Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Chester
Otis
Pierce
October 5, 1897

–

March 27, 1959

Cemetery:

Long Island National Cemetery

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Sergeant

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 15, 1918

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Sergeant Chester O. Pierce (ASN: 550846), United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, First Sergeant Pierce distinguished himself during the Battle of the Marne, 15 July 1918, the Germans were advancing up the road from Varennes. First Sergeant Pierce took command and led the 2d Platoon, Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment in a brilliant bayonet charge after his platoon leader, Sergeant Vickery, had been killed. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Sergeant

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 15, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 24 (1920)

    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 First Sergeant Chester Otis Pierce (ASN: 550846), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Moulins, France, 15 July 1918. Sergeant Pierce led a counterattack against the enemy, who were deployed to attack. He fearlessly exposed himself to heavy enemy fire and by effective fire of his platoon forced the enemy to retire in disorder. He later took up a position which he held successfully against repeated attacks by the enemy.