Lester W. Weber
Lester William Weber (July 30, 1948 – February 23, 1969) was a United States Marine who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for heroism in Vietnam in February 1969. Early years. Weber was born on July 30, 1948, in Aurora, Illinois. He graduated from St. Isaac Jogues Grammar School in Hinsdale, Illinois, in 1962, then attended Hinsdale South High School for two years. Marine Corps service. He left high school to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in Chicago on September 30, 1966. He subsequently enlisted in the Regular Marine Corps on January 23, 1967. He completed  recruit training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California in March 1967. After he transferred to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, he received individual combat training with Company Z, and weapons special training with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Training Regiment. He was promoted to Private First Class on June 1, 1967. Vietnam War. He was 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, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on  November 1, 1967. In January 1969, he assumed duty as squad leader with the 2nd Platoon, Company M, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines. While participating in a search and clear operation in the Bo Ban area of Hiep Duc District in Quảng Nam Province, he was killed in action on February 23, 1969. Lance Corporal Weber had completed a normal tour of duty in Vietnam and had extended for six months. Awards and decorations. 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. Medal of Honor citation. The President of the United States in the name of the Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to for service as set forth in the following CITATION: /S/ RICHARD M. NIXON In memory. Lester W. Weber's name can be found on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 31W, Row 029. A memorial stone honoring Lester W. Weber was set in the ground near the northwest corner of the St. Isaac Jogues Grammar School near the school 's flagpole and dedicated on May 25, 2003. The Marine Barracks at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California was named Weber Hall to honor his memory.