Llewellyn Morris Chilson
Master Sergeant, U.S. Army

Llewellyn Morris Chilson was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Chilson. He grew up on the rough streets of South Akron, OH. At age 16, he left South High School and got a job as a truck driver hauling freight across the United States. His father was a veteran of World War I and his older brother, Staff Sergeant Alvin M. Chilson, was killed in action in the Philippines on 22 February 1944.

Military Service

On 28 March 1942, Chilson was inducted into the U.S. Army. He received his Basic Training at Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN, and his Advanced Individual Training at Camp Livingston, LA. He was then transferred to Camp Johnson, FL, for amphibious training with the 112th Infantry Regiment. In May 1942, he was assigned to Anti-Tank Company, 2nd Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division ('Thunderbirds') at Fort Pickett, VA. Chilson and his unit landed in Oran, Algeria, on 22 June 1943 and prepared for the Invasion of Sicily, which took place on 10 July.

During the Sicily Campaign, Chilson received the Combat Infantryman Badge and later received the Bronze Star Medal based on his combat actions on 11-31 July. In February 1944, the 45th Division reinforced the beachhead at Anzio and Chilson received a Purple Heart after being wounded by shrapnel on 15 February. Chilson and three other American soldiers were captured by German soldiers on 16 February after running out of ammunition in a firefight near Aprilia, Italy. The four men were made litter-bearers for the German forces but managed to escape on 17 February, taking 4 enemy prisoners with them. Chilson then captured 40 enemy soldiers and was awarded the Silver Star Medal.

Chilson's unit then moved into the European Theater of Operations and participated in the invasion of Southern France (Operation Dragoon) on 15 August 1944. He was transferred to G Company, 2nd Battalion, 179th Infantry. On 28 October, he managed to capture a hill and take 25 enemy prisoners. For his actions near Denshein, France, on 26 November 1944, Chilson was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster for his Silver Star.

On 30 November 1944, Chilson was recommended for the Medal of Honor by his platoon leader for defending an indefensible position near Gumbrechtshoffen, France. On 27 December, he was designated the platoon sergeant of G Company's second Platoon.

Chilson was again recommended for the Medal of Honor for a series of his heroic actions in Germany from 26–31 March 1945. Those actions included his capturing more than 200 German prisoners. For these actions, he was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross; a 2nd Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster for his Silver Star; a Legion of Merit; and a Bronze Star Medal with Combat Valor Device. For his heroic actions on 25-26-27 April 1945, Chilson was awarded a 1st and 2nd Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster for his Distinguished Service Cross and a 1st and 2nd Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster for his Purple Heart.

Chilson was hospitalized for his wounds in England and then returned to Ft. Benjamin Harrison in June 1945. He was honorably discharged from the Army on 30 June 1946.

Presentation of Medals

On 6 December 1946, at a White House ceremony in the presence of Chilson's wife, baby daughter, and parents, President Harry Truman personally presented former Technical Sergeant Llewellyn Chilson with seven individual combat medals: Six of them were for valor. In making the presentation, Truman said, "This is the most remarkable list of citations I have ever seen. For any one of these, this young man is entitled to all the Country has to offer. These ought to be worth a Medal of Honor---that's what I think about it."

In fact, the recommendation for Chilson's Medal of Honor had been approved by General Joseph T. McNarney, Commanding General of the U.S. Forces in the European Theater of Operations. However, although the War Department found Chilson's actions commendable, they said they were not worthy of the Medal of Honor.

Post-World War II Life

Chilson re-enlisted in the Army on 17 November 1947. He waived his 40% disability and became an Army Recruiter.

In 1952, Chilson was sent to Fort Hood, TX, to help train National Guardsman and there he met legendary soldier, Audie Murphy. The National Guard Association considered Chilson to be the second most decorated soldier of World War II.

On 24 May 1961, Chilson was one of only four survivors of the crash of a USAF Douglas C-124A Globemaster II that killed 24 passengers.

Master Sergeant Llewellyn Morris Chilson retired from the Army in 1964.

