Chester Dave Hash

1st Sergeant, U. S. Marine Corps

Distinguished Service Cross

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 519 (December 21, 1943)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Platoon Sergeant Chester D. Hash (MCSN: 272063), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company P, FOURTH Marine Raider Battalion, in the early part of the engagement at Bairoko Harbor, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 20 July 1943.
Leading his men in vigorous thrusts against Japanese emplacements, Platoon Sergeant Hash was responsible for the destruction of three machine-gun nests. While attacking the third position, he was struck by five machine-gun bullets but emptied his own weapon at the enemy and directed the fire of his platoon until the objective was taken. His aggressiveness and skill sere in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and were an inspiration to the men with whom he served. The outstanding heroism and skill displayed by Platoon Sergeant Hash on this occasion reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.