Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
Curtis
Chase
March 9, 1895

–

August 21, 1986

Born:

Providence

, 

Rhode Island

Home:

Providence

, 

Rhode Island

Buried: 

San Antonio

, 

Texas

Cemetery:

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

William Chase enlisted in the Rhode Island National Guard, and subsequently served on the Mexican Border in 1916, and then in World War I. He commanded a Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division in World War II, and was responsible for freeing 3,400 prisoners from the Santo Thomas Prison Camp in Manila. He retired after the war, but was called out of retirement to serve in the Korean War, and then retired in 1955 as a U.S. Army Major General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Regiment:

    1st Cavalry Brigade

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    February 2 & 3, 1945
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 87 (April 22, 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Brigadier General William Curtis Chase, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commander, 1st Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy forces near Manila, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 2 and 3 February 1945 in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations. Brigadier General Chase’s extraordinary heroism, 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 and the United States Army.