Steve Archie "Silent Steve" Chappuis
Brigadier General, U.S. Army

Steve Archie Chappuis was born on 28 December 1913 in Rayne, LA to Archie and Elise Chappuis. He graduated from Louisiana State University in 1936 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve.

World War II

In 1941, he was selected for parachute training and assigned to the 502nd Parachute Infantry Battalion. As a Lieutenant Colonel, he was Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) of the 101st Airborne Division when he participated in the airborne invasion of Normandy on D-Day, 6 June 1944.

Chappuis assumed command of the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment on 22 September 1944 during the airborne invasion of Holland. For these two operations he was awarded the Silver Star Medal and the French Croix de Guerre.

On 25 December 1944, in Belgium during the siege of Bastogne by overwhelming enemy forces, LTC Chappius was commanding the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment of the defending 101st Airborne Division. When the enemy launched an attack with strong infantry and armored forces in a supreme effort to seize the town, LTC Chappius used all available cooks, drivers and orderlies to augment his depleted, widely deployed troops and skillfully maneuvered his forces to meet the attack. Under his courageous, inspiring leadership his men held, repulsing every attempt by the enemy to penetrate the lines. He repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy fire in order to direct his troops effectively and personally reconnoitered enemy-infested territory. LTC Chappius' courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

His Distinguished Service Cross was awarded by then-Lieutenant General George S. Patton, Third Army commander, for his role in the defense of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 - January 1945.

During the war Chappuis earned the nickname "Silent Steve," reflecting his determination, reserve, and humility as an officer. He was Knighted by the Queen of Holland for his participation in liberating the town of Eindhoven, and received the Military Willems Order. To this day, the Dutch refer to him as "the great liberator."

Post-War Years

Following World War II, General Chappuis served with Army Ground Forces, Department of the Army General Staff, Department Defense Staff, and attended the Canadian Army Staff College and the Army War College.

His further assignments included SHAPE in The Hague, Netherlands; Headquarters Allied Forces Southern Europe, Naples, Italy; Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations for the XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, NC; Deputy Chief of Staff, 1st Corps Group, Korea; Deputy Commander, 4th Infantry Division Brigade; Assistant Division Commander, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, WA; Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Headquarters, U.S. Continental Army Command, Fort Monroe, VA; Assistant Post Commander, Fort Lewis, WA; and Commander of X US Army Corps, Fort Lawton, WA.

In Retirement

After retiring from the Army, Chappuis worked with the Bank of Washington in Tacoma. After retiring from the bank, he and Kay enjoyed many years of traveling throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Personal

Chappuis married Kathryn A. Jurjevich of Galesburg, IL, on 6 June 1946 at Fort Meyer, VA.

He was a devoted husband and father, an avid tennis player, reader, and woodworker, and a kind friend to many. He lived for his family and one of his greatest joys in later years was preparing for their holiday celebrations. He was sustained by his strong Catholic faith throughout his life.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Distinguished Service Medal
Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal (Merit)
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Silver Star
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Croix de guerre (France)
Combat Infantryman Badge
Parachutist Badge with 2 Combat Jump Stars
Army Staff Identification Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

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 Lieutenant Colonel Steve A. Chappuis (ASN: 0-20899), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 502d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 25 December 1944, in Belgium. During the siege of Bastogne by overwhelming enemy forces, Colonel Chappius commanded a regiment of the defending 101st Airborne Division. When the enemy launched a fierce attack with strong infantry and armored forces in a supreme effort to seize the town, Colonel Chappius mustered all available cooks, drivers and orderlies to augment his depleted, widely deployed troops and skillfully maneuvered his forces to meet the attack. Under his courageous, inspiring leadership his men held, repulsing every attempt by the enemy to penetrate the lines. He repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy fire in order to direct his troops effectively and personally reconnoitered enemy infested territory, completely disregarding his own safety. The heroic, inspiring leadership of Colonel Chappius, and his personal courage and supreme devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 101st Airborne Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 14 (January 14, 1945)

Death and Burial

Brigadier General Steve Archie Chappuis died on 19 August 2008 in Tacoma, WA, at the age of 94. He is inurned at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, King County, WA.