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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine Corps LCpl Lester W. Weber.
Medal of Honor
Episode 3018 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S Marine Corps LCpl Lester W. Weber. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and The U.S. Department of Defense website.
Lance Corporal Lester W. Weber, a distinguished United States Marine Corps infantryman, exemplified the highest traditions of military service and personal courage during the Vietnam War. Born on July 30, 1948, in Aurora , Illinois, LCpl Weber answered the call of duty at a time when his country was deeply engaged in one of the most grueling conflicts of the 20th century.
After enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in September 1966, Lester Weber transitioned to active duty, rapidly proving himself as a committed and courageous Marine. Assigned to Company M, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, he deployed to the Republic of Vietnam, serving in the I Corps Tactical Zone, one of the most dangerous regions of South Vietnam.
On February 23, 1969, in Quang Nam Province, during a search and destroy mission, LCpl Weber’s squad was ambushed by entrenched North Vietnamese Army (NVA) forces. In the face of overwhelming enemy fire, LCpl Weber displayed extraordinary heroism and selfless bravery. Armed with his M16 rifle and hand grenades, he led a direct assault on multiple enemy bunkers, eliminating numerous combatants and disrupting their coordinated attack.
He fought with relentless determination, personally accounting for several enemy casualties. Tragically, he was mortally wounded during the final moments of the engagement—but not before saving the lives of many of his fellow Marines.
For his “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty,” Lance Corporal Lester W. Weber was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest and most prestigious military decoration. His heroism epitomized the Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment.
Today, LCpl Weber’s name is etched on Panel 31W, Line 69 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. He remains a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice made by so many young Americans during the Vietnam War. His Medal of Honor citation serves as a powerful reminder of the valor exhibited by those who served in one of America’s most challenging conflicts.
In honoring Lance Corporal Lester W. Weber, we not only remember a heroic Marine but also reaffirm our gratitude to all veterans who served with distinction during the Vietnam era. His legacy of bravery, devotion to duty, and profound patriotism will forever be remembered in the annals of Marine Corps history and among the Medal of Honor recipients of the Vietnam War.
Listen to Episode 3018 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine Corps LCpl Lester W. Weber.
