1. Llewellyn Morris Chilson was a United States Army master sergeant and one of the most decorated American soldiers of World War II.
24 Facts About Llewellyn Chilson
1. 2.
Llewellyn Chilson received twelve individual decorations for combat from the US Army including seven decorations for valor.
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Llewellyn Chilson was born on April 1,1920, in Dayton, Ohio.
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Llewellyn Chilson was the second son of Frank and Goldia Chilson, his father a World War I veteran.
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Llewellyn Chilson grew up on the rough streets of South Akron.
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Llewellyn Chilson left South High School at age 16, taking a truck driving job hauling freight across the country.
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Llewellyn Chilson was inducted into the US Army on March 28,1942, during World War II.
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Llewellyn Chilson reported to Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana for his basic training.
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Llewellyn Chilson was transferred to Fort Pickett, Virginia and the 45th Infantry Division in May 1942 and became a member of Anti-Tank Company, 2nd Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment.
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Llewellyn Chilson received a Purple Heart for being wounded by shrapnel near Carroceto, Italy on February 15,1944.
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Llewellyn Chilson participated in the invasion of Southern France on August 15,1944.
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Llewellyn Chilson was transferred to Second Platoon, Company "G", 2nd Battalion, 179th Infantry.
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Llewellyn Chilson was awarded a second Silver Star for actions near Denshein, France on November 26,1944.
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Llewellyn Chilson was recommended for the Medal of Honor by Lt.
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Llewellyn Chilson was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross, a third Silver Star, a Legion of Merit, and a Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device for these actions.
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Llewellyn Chilson was honorably discharged from the US Army on June 30,1946.
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Llewellyn Chilson re-enlisted into the US Army on November 17,1947.
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In 1952, Llewellyn Chilson was sent to Fort Hood to help train National Guardsman and met legendary soldier Audie Murphy.
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Llewellyn Chilson was considered to be the second most decorated soldier of World War II by the National Guard Association.
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On May 24,1961, Llewellyn Chilson was one of only four survivors of the crash of a USAF Douglas C-124A Globemaster II that killed 24.
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Llewellyn Chilson retired from the US Army as a master sergeant in 1964.
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Llewellyn Chilson lived in Tacoma, Washington after he retired from the army where he managed a gas station and was a taxi cab driver.
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Llewellyn Chilson died at age 61 on October 2,1981, while on vacation in Tampa, Florida.
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Llewellyn Chilson is buried in the veterans section at Mountain View Memorial Park in Lakewood, Washington and is honored with a memorial dedicated to him.