MAJOR BRADFORD W. CHAFFIN, then First Lieutenant, United States Marine Corps Reserve. For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-ninth Marines (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Marianas Islands, 2 July 1944. When his Company was subjected to intense mortar and small-arms fire just prior to the time designated for its attack, First Lieutenant Chaffin proceeded up and down the lines, encouraging his men to start the attack on schedule. Then, leading the attack behind a group of friendly tanks despite powerful Japanese flanking fire, he contributed in large measure to the securing of his company’s objective with a minimum of casualties although the friendly unit on his right was pinned down by hostile fire and unable to advance. Subsequently, acting on his own initiative, he proceeded to clear the woods on his right flank of enemy forces to enable the other unit to advance and carry out its mission. By his courage, leadership and devotion to duty throughout this hazardous operation, First Lieutenant Chaffin upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Major Chaffin resides in Indiana.