FIRST ENLISTMENT

Rank: Private

Enlisted: 24 July 1917

MCSN: 97983

Unit: Marine Detachment, USS Connecticut (BB-18)

Discharged: 1919

Rank: Platoon Sergeant

Enlisted: 19 June 1926

MCSN: 97983

Unit: 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division

Decorations: Silver Star, Purple Heart

Plt. Sgt. O'Brien was killed in action on Guadalcanal on 24 January 1943. The destroyer escort USS Chester T. O'Brien (DE-421) was named in his honor.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant Chester T. O'Brien (MCSN: 97983), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Sixth Marines, Reinforced, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, 24 January 1945. When his platoon leader became a casualty, Platoon Sergeant O'Brien immediately assumed command and afforded his men inspiring leadership while tirelessly combating a numerically superior force. With utter disregard for his own safety, he courageously led his men in a determined attack against a strong hostile position in a deep heavily wooded ravine and, although greatly outnumbered, he succeeded in destroying two machine-gun emplacements before he was killed in action. His valiant devotion to duty contributed to decreasing the effectiveness of enemy resistance in this sector and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.