Thomas S. Jester Obituary

Born May 28, 1949, Thomas S. Jester attended Chartiers Valley High School in Bridgeville, PA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Thomas S. Jester.

Graduation Year	Class of 1967
Date of Birth	May 28, 1949
Date of Passing	Sep 21, 1968
About	Army Specialist 4, Thomas Jester served with the 9th Infantry Division and died a hero in Vietnam. The citation for the Bronze Star for Valor read: "Specialist Jester distinguished himself by valorous action while serving as a Rifleman with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry, on a combat mission in Vietnam. Upon coming in contact with an enemy position at very close range Specialist Jester courageously maintained his position, putting out a heavy volume of fire against the Viet Cong. His actions disrupted the enemy attack and prevented the enemy from moving closer to his platoon's position, but Jester, who had been seriously wounded in the initial barrage, succumbed to his wounds." He was awarded 2 Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star for Valor, A Bronze Star for Meritorious Service, Army Commendation for Heroism and many others. Tom was the beloved son of the late Thomas and Dorothy Jester and brother of Susan. Tom is buried in the Veteran's section of Chartiers Cemetery, near his parents. Tom was one of the six brave young men that Carnegie lost in Vietnam. ~~~~~~~~ An American Soldier You can bet that I stand ready when the wolf growls at the door, Hey, I'm solid, I'm steady, I'm true down to the core, And I will always do my duty, no matter what the price, I've counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice, And I don't want to die for you, But if dying's asked of me, I'll bear that cross with honor, 'Cause freedom don't come free. I'm an American Soldier, an American, Beside my Brothers and my Sisters I will proudly take a stand. When liberty's in jeopardy I'll always do what's right. I'm out here on the front lines, sleep in peace tonight. Rest in Peace, dear Hero. (excerpt from Toby Keith's song)

Classmate Memories

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Mary Kuberek '70 posted a photo:

I visited the funeral home when Tommy came home. I met his mother and she was so devastated by her loss. Tom was their only son. They had a daughter, Susan, thank goodness, so they still had a child. Tom was only 19 years old and he had only been in Vietnam for about 100 days when he died. Such a terrible waste, for such an unnecessary war. So many young men died for nothing. Supposedly we were saving them from Communism. Well, we didn't. Vietnam is Communist now and it seems to be working for them. People even go there on vacation now. We buy clothes that is made there, and other items. What was it all for? Sleep in peace, Tom, you are a Hero.

Posted March 21st, 2026

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