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.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Colonel

Unit:

311th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division "Lightning", U.S. Army

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Colonel

Unit:

311th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division "Lightning", U.S. Army

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.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Colonel

Unit:

311th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division "Lightning", U.S. Army

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Colonel

Unit:

311th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division "Lightning", U.S. Army

With Palm.