TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Willingham, Chester Morse

Date of birth:
December 2nd, 1895 (Bosque County/Texas, United States)
Date of death:
May 30th, 1986 (Denver/Colorado, United States)
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Colonel
Unit:
311th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division "Lightning", U.S. Army
Colonel Chester M. Willingham, Headquarters, 311th Infantry Regiment for gallantry in action against the enemy.

On 28 February, 1945, the 311th Infantry Regiment, under the command of Colonel Willingham, converged on the town of Nideggen by several routes to move into an assembly area. Arriving ahead of his troops he learned that the assembly area had not yet been captured and that they would have to fight to reach the area. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he went on reconnaissance through heavy shelling in Nideggen, selecting assembly areas. He then posted himself, without cover, at the heavily shelled road junction to meet his units as they came into town. For a period of two hours he remained there changing orders for his subordinate commanders as they passed and encouraging the men as they came within sound of his voice. His personal courage, devotion to duty and expiring example are in accordance with the highest military traditions.
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Colonel
Unit:
311th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division "Lightning", U.S. Army

This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leave Cluster to be attached to the ribbon of the first award.
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)

Sources

Photo