Neil M. Chapin

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Neil M. Chapin, Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Member of Battery B, 434th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, performing duty as a Reconnaissance Officer and Forward Observer with Company C, 23d Armored Infantry Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 29 October 1944. Second Lieutenant Chapin went forward of advanced positions in order to deliver effective artillery fire against a numerically superior enemy. When the supported unit was withdrawn to a better defensive position, he took as his observation post a bullet-ridden house which was subjected to direct enemy fire. He stood by his post, effectively delivering artillery fire, until the infantry was ordered to retire. Since the officers of the supported unit had been evacuated, he assumed command and successfully withdrew the company in the face of the enemy, adjusting protective artillery fire at the same time. Second Lieutenant Chapin’s gallant leadership, 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, his unit, and the United States Army.