Donor Stories

Jeffrey (BHS Class of 1976) was a Marine Corps helicopter pilot killed in action during the invasion of Granada. Jeffrey received the Silver Star posthumously. The proclamation reads:

“The President of the United States takes pride in presenting posthumously the Silver Star Medal to Jeffrey R. Scharver, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Cobra Attack Helicopter Pilot conducting combat operations on the island of Granada in support of Operation Urgent Fury on 25 October 1983.

While conducting an armed reconnaissance mission in support of ground forces, First Lieutenant Scharver’s wingman was hit by multiple anti-aircraft artillery projectiles and forced down behind enemy lines. With full knowledge of their vulnerability as a single aircraft without a wingman’s protective cover and with total disregard for their own safety, First Lieutenant Scharver and his pilot exposed their aircraft to heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire while engaging enemy ground forces and preventing the certain capture of the helpless an gravely wounded crew.

Requesting assistance from a rescue aircraft and organizing the rescue attempt, First Lieutenant Scharver and his pilot fearlessly continued to engage the anti-aircraft emplacements that encircled the zone protecting the more vulnerable rescue aircraft and buying enough time to effect a successful rescue. Purposely remaining behind until the rescue aircraft could escape the enemy fire, First Lieutenant Scharver sacrificed his life after a valiant struggle so that others might live.

By his extraordinary courage, uncommon valor, and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of danger, First Lieutenant Scharver reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.”