John H. Chiles

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John H. Chiles, Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Colonel Chiles distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Chaun-ni, Korea, during the period 17 through 25 May 1951. During this period Colonel Chiles’ unit was holding the right flank of the Eighth Army, under constant attack by an enemy force estimated to be 30,000 in strength. Throughout the action Colonel Chiles moved from one unit to another with complete disregard for his personal safety, directing the defensive actions along the line and exhorting his men to hold. When extremely heavy enemy artillery and mortar barrages made friendly positions untenable, he personally selected new positions and led the withdrawals. His calm, fearless conduct while under heavy enemy fire was an invaluable source of inspiration to all members of his command, and his personal leadership at critical points was a major factor in the successful defense of the area.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 514 (July 5, 1951)