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 Captain (Infantry) William H. Chamberlin (ASN: 0-1284292), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 7 February 1945 in Germany. During the crossing of the Our River into Germany on 7 February 1945, Captain Chamberlin, an infantry Company Commander, exhibited outstanding leadership in the direction of his command. In spite of heavy enemy artillery concentrations and the difficulty of crossing the swollen river, he maintained control of his men and after successfully landing on German soil he personally led each attack on the fiercely defended pillboxes. Even though handicapped by the evacuation of all other company officers, he organized a successful attack on two strategic strongpoints, which later served the battalion in subsequent assaults. Captain Chamberlin’s courage, aggressiveness, and sincere 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.
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:
Captain (Infantry)Division:
80th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
February 25, 1945
Headquarters, 80th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 129 (May 18, 1945), Amended by GO 132 (1945)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 Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) William H. Chamberlin (ASN: 0-1284292), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 25 February 1945. While clearing the town of Obergeckler, Germany, on 25 February 1945, Captain Chamberlin’s company was assaulted by eighty enemy infantrymen supported by three tanks. Captain Chamberlin, despite enemy fire and the fact that his own artillery rounds fell within fifteen yards of the house he occupied, adjusted artillery fire so effectively that the enemy was forced to withdraw, leaving one tank destroyed. Such efficient leadership and courageous 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:
Captain (Infantry)Division:
80th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
December 23 & 25, 1944
Headquarters, 80th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 77 (March 18, 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 Captain (Infantry) William H. Chamberlin (ASN: 0-1284292), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 23 and 25 December 1944 in Luxembourg. On 23 December 1944, the Germans launched a tank-infantry counterattack on Heiderscheid, Luxembourg. Captain Chamberlin, commander of a rifle company, organized rocket launcher teams and by placing them in advantageous positions was able to repulse the enemy. Two days later on 25 December 1944, at Ringel, Luxembourg, he again distinguished himself by riding a tank into battle and from this exposed position directed accurate and effective fire on the enemy. Captain Chamberlin’s courage, aggressiveness, and skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.