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(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 Major (Air Corps) Chester Arthur Coltharp, Jr. (ASN: 0-429608), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-25 Bomber in the 498th Bombardment Squadron, 345th Bombardment Group (M), FIFTH Air Force, while participating in a rescue mission on 15 February 1944, at Kavieng Harbor, New Ireland, Bismarck Sea. After a B-25 was shot down over Kavieng Harbor, Major Coltharp remained in the hostile area to monitor the condition of the crew and communicate their position to Lieutenant Nathan Gordon, Pilot of a Catalina Patrol Plane, in order to effect their rescue. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Major Coltharp on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    498th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    345th Bombardment Group (M)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 1848 (August 20, 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Colonel (Air Corps) Chester Arthur Coltharp, Jr. (ASN: 0-429608), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Command Pilot of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber in the 498th Bombardment Squadron, 345th Bombardment Group (Medium), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Coltharp, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    498th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    345th Bombardment Group (M)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 1770 (August 6, 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 Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) Chester Arthur Coltharp, Jr. (ASN: 0-429608), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Command Pilot of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber in the 498th Bombardment Squadron, 345th Bombardment Group (Medium), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Coltharp, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.