Serving as a soldier in the U.S. Army, First Sergeant Chester Howard West received the Medal of Honor for his actions on September 26, 1918 near Bois-de-Cheppy, France during World War I. At the time he was serving with Company D, 363d Infantry, 91st Division. West was 30 years old.
8 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.
West was born on January 3, 1888 in Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado. His Medal of Honor is credited to Los Banos, Merced County, California. West died on May 20, 1935 in Gallipolis, Ohio, at the age of 47. He is buried at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery.
West is one of 132 Medal of Honor recipients from World War I and one of 142 credited to California.
Official 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 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.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: World War I.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in California →
Timeline
- January 3, 1888Born in Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado
- September 26, 1918Act of valor — near Bois-de-Cheppy, FranceAge 30. Company D, 363d Infantry, 91st Division
- May 20, 1935Died in Gallipolis, OhioAge 47.
- Resting placeDonel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery
Biography
Chester Howard West (January 3, 1888 – May 20, 1935) was a soldier in the United States Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during World War I.
From the Wikipedia article “Chester H. West”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
