HEADQUARTERS
25TH IFANTRY DIVISION
APO San Francisco 96225
GENERAL ORDERS 16 January 1967
NUMBER 199
AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR
1. TC 320. The following AWARDS are announced.
McELROY, CHALMERS R. RA ******** PFC E-3
A Trp, 3rd Sqdn, 4th Cav, 25th Inf Div
Awarded: Silver Star
Date action: 15 December 1966
Reason: For gallantry in action:
Private First Class McElroy distinguished himself by heroic actions on 15 December 1966, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Private McElroy's track had received two hits by anti-tank weapons. Private McElroy pulled the wounded vehicle commander from the commander's hatch, administered first aid, and took command of the track. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Private McElroy placed suppressive fire on the enemy position, silencing it. Due to a previous battle, Private McElroy's ears were totaly useless, having been puntcured by a mine blast. Despite the inability to hear, Private McElroy commanded the vehicle in an entire sweep of the enemy positions. He maneuvered his vehicle completely through visual signals given to him by his platoon leader. Unable to hear the commander over the radio, Private McElroy fought with his vehicle as effectively as any completely mounted crew. Upon completeing the sweep of the area, Private McElroy returned to the hole where the fire was received and crawled into a tunnel. He chased a Viet Cong in the tunnel, but his light went out just as the Viet Cong made a turn and Private McElroy lost contact with the enemy. This outstanding display of aggresiveness, combat leadership, and devotion to duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Authority: By direction of the President under the provisions of the Act
of Congress, approved 9 JUly 1918, and USARV message
16695, 1 July 1966.
FOR THE COMMANDER:
OFFICIAL: THOMAS E. MELLEN
Colonel, GS
Chief of Staff
