The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Charles Richardson Chandler (NSN: 0-82319), United States Navy, for meritorious service as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. McDERMUT (DD-677), during combat operations against enemy North Korean and Chinese Communist Forces in the Korean Theater from 5 August 1952 to 28 February 1953. Commander Chandler consistently demonstrated an aggressive competence which demanded a high state of performance from his crew. During this period the McDERMUT operated as a unit of Task Force Element NINETY-FIVE POINT TWENTY-TWO, and Task Element NINETY-FIVE POINT TWENTY-ONE. While operating in the Songjin-Chongjin area he located and destroyed five Russian Type MK twenty-six mines, after which he proceeded to the vicinity of Yang-do to render assistance to the U.S.S. THOMPSON which had been damaged by enemy shore batteries. From 21 to 23 August 1952, he patrolled the East Coast of Korea, effectively blocking rail and road traffic on enemy transportation routes and preventing repair of previously inflicted damage. He provided gunfire support for minesweeping operations conducted by the U.S.S. COMPETENT and U.S.S. ZEAL and when shore batteries opened fire he interposed his ship between the minesweepers and the beach, and by accurate counter-battery fire successfully silenced three enemy batteries. His inspiring leadership and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Thatcher (DD-514)Action Date:
May 20, 1945
Commander Amphibious Forces Pacific: Serial 02908 (October 27, 1945)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 Lieutenant Commander Charles Richardson Chandler (NSN: 0-82319), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. THATCHER (DD-514) during operations against enemy Japanese forces at Okinawa on 20 May 1945. When all power and control were lost on the bridge after his ship was severely damaged by a hostile suicide plane, Lieutenant Commander Chandler courageously made his way through flames and debris to the after steering station from which he continued to fight his ship as well as to direct damage control and fire-fighting parties. Displaying excellent leadership, he successfully maneuvered the THATCHER under her own power to a rear area, thereby averting further damage to the crippled ship. By his initiative and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Commander Chandler upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Drayton (DD-366)Action Date:
December 5, 1944
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 03036 (May 25, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Charles Richardson Chandler (NSN: 0-82319), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. DRAYTON (DD-366), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific War Area, on 5 December 1944. When his ship was subjected to enemy air attacks, Lieutenant Commander Chandler led and directed the extinguished of a fire and the jettisoning of ammunition in spite of the previous ignition of ready-service powder and the danger from further explosions of or projectiles scattered in the area, sustaining severe burns in the performance of his hazardous task. By his inspiriting leadership and courageous devotion to duty, he contributed materially to saving the ship from destruction and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.