Medal of Honor: Chester H. West, World War I, September 26, 1918
Through the fog of France, when his men were pinned by sudden machine gun fire, Chester West didn’t hesitate. He charged alone into the nest, silencing the guns with his own hands.
September 26, 2025
Name: Chester H. West
Rank: First Sergeant
War: World War I
Date of Action: September 26, 1918
Unit: Company D, 363rd Infantry Regiment, 91st Division, U.S. Army
Accredited to: California
Summary of Action
Near Bois-de-Cheppy, First Sgt. West led his automatic rifle section through a dense fog when they were suddenly halted by the deadly fire of two German machine guns. Without waiting for support, he dashed forward alone, sprinting straight through the hail of bullets. In a brutal hand-to-hand clash, he killed two of the gunners—including the enemy officer—before the nest was silenced. His fearless action cleared the way, allowing his company to continue the advance without a single casualty.
Medal of Honor Citation
While making his way through a thick fog with his automatic rifle section, his advance was halted by direct and unusual machinegun fire from 2 guns. Without aid, he at once dashed through the fire and, attacking the nest, killed 2 of the gunners, 1 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.
