Lifelong South Philadelphia resident and Vietnam War veteran Jerry Tempesta received a Bronze Star on Sept. 27 in front of family, friends and elected officials at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.
The prestigious military award is awarded for either heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement or meritorious service in a combat zone. Tempesta received the Bronze Star for his actions when he saved his platoon leader’s life and was shot in the head during combat at the age of 21. He suffered a traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress syndrome, hearing loss, tinnitus, memory issues and vertigo due to his injuries. He received two Purple Hearts after being wounded in the Battle of Renegade Woods.
Tempesta served two years in the military after he was drafted in 1969.
He later entered a 30-year career working at the Philadelphia Naval Yard and later was a member of three a cappella doo-wop groups.
Tempesta’s Bronze Star ceremony was attended by Councilmember Mark Squilla, state Sen. Nikil Saval, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler and representatives from the offices of Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon and Sen. Bob Casey.
