By Direction
of the
President of the United States
The
Distinguished Service Cross
Is Awarded
To
David G Chedester
Rank and Unit:
Specialist Four, Headquarters
and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 22d Infantry, 3d Brigade, 25th
Infantry Division
Date and Place:
12 April 1968, Republic of Vietnam
Reason:
For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving
conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam:
Specialist Four Chedester distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
actions on 12 April 1968 as a platoon medic on a reconnaissance-in-force
mission in War Zone C. Specialist Chedester's platoon had deployed
into a night defensive position when it was subjected to intense enemy
mortar fire. Following the mortar bombardment, a massive ground
assault on the perimeter was launched by the insurgents. The mortar
rounds had caught several personnel in the open and had inflicted several
casualties. At the first call for a medic, Specialist Chedester unhesitant
ran to the aid of his fallen comrades, ignoring the mortar rounds still
exploding all about him. Despite the fact that the wounded were
lying in open terrain, he proceeded to treat them where they were.
As the ground assault gained momentum, he moved across the battlefield
through heavy volumes of machine gun fire to treat and give encouragement
to the casualties. He then set up an aid station and organized the
activities of his fellow medics. He repeatedly moved into the battle
area under intense enemy fire to rescue casualties, carrying them back to
the aid station. After the friendly forces regrouped, Specialist
Chedester was the only medic to go forward with them on a sweep of the
area. As ambulance helicopters arrived, he personally organized and
supervised the medical evacuation operations. Specialist Chedester's
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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