Medals, Awards & Badges

Distinguished Service Cross with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Silver Star Medal with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device and Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Purple Heart with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Army Commendation Medal
Prisoner of War Medal
Good Conduct Medal
American Theater Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Device, Silver & 3 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star
French Croix de Guerre with Palm
Presidential Unit Citation
Combat Infantryman Badge

He was also awarded the French Liberation Medal

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (1st of 3 Awards)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Technical Sergeant Llewellyn M. Chilson (ASN: 35112223), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Platoon Sergeant in Company G, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 26 March 1945, in Germany. During the crossing of the Rhine River near Gernsheim, Germany, Technical Sergeant Chilson distinguished himself by his coolness, bravery, and aggressiveness. When the leader of the Second Platoon, the assault platoon of the company, was wounded, he, by his own initiative, assumed command and quickly organized the platoon into a compact, efficient assault force and with vigor and keen judgment led his force along the river bank. Despite heavy and intense enemy fire of all types and all calibers, he, because of his exceptional self-sacrifice and disregard of his personal safety, performed outstandingly intrepid actions, resulting in the death of eleven enemy soldiers and in the capture of a total of two hundred and twenty-five prisoners. In addition, Technical Sergeant Chilson personally destroyed an ammunition vehicle and two heavy machine guns and made possible the capture of two other heavy machine guns and the destruction of three enemy flak vehicles. The brilliant and exemplary leadership and superior devotion to duty which characterized his accomplishments, contributed directly to the company's combat success and reflect the highest credit upon himself, the 45th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Forces-European Theater, General Orders No. 269 (1946)

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (2nd of 3 Awards)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Technical Sergeant Llewellyn M. Chilson (ASN: 35112223), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 25 April 1945, in Germany. When the enemy opened up with 20-mm. guns on the company's positions shortly after entering the town of Meilenholen, Germany, Sergeant Chilson quickly observed their positions and moved a jeep, armed with a machine gun, to the middle of the street and opened fire. In the ensuing action, he personally knocked out two flak guns, one 88-mm. gun, rendered another 88-mm. useless by knocking out it's crew and killed approximately 40 enemy riflemen. When our reconnaissance troops advanced to take the town of Zell, they were halted by 20-mm. flak fire. Sergeant Chilson quickly mounted a motorcycle, abandoned by the enemy and riding in front of the reconnaissance troop located six more 20-mm. guns. One flak gun opened fire on him from a distance of about 50 yards and his motorcycle was shot from under him. He hit the dirt, rolled over, jumped to his feet, and ran directly towards the gun position and threw a grenade. This action killed three members of the enemy crew and knocked out the gun. Returning to the lead tank, he directed their fire upon the remaining five flak guns which were subsequently destroyed. Sergeant Chilson has always been an inspiration to the men of his company and his intrepid actions, 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 45th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 60 (1946)

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (3rd of 3 Awards)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Technical Sergeant Llewellyn M. Chilson (ASN: 35112223), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 27 April 1945, in Germany. While engaged in taking the town of Neuberg, Germany, Sergeant Chilson and his platoon were halted by intense automatic weapons fire coming from a second story apartment house. Realizing that unless the enemy was knocked out immediately, a large number of casualties would be inflicted upon his platoon, Sergeant Chilson, with complete disregard for his own safety, rushed across the fire-swept street and into the house. Racing up the stairs to the second floor, he tossed a high explosive grenade into the room, killing two members of the enemy machine gun crew and capturing eight. He then called his platoon forward and they occupied the building without a casualty. Later, as one of his squads was moving into the next house, they were halted by automatic rifle fire which came from a courtyard. Again Sergeant Chilson came forward, and, tossing a white phosphorous grenade into the courtyard, assaulted the enemy position. Firing his carbine with his left hand after being wounded in the right arm by an enemy bullet, he killed two of the enemy and captured a third. His daring and utter disregard for his own personal safety is worthy of the highest praise. Technical Sergeant Chilson's intrepid actions, 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 45th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 60 (February 27, 1946)

Honors

● Washington Soldiers Home, Chilson Recreation Center in Orting, Washington
● Awarded the Ohio Medal of Valor (2006)
● Inducted into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame (2006)
● The Military Order of the Purple Heart is named in his honor Llewellyn M. Chilson Chapter 407, at Lakewood, Washington

In Retirement

After his retirement, Chilson lived in Tacoma, WA, where he managed a gas station and was a taxi cab driver until his death.

Death and Burial

Master Sergeant Llewellyn Morris Chilson died at age 61 on 10 October 1981. He is buried at Woodbine Cemetery, Puyallup, WA.