Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Chester M. Dotson (ASN: 20809031), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action on 9 December 1943, in the vicinity of San Pietro, Italy. When the advance of his company was halted at the top of a ridge, the crest of which was swept by the fire of at least five enemy machine guns, Private First Class Dotson, on his own initiative, picked up a BAR from a wounded man and crawled to the top of the ridge. He immediately became the target for intense enemy small arms fire. Locating the enemy machine guns, Private First Class Dotson, rising to his knees in the face of intense enemy fire, delivered burst after burst of automatic fire until one enemy machine gun had been silenced. He then withdrew in order to crawl to the left where he had located another gun. Silencing the second enemy weapon, Private First Class Dotson continued his tenacious one-man assault, moving to the right through withering enemy fire in order to fire upon a third hostile machine gun. As he raised himself to take aim, he was killed by a burst of enemy fire. As a result of Private First Class Dotson’s indomitable courage, fortitude and tenacity of purpose, his platoon was enabled to continue on its mission. Private First Class Dotson’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    143d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    36th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 36th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 16 (1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Private First Class Chester M. Dotson (ASN: 20809031), United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company I, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action during World War II. Private First Class Dotson’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.