Marine Corps Vietnam Tankers Historical Foundation©

Marine Corps Vietnam-era Tankers and Ontosmen Have Made History. 

Your Historical Foundation is Making it Known.

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS LESTER E. CHAMBERS US MARINE CORPS
For service as set forth in the following:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Lester E. Chambers, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Onto Crewman with Company A, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 24 February 1968, Private Chambers' section was supporting the Fourth Battalion, Vietnamese Marine Corps, which was pinned down by intense enemy fire while assaulting an enemy force occupying the southeast wall of the Citadel in the City of Hue. Quickly conducting a reconnaissance of the area, he skillfully drove his vehicle into position, enabling the gunner to deliver accurate fire at the emplacement. Withdrawing to a relatively safe area and rearming his vehicle, Private Chambers again maneuvered toward the enemy bunker and enabled his gunner to fire six well-aimed rounds, silencing the weapon. Later in the day, while supporting the First Battalion, Vietnamese Marine Corps, he fearlessly maneuvered his Ontos along a fire-swept street, providing a heavy volume of suppressive fire upon the hostile emplacement which permitted the Vietnamese Marines to seize their objective. The following morning, when the Marines engaged another fortified bunker, he skillfully maneuvered his weapon to within twenty-five meters of the emplacement in order to suppress the enemy fire. A few moments later, the friendly unit was pinned down by fire from an enemy occupied bunker. Reacting instantly, he maneuvered to within ten meters of the emplacement and destroyed the position. As the Section Leader debarked and approached the bunker to assess the damage, he was wounded. Unhesitatingly, Private Chambers left his covered position and, as he ran to assist his injured comrade, was mortally wounded. By his courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Chambers inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life f,or his country.