Technical Sergeant LLEWELLYN M. CHILSON for extraordinary heroism in action on 25 April 1945, in the vicinity of Meilenholen, Germany. When the enemy opened up with 20mm guns on the company’s positions shortly after entering the town of Meilenholen, Germany, Sergeant Chilson quickly observed their positions and moved a jeep, armed with a machine gun, to the middle of the street and opened fire. In the ensuing acion, he personally knocked out two flak guns, one 88mm gun, rendered another 88mm useless by knocking out it’s crew and killed approximately 40 enemy riflemen. when our reconnaissance troops advanced to take the town of Zell, they were halted by 20mm flak fire. Sergeant Chilson quickly mounted a motorcycle, abandoned by the enemy and riding in front of the reconnaissance troop located six more 20mm guns. One flak gun opened fire on him from a distance of about 50 yards and his motorcycle was shot from under him. He hit the dirt, rolled over, jumped to his feet, and ran directly towards the gun position and threw a grenade. this action killed three members of the enemy crew and knocked out the gun. Returning to the lead tank, he directed their fire upon the remaining five flak guns which were subsequently destroyed. Sergeant Chilson has always been an inspiration to the men of his company and is a credit to the United States Armed Forces.

TSGT. Chilson was sponsored by Mr. Chris Profota, Curator at the Military and Space Museum in Houston, Texas. Mr Profota felt that, even though Chilson died on 2 October 1981, he belonged in the Legion of Valor based on possibly being awarded more medals at one time for Valor than any other soldier in the history of this great country. Chilson’s other medals for this time frame included the Silver Star (first Oak Leaf Cluster), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (First Oak