The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Chester V. Farmer (MCSN: 0-42687), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 21 September 1950. When a numerically superior hostile force attacked his company’s sector and inflicted heavy casualties in the ranks, First Lieutenant Farmer fearlessly risked his life to move across 200 yards of terrain swept by small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire in an attempt to reach a position held by assault elements of his company. Upon arriving at the forward area, he expertly supervised the reorganization of the two platoons and took charge of evacuating the wounded. By his superb leadership and cool courage, he inspired the assault platoons to heroic efforts in overrunning the hostile positions. His daring initiative, bold tactics and indomitable fighting spirit throughout the action served as an inspiration to all who observed him and reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
1st MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
October 28, 1950
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Chester V. Farmer (MCSN: 0-42687), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 October 1950. With his company subjected to close range enemy small arms, automatic weapons and grenade fire, First Lieutenant Farmer boldly moved forward to assist in directing the fire fight of leading elements. Reaching the front line positions where he found that heavy casualties had been suffered in the ranks, he unhesitatingly moved among the positions, skillfully reorganized the remaining Marines into a hasty defense, directed the evacuation of casualties and, after assuring himself that his troops were effectively positioned, proceeded through heavy flanking hostile fire to bring forward reinforcements and insure that the defense was adequate to the front and flanks. By his superb leadership, skilled tactics and cool courage in the face of intense enemy fire, First Lieutenant Farmer served as an inspiration to all members of the company and contributed materially to the successful repulse of the attackers. His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.