The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Chester Braddock DeGavre (ASN: 0-19262), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. Colonel DeGavre, Commanding Officer, 65th Infantry Regiment, at approximately 1400 hours, 5 February 1953, was proceeding on a road near Chongyon-ni, Korea, to inspect forward positions when he observed enemy artillery fire falling across a river from his position. He ordered the driver to proceed quickly through the area, but upon crossing the river, he saw an abandoned vehicle and other equipment along the road. Colonel DeGavre instructed his driver to proceed down the road to safety, then he and the radio operator searched the area for casualties. As he examined the empty vehicle, the enemy artillery fire increased in intensity until he was forced to take cover in a dry stream bed. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Colonel DeGavre fearlessly exposed himself to the barrage in order to find the former occupants of the empty vehicle and to clear the area. He located the men in the dry river bed near the crossing, and as the enemy fire decreased in intensity, he directed them out of the shelled area to safety. Colonel DeGavre remained in the exposed position to direct removal of the valuable equipment, and did not seek safety until assured that the area was cleared. By his calm and fearless manner, Colonel DeGavre insured the safety of the personnel and saved valuable equipment from damage in the shelled area. The courage and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel DeGavre on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.