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The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant First Class George D. Chamberlain (ASN: RA-7040810), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Chamberlain distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in near Yongsan, Korea, on 16 September 1950. During the morning of 16 September, Sergeant Chamberlain was a member of Company K when that unit was subjected to a savage attack by a numerically superior enemy force. The enemy succeeded in penetrating through one of the platoons which was near the squad he commanded. Disregarding completely the deadly enemy fire, Sergeant Chamberlain left his covered position and want to the assistance of the platoon sergeant of the overrun platoon. He then rallied his squad and with the remainder of the other platoon, led a counterattack which retook the position and routed the enemy force leaving 103 of their dead on the position. Although wounded at the beginning of the action, and in great pain, he personally led the counterattack, exposing himself throughout to a withering hall of enemy fire and inspiring all members of the unit by his heroic example. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Sergeant First Class Chamberlain on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Master Sergeant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    23d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 14, 1951
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 100 (May 8, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant George D. Chamberlain (ASN: RA-7040810), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 14 February 1951 in the vicinity of Chipyong-ni, Korea. Company K was in defensive position on a hill, forming part of the regimental perimeter, and had been under heavy attack the previous night. A reconnaissance patrol discovered that the enemy had regrouped their forces and were awaiting darkness to launch another assault. Sergeant Chamberlain, leader of the 1st platoon, led his men to a position on high ground directly above the hostile force, which numbered approximately 200. Disregarding the overwhelming odds, he gave the order to attack and dashed down the hill toward the entrenched enemy. Charging forward into the point blank enemy fire, he led the assault, shouting encouragement to his men who, following his intrepid leadership, overran the enemy and forced them into the open. As the enemy advanced into the open, 75 of them fell dead from blazing automatic weapons fire which the remainder of the company poured into their midst and the remnants, demoralized by the vicious fire which raked them, retreated in a complete rout. The gallantry and inspirational leadership displayed by Sergeant Chamberlain reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    66th Armored Regiment

    Division:

    2d Armored Division

    Action Date:

    January 4, 1945
    Headquarters, NINTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 205 (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 Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class George Dewey Chamberlain (ASN: RA-7040810), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 66th Armored Regiment, 2d Armored Division, in action against enemy forces in Belgium, on 4 January 1945. Private First Class Chamberlain’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 2d Armored Division, and the United States Army.