Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    114th Engineer Combat Battalion

    Division:

    32d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 16, 1942

    Headquarters, Southwest Pacific Area, General Orders No. 1 (January 1, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant Chester J. Davidowicz (ASN: 31005608), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 114th Engineer Combat Battalion, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Cape Sudest, New Guinea, on 16 November 1942. When enemy airplanes attacked and set fire to several small ships, carrying personnel and supplies, Sergeant Davidowicz with other enlisted men, volunteered to man a life boat and proceed to the rescue of the survivors. Without regard to his personal safety and in spite of repeated bombing and strafing by enemy planes and of the danger of explosives of ammunition aboard the ships, which threw flaming debris in all directions, he made two trips to the burning ships. Sergeant Davidowicz’s courageous efforts saved the lives of several men aboard.