Chester J. Hirschfelder

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Chester J. Hirschfelder, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Etienne, France, October 4, 1918. When an enemy machine gun was inflicting heavy casualties upon his company, Captain Hirschfelder crawled forward alone across a field exposed to heavy machine-gun fire and threw hand grenades into the enemy position. His action silenced the machine gun and prevented further casualties to his company.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Chester J. Hirschfelder, Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 28 July 1944. Colonel Hirschfelder’s outstanding 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, the 2d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Chester J. Hirschfelder, Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 2 August 1944. Colonel Hirschfelder’s outstanding 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, the 2d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.