LANCE CORPORAL
LESTER W. WEBER, USMC (DECEASED) 

 

Medal of Honor Citation

Lester W. Weber, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism in Vietnam in February 1969, was born 30 July 1948, in Aurora, Illinois. He graduated from St. Isaac Jogues Grammar School in Hinsdale, Illinois, in 1962, then attended Hinsdale Central High School for two years.

He left high school in enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in Chicago, 30 September 1966. He subsequently enlisted in the Regular Marine Corps, 23 January 1967.

He completed recruit training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California, in March 1967. Transferred to the Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California, he received individual combat training with Company Z, and weapons special training with Weapons Company, 3d Battalion, 2d Infantry Training Regiment. He was promoted to private first class, 1 June 1967.

Ordered to the Republic of Vietnam in July 1967, PFC Weber was assigned duty as an ammunition carrier and squad leader with Headquarters and Service Company, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was promoted to lance corporal, 1 November 1967.

In January 1969, he assumed duty as squad leader with the 2d Platoon, Company M, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines. While participating in a search and clear operation in the Bo Ban area of Hieu Duc District in Quang Nam Province, he was killed in action, 23 February 1969.

Lance Corporal Weber had completed a normal tour of duty in Vietnam and had extended for six months.

A complete list of his medals and decorations include: the Medal of Honor, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one silver star in lieu of five bronze stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
 

Vietnam War 1965-1973 Medal of Honor