Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 29, 1944

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 40 (1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Sergeant Chester Blankenship, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on February 29, 1944 in Italy. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 7 – 8, 1943

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 71 (1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Chester Blankenship, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on the night of 7 – 8 November 1943. Although painfully wounded by an enemy hand grenade, and under heavy enemy machine pistol, machinegun, mortar and grenade fire delivered from as close at 15 yards, Sergeant Blankenship refused relief and continued to man and fire his machine gun for a period of seven and a half hours. Even though the enemy penetrated the position of his Infantry battalion, almost overrunning his own position, he, realizing that there was a shortage of experienced personnel, continued to meet the enemy fire until the counterattacks were broken. He aided materially in the successful repulsion of the enemy counterattacks, the penetration of his Davison’s right flank, and the retention of his battalion’s position. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.