Chester A. Coltharp

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Chester A. Coltharp, Major (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-25 Bomber in the 498th Bombardment Squadron, 345th Bombardment Group (M), FIFTH Air Force, while participating in a rescue mission on 15 February 1944, at Kavieng Harbor, New Ireland, Bismarck Sea. After a B- 25 was shot down over Kavieng Harbor, Major Coltharp remained in the hostile area to monitor the condition of the crew and communicate their position to Lieutenant Nathan Gordon, Pilot of a Catalina Patrol Plane, in order to effect their rescue. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Major Coltharp on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.