The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Luke Chandler (ASN: 34255279), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 3 January 1945, near ****, Belgium. While furnishing flanking fire to enable our troops to cross a clearing under intense enemy artillery, mortar and small arms fire, Private First Class Chandler’s heavy machine gun position drew heavy enemy artillery concentrations. Private First Class Chandler was wounded by a shell fragment but refused to be evacuated. With the assistance of the squad leader and an ammunition bearer, he kept heavy and accurate fire upon the enemy until a direct artillery hit killed him and demolished the gun. The courage and devotion to duty displayed by Private First Class Chandler were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Airborne Forces.