Anthony Bernard Chapek
Captain, U.S. Army

Anthony Bernard Chapek was born on 2 December 1915 in Omaha, NE, the son of Anton B. and Mary T. Zejda Chapek. A graduate of Creighton Prep, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in April 1941.

On 28 August 1944, Captain Anthony Bernard Chapek was serving with Company B, 159th Engineer Combat Battalion, Third U.S. Army in the European Theater of Operations.

On that day, CPT Chapek's unit was in action against German forces in Luxembourg. CPT Chapek's Company B was defending a strategic hill near Scheidgen, Luxembourg. When the enemy counterattacked with strong forces, CPT Chapek repeatedly exposed himself to the intense enemy fire in order to direct and place his men, inspiring them by his courage. Finally, when his company was forced to pull back in the face of overwhelming forces, he remained behind to cover the withdrawal. His men last saw him standing alone, pinning down the enemy with rapid and accurate fire from his carbine. CPT Chapek's heroic stand was an inspiration to the men with whom he served. CPT Chapek's courageous, selfless actions and extraordinary heroism that day, at the cost of his life, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals and Awards

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Corps of Engineers) Anthony B. Chapek (ASN: 0-1113633), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 159th Engineer Combat Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 21 December 1944, in Luxembourg. On that date, Captain Chapek's company was defending a strategic hill near Scheidgen, Luxembourg. When the enemy counter-attacked with strong forces, the Captain repeatedly exposed himself to the intense enemy fire in order to direct and place his men, inspiring them by his fearless courage. Finally, when his company was forced to pull back in the face of overwhelming forces, the brave Captain voluntarily remained behind to cover the withdrawal. His men saw him last as he stood alone, pinning down the enemy with rapid and accurate fire from his carbine. Captain Chapek was killed but his heroic stand lives on as a constant inspiration to the men with whom he served. His unselfish courage, his determination and supreme devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 58 (March 15, 1945)

Death and Burial

Captain Anthony Bernard Chapek is buried at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial in Hamm, Canton de Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg in Plot H, Row 7, Grave 87.

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