Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Allen Donihue Cheshire (ASN: US-53706066), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Specialist Cheshire was serving as the pointman with his company while conducting a company size reconnaissance in force operation approximately five miles west of Ben Cat. At 1730 hours, the friendly force encountered a numerically superior hostile element and was subjected to a vicious fusillade of small arms, automatic weapons, rocket-propelled grenade and claymore mine fire. During the initial aggressor barrage, Specialist Cheshire was seriously wounded in the leg. Completely disregarding his personal welfare, he refused medical assistance and directed the medical aidmen to treat the casualties to his immediate rear. He then put forth a devastating volume of covering fire so that the wounded could be evacuated to a more secure location. Although again wounded by the intense hostile fire, he remained in his perilous position until all the casualties had been removed from the area of contact. He continued his valiant efforts throughout the long and arduous conflict, however while being evacuated to the helicopter landing zone, Specialist Cheshire succumbed to the wounds he received while protecting the lives of his fellow soldiers. His courageous initiative, bold determination, and selfless concern for his comrades served as an inspiration to the men of his unit and earned him the respect and confidence of all who witnessed his actions. Specialist Fourth Class Cheshire’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received