Chester M. Dotson
Private First Class, U.S. Army

On 9 December 1943, Private First Class Chester M. Dotson was serving with Company I, 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, Seventh U.S. Army.

On that day, PFC Dotson's unit was in action against enemy forces in the Liri Valley, Italy. PFC Dotson's courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day, at the cost of his life, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Silver Star Medal
Purple Heart with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Private First Class Chester M. Dotson (ASN: 20809031), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 9 December 1943. Private First Class Dotson's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 123 (1945)

Burial

Private First Class Chester M. Dotson is buried at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial in Nettuno, Città Metropolitana di Roma Capitale, Lazio, Italy, in Plot G, Row 6, Grave 27.

https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=56308338