Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Sergeant William R. Chambers, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 16 August 1969, while serving as First Sergeant with Troop C, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, two men separated from the main body of the they came under attack from an enemy mortar squad. First Sergeant Chambers led a relief force directly into the heavy fighting. Arriving in the contact area, he directed his men to spread out and then assaulted the enemy. Rushing ahead, First Sergeant Chambers fired his weapon at the fleeing foe when several enemy began firing at him. Quickly he placed accurate fire into them, killing one and scattering the rest, which saved his force from being killed or wounded. First Sergeant Chambers’ inspirational leadership and 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.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Squadron

    Regiment:

    11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

    Action Date:

    February 14, 1970

    Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 1925 (May 17, 1970)

    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 First Sergeant William R. Chambers, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 14 February 1970, while serving as First Sergeant with Troop C, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date the Troop was taken under heavy mortar, rocket-propelled grenade and automatic weapons fire by an estimated battalion sized enemy force. In the initial moments of contact, many friendly casualties were sustained, and the wounded were in exposed positions. Immediately Sergeant Chambers organized a rescue team to move into the bullet-torn area to rescue the wounded soldiers. As the team moved from the defensive perimeter, the enemy brought an intense hail of fire upon the team, wounding two and pinning the remainder down. Without regard for his own safety, Sergeant Chambers crawled through the ambush area twice to rescue the wounded team members. He then obtained a tank and more men to cover the evacuation of the wounded. As the tank moved back to the perimeter, it was taken under fire by the enemy, disabling it and wounding its crew. Ignoring the hostile fusillade, Sergeant Chambers made two attempts to rescue the wounded crew, successfully on the second try. He then guided it back to the perimeter, saving many lives. First Sergeant Chambers’ actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.