Foster Jessup

Lieutenant Colonel Foster Hamilton Jessup (Fisher) of Jackson, California passed at the age of 99 the morning of Friday June 19, 2020. Foster was born in Fresno California on July 28, 1920 and was adopted by the late Frank Hamilton Jessup and Elizabeth Huestis Jessup. He was a devoted husband of the late Phyllis Leon Jessup (Craig) and father of three sons and a daughter. Foster spent his early life in Piedmont, California. His fondest childhood memories were of trips to the Russian River, where the family had a cabin, and spending time with his dog, Buck. Foster enrolled into UC Berkley, but his education was placed on hold when he enlisted in the Navy at the dawn of WWII. In 1942, Foster was appointed as an Aviation Cadet for the Marines. As Lieutenant, he served with a Marine Fighter Squadron operating in the Solomon Islands. During this period, he participated in six escort missions and fighter patrols during operations at Vella Lavella Island. On August 18, 1943, during an enemy aerial attack, his plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire, forcing him to eject over open water. After being rescued he boarded a small Navy vessel, which would itself be attacked by enemy dive-bombers. Lieutenant Jessup, manning a deck machine gun, destroyed one of the attacking planes, but a bomb dropped close to the ship sent shards of choral through the deck, knocking foster to the ground. For his bravery, Foster received commendation from Admiral Nimitz and was awarded the Purple Heart. Foster ended the war as a Captain, and in 1945 joined the Marine Reserves. He was assigned to the 1st Marine Air Wing, Squadron 141, Naval Air Station, in Oakland, California. Foster returned to UC Berkley in 1945, and earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Geology. Captain Jessup would be called up to active duty in 1950 to serve in the Korean War and was assigned to the Tactical Air Direction Center that controlled air support over a section of Korea. The Tactical Air Center supported 2,572 day and night sorties during this period. Captain Jessup and staff received commendation from the Army for their air support coordination. Foster married Phyllis Leon Craig of Clackamas County, Oregon on November 16, 1952. On September 1, 1968, Lieutenant Colonel Jessup retired from the Marine Reserves. Foster is survived by his loving family including his son Roger Jessup of Rancho Cucamonga, California, daughter and son-in-law, Victoria Downing and Mike Downing of Rexford Montana, son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Susan Jessup of Jackson California. He leaves behind 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Foster will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation: https://marineheritage.secure-donor.com.