Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
World War I - U.S. Army
Chester Howard West
Details
- Rank: First Sergeant
- Conflict/Era: World War I
- Unit/Command:
Company D, 363d Infantry,
91st Division - Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
- Medal of Honor Action Date: September 26, 1918
- Medal of Honor Action Place: near Bois-de-Cheppy, France
Citation
While making his way through a thick fog with his automatic rifle section, his advance was halted by direct and unusual machine-gun fire from two guns. Without aid, he at once dashed through the fire and, attacking the nest, killed two of the gunners, one of whom was an officer. This prompt and decisive hand-to-hand encounter on his part enabled his company to advance farther without the loss of a man.
Additional Details
- Accredited to: Los Banos, Merced County, California
- Awarded Posthumously: No
- Born: January 3, 1888, Fort Collins, Larimer County, CO, United States
- Died: May 20, 1935, Gallipolis, OH, United States
- Buried: Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery; remains moved from Pine Grove Cemetery, Pliny, West Virginia, Institute, WV, United States