Fred David Chadwick

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Fred David Chadwick (1005865), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company D, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 31 January 1953. While assisting in the control of the base of fire during a raid against a heavily fortified enemy hill position forward of the main line of resistance, Sergeant Chadwick voluntarily advanced with a rescue party to aid a seriously wounded Marine. When the group was pinned down by a devastating barrage of enemy fire from two machine-gun emplacements, he fearlessly charged forward to deliver effective fire on the hostile positions and succeeded in diverting the enemy’s fire from the evacuation unit. Although painfully wounded, he continued to advance and, firing his weapon with deadly accuracy, inflicted numerous casualties upon the enemy, silencing one of the machine guns and enabling his comrades to evacuate the casualty to a defiladed position. Mortally wounded during this heroic action, Sergeant Chadwick, by his indomitable fighting spirit, exceptional courage and resolute determination in the face of heavy odds, was directly responsible for the success of the mission and for saving the lives of his comrades. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and sustains and enhances the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.