Smith B. Chamberlain

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Smith B. Chamberlain (0-27587), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Chamberlain distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 3 June 1951. On that date, Lieutenant Chamberlain, a platoon leader, was ordered to make the initial crossing of a river and to lead his men in an attack on the first objective in an allied assault to capture a vital, enemy-held position. While Lieutenant Chamberlain was organizing his men for the crossing, the platoon was subjected to heavy enemy fire. Ordering his men to take cover, Lieutenant Chamberlain waded the river to check it for depth and swiftness and then swam back and re-crossed with a rope to be used as a guide line. While the platoon was moving across the river, one of the men lost his footing and the swift current carried him downstream toward the swirling rapids. Lieutenant Chamberlain rescued this man and three others in similar mishaps and sustained rib injuries when he was hurled against rocks and boulders in the water. Once the men had crossed the river, Lieutenant Chamberlain reorganized them and, after a valiant three-hour struggle, succeeded in securing the first objective. When the platoon was relieved, Lieutenant Chamberlain went to the battalion aid station for treatment of his side injury and grenade wounds which he suffered during the fighting. Upon return, he found that a bridge which had been constructed across the river had been knocked out by an enemy counter-attack and the Allied elements had withdrawn to the-opposite bank. Again swimming the river, though suffering from a possible rib fracture and subjected to heavy machine-gun fire, Lieutenant Chamberlain repeatedly tried to establish a guide line, but heavy rains had swollen the river until it was impossible to successfully navigate it with the rope. Refusing to be stopped, Lieutenant Chamberlain made continuous trips back and forth with an inflated air mattress carrying wounded men and equipment and rescuing men who had become marooned on the rocks when they attempted to swim. The following morning, Lieutenant Chamberlain was successful in establishing a guide line across the river. He then organized a thirty-man patrol and led them in the recovery of the ground lost the previous day.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 684 (July 23, 1953)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting an Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Silver Star Medal to Smith B. Chamberlain (0-27587), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 23 April 1951, near Onsu-dong, Korea, the Third Platoon was occupying a defensive position on Hill 150 when furiously attacked by an enemy force of battalion strength. Lieutenant Chamberlain, platoon leader, observing that his recoilless rifle positions were being overrun, raced 400 yards to reorganize that part of his platoon. Upon returning to the command post, he was cut off by hostile troops; undaunted, Lieutenant Chamberlain charged through the enemy soldiers killing five with grenades and accurate fire from his weapon. Immediately informing the company commander of the situation, he was advised to withdraw 600 yards to Hill 147. Lieutenant Chamberlain, realizing that such an action would expose the left flank of Company F, ordered a slight displacement to the highest point of Hill 150 where, spurred by his inspirational leadership, the platoon repulsed the fanatical attacks and held the strategic hill. Lieutenant Chamberlain’s gallantry, courage, and outstanding tactical skill reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Smith B. Chamberlain (0-27587), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 31 March 1951, near Choksong-myon, Korea, Lieutenant Chamberlain, well in advance of his platoon, was leading the unit in an attack on Hill 398. When the platoon came under heavy enemy mortar fire, he returned through the shelled area and brought his men forward. Reaching a wall-like cliff, the unit was forced to take cover as the enemy hurled down grenades; but Lieutenant Chamberlain, followed by only two enlisted men, aggressively climbed in the direction from which the grenades were falling and engaged the enemy. On the arrival of one squad, Lieutenant Chamberlain gallantly initiated an attack but was repulsed by the intense hostile fire. Observing another platoon flanking the enemy, he held his position and maintained a base of fire which materially aided the assaulting unit to close with and route the enemy. Lieutenant Chamberlain’s gallantry and courage were an inspiration to his men and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.