Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    145th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    37th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 21, 1943

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 377 (1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Clifton H. Chambers (ASN: 34165823), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 21 August 1943. Private First Class Chambers was a member of an infantry patrol on a mission to contact the enemy. When the patrol was 100 feet from the Japanese strongpoint, the enemy opened fire with rifles and machineguns. Private First Class Chambers fired his automatic rifle with telling effect until he observed a five-man machine gun squad moving into position from which the Japanese could annihilate his patrol. Abandoning his covered position, Private First Class Chambers moved into direct enemy fire and killed all five of the Japanese. In doing this he suffered wounds which later caused his death. Private First Class Chambers’ extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.