Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Private First Class [then Private] William John Chambers (ASN: RA-11170195), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Battery A, 10th Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During the three days from 27-29 November 1950, Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, was holding a perimeter on Hill 898, near Sachang-ni, Korea. The artillery observation post located about 400 yards beyond the company perimeter came under intense enemy fire and the communication lines between the observation post and the company command post was severed. On four occasions, Private Chambers left the comparative safety of the perimeter in order to trace and repair the breaks in the line. Disregarding repeated warnings, he crawled over the exposed terrain with the chance of encountering enemy infiltrators and repaired the broken wire, restoring the vital communication connection. Private Chambers’ heroic performance of duty reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    10th Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 4, 1951

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 361 (August 15, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class William John Chambers (ASN: RA-11170195), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery A, 10th Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 4 June 1951, near Pangori, Korea, while attached to the assault platoon of Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry as the radio operator for the forward artillery observer, Private Chambers and his unit were forced to dig in, under the pressure of heavy enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire. Private Chambers, realizing the necessity of maintaining effective artillery support, voluntarily quit his covered position and moved across the fire-swept terrain to an exposed location on the forward slope of a small hill from where he could better relay the directives for concentrated artillery fire on the enemy. While completely exposed to the severe enemy volleys directed at him, Private Chambers was mortally wounded but his daring action materially aided in successfully repulsing the hostile forces. The gallantry and selfless devotion to duty exhibited by Private Chambers reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.