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 Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Infantry) Chester John Hirschfelder, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near St. Jean des Baissanis, France, on 28 July 1944. Colonel Hirschfelder’s regiment was assigned the mission of taking an important, heavily fortified enemy-held ridge. He moved from the leading elements of one assault company after another, constantly driving them forward toward the objective. At one time, when enemy resistance was it its peak and his men had begun to show signs of battle fatigue, while fully exposed to concentrated enemy artillery, mortar and machine gun fire, he turned his back to the enemy, removed his helmet and with his hands on his hips asked his men what was holding them up. This display of courage and psychological inspiration was the needed spark that created new life in his tired men. As the advance continued despite a seemingly impregnable wall of enemy fire, with complete disregard for his own safety and with superior leadership, he led the smashing blow that took the objective. Still under heavy enemy fire, he remained with his men, inspecting and improving their positions. Colonel Hirschfelder’s outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 2d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Infantry) Chester John Hirschfelder, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as the Commanding Officer of the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near the Vire River in France, on 2 August 1944. On numerous occasions, Colonel Hirschfelder advanced to the foremost elements of his command while exposed to heavy enemy artillery, mortar and small arms fire to make personal reconnaissances and issue attack orders. From a precarious position along the edge of a bluff overlooking the Vire River, he continued his observations despite imminent danger to himself. Upon determining the best route down the cliff for his troops, he personally directed the p[lacing of smoke on commanding enemy positions on the opposite bluff, thus permitting two assault companies to ford the river. On two separate occasions, when supporting tanks hesitated in performance of their mission due to intense fire, with complete disregard for his own safety, he walked from tank to tank directing them forward in support of Infantry troops. Colonel Hirschfelder’s outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 2d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.