John J. Chapman

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to John J. Chapman, Specialist Four E4, United States Army. For gallantry in action: Specialist Four Chapman distinguished himself on 20 February 1966 while serving as a member of a machine gun crew on the division defensive perimeter near An Khe, Republic of Vietnam. At 0015 hours a Viet Cong force of unknown strength attacked in conjunction with a heavy mortar attack and penetrated the division’s outer defensive positions. The hostile force remained undetected until they attempted to by-pass the bunker occupied by Specialist Four Chapman. When the Viet Cong force unleashed an intense grenade and small arms attack, Specialist Four Chapman lost his right foot, and his fellow soldiers received other wounds. Although suffering from loss of blood, he protected one side of the beleaguered bunker. As the firefight continued, several Viet Cong hand grenades fell into the position, one of which Specialist Four Chapman seized and threw out of the bunker. As he did so, the grenade exploded and wounded him again in the head and left eye. Specialist Four Chapman’s courageous actions inspired his comrades to increase their efforts, led to the disruption of the hostile attack, and prevented the position from falling into hostile hands. Specialist Four Chapman’s unimpeachable valor in close combat against a numerically superior hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), APO US Forces 96307, General Orders No. 3022 (21 May 1966)