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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major] Chester Martin Beaver (ASN: 0-20887), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 5 December 1942, in the vicinity of Buna, New Guinea. After extensive and useful activity at the hazard of his life during the battle on 5 December 1942, Lieutenant Colonel Beaver, late in the afternoon, organized a patrol from the Cannon Company for an attempt to outflank an enemy position. Crawling through mud and water, under heavy fire, this patrol worked its way within a hundred yards of Buna village and materially assisted the attack. Lieutenant Colonel Beaver’s daring leadership was an inspiration to the command, and exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States, reflecting great credit upon himself, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.