Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Chester J. Churns (ASN: 0-1300129), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 21 December 1944, in Belgium. First Lieutenant Churns advanced through enemy fire forward of friendly lines to determine the feasibility of using a house as an observation post. Encountering six enemy in the house, he gallantly fire his pistol at the group, killing two and forcing the remainder to flee. First Lieutenant Churns” heroic action prevented the further use of the house by the enemy as an observation post and reflects great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    120th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 10, 1945
    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 161 (June 20, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Chester J. Churns (ASN: 0-1300129), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 10 April 1945, in Germany. First Lieutenant Churns and a companion made their way along a route where they were constantly exposed to airbursts and falling shells to go to a house where they directed friendly artillery fire on the enemy positions from which a large volume of fire was coming. Although they were constantly subjected to artillery fire, they heroically remained at their post until the positions had been silenced. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Churns, 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.