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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Elliott Burwell Cheston (ASN: 0-31976), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 and 7 September 1944, in France. During an attack by his battalion on Villey-le-Sec, a concrete fortress topped by a steel revolving turret and defended by many machine guns and one 75-mm. gun, he found his troops stopped by a concrete dry moat 12 feet wide and 20 feet deep. From a position on the left flank of his troops he ordered a withdrawal to covered positions and, remaining himself in his advanced position, personally directed machine-gun and artillery fire on the enemy. Without regard for his own safety, he stood erect, drawing the hostile fire on himself to allow his troops to reach safety before he finally withdrew with his command group. The next morning, in a renewed attack supported by tanks, he again advanced with his leading scouts, designated with tracer bullets, enemy machine-gun emplacements as targets for the tanks, and continued to lead his men in the successful storming of Fort Villey-le-Sec. Colonel Chelston’s leadership and heroic actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 80th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
319th Infantry RegimentDivision:
80th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
November 26, 1944
Headquarters, 80th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 55 (February 24, 1945)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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Elliott B. Cheston (ASN: 0-31976/O-355466), United States Army, for gallantry in action while Commanding the 3d Battalion, 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 26 November 1944 in France. During the attack on St. Avold, France, on 26 November 1944, Lieutenant Colonel Cheston was assigned the mission of capturing the dominating terrains south and west of the town. Lieutenant Colonel Cheston realized that his presence among the leading elements would appreciably encourage them to greater efforts and aid in completing the mission. While advancing Lieutenant Colonel Cheston was wounded in the chest, but continued to lead his battalion skillfully and successfully and, upon reaching the objective, he remained among the forward elements encouraging them while they repelled fierce enemy counterattacks. His bravery, leadership, and zealous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
319th Infantry RegimentDivision:
80th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
September 20, 1944
Headquarters, 80th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 60 (October 19, 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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Elliott B. Cheston (ASN: 0-31976/O-355466), United States Army, for gallantry in action while Commanding the 3d Battalion, 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 20 September 1944 in France. 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.