in Clarendon Hills
Cemetery, Westmont, Illinois.
MEDAL OF HONOR
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to
FRED FAULKNER LESTER
HOSPITAL APPRECITCE FIRST CLASS
UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE
For service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity and the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman with an Assault Rifle Platoon, attached to the 1st Battalion, 22nd Marines, 6th Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Chain, June 8, 1945. Quick to spot a wounded marine lying in an open field beyond the front lines following the relentless assault against a strategic Japanese hill position, LESTER unhesitatingly crawled toward the casualty under a concentrated barrage from hostile machine guns, rifles, and grenades. Torn by enemy rifle bullets as he inched forward, he stoically disregarded the mounting fury of Japanese fire and his own pain to pull the wounded man toward a covered position. Struck by enemy fire a second time before he reached cover, he exerted tremendous effort and succeeded in pulling his comrade to safety where, too seriously wounded himself to administer aid, he instructed two of his squad in proper medical treatment of the rescued marine. Realizing that his own wounds were fatal, he staunchly refused medical attention for himself and, gathering his fast waning strength with calm determination, coolly and expertly directed his men in the treatment of two other wounded marines, succumbing shortly thereafter. Completely selfless in his concern for the welfare of his fighting comrades, LESTER, by his indomitable spirit, outstanding valor and competent direction of others, had saved the life of one who otherwise must have perished and had contributed to the safety of countless others. LESTER’s heroic fortitude in the face of certain death sustained and enhanced the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.”
/S/ Harry S. Truman
ADDITIONAL HONORS
Lester Elementary School, Downers Grove, Illinois - dedicated November 11, 1956
USS Lester – DE 1022 – commissioned June 14, 1957, decommissioned December 14, 1973
Camp Lester, Okinawa, Japan – rededicated June 8, 1982 (originally Camp Kuwae)
