N.C. Marine Lieutenant Received Silver Star for Bravery on Iwo Jima, 1945

Published October 12, 1945, in the Union Times newspaper

First Lt. Robert B. Jeter, son of Mrs. J. Mobley Jeter of this city, on September 4, 1945, received the Silver Star Medal. His citation reads as follows:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepity in action against the enemy while serving in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine tank battalion on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on March 11, 1945.

As a platoon leader, First Lt. Jeter was employing his tanks in support of an attack by a marine rifle company when this company was ordered to withdraw. The enemy forces immediately laid heavy fire across the open ground thru which the company had to move, causing heavy casualties. Radio communication being lost between the tanks and the rifle company post, First Lt. Jeter got out of his tank under accurate small arms fire, and crossed 100 yards of open ground to contact the company and recommend means of supporting a withdrawal and evacuation of the wounded.

When this was accomplished, he returned to his tank and ably directed the fire power of his platoon upon the enemy positions after the company had withdrawn and skillfully maneuvered his tanks as shields for the casualties in order to make possible their evacuations thru the open ground.

By his courage, skill in combat and determination, he contributed greatly to the successful withdrawal of the rifle company and to the quick evacuation of its wounded men.

His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

Lt. Jeter has been promoted to captain and is on Guam in the South Pacific with H and S Co., 3^rd Tk. Bn., 3^rd Marine Division.