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Navy Federal Credit Union

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Chester H. Plimpton, United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Plimpton distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 21st Engineers, American Expeditionary Forces, in action at Thiaucourt, France, 27 September 1918, while engaged in track repair work under heavy shell fire. [This award was rescinded under GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 9 (August 1, 1920) as the recipient has been awarded a Distinguished Service Cross for deed including this act.]

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers)

    Regiment:

    21st Engineer Light Railway Regiment

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 27, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 53 (1920)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Chester Harding Plimpton, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company F, 21st Engineers, American Expeditionary Forces, at Thiaucourt, France, 27 September 1918. Lieutenant Plimpton exposed himself to heavy artillery fire in order to direct the repair of a railroad track over which ammunition was delivered to the batteries. The enemy made a determined effort to destroy the line of communication and subjected the locality to intense and accurate bombardment for a number of hours. The gallantry displayed by this officer was an important factor in the successful completion of the mission assigned to him. He was killed by concussion of a large-caliber shell as his work was nearing completion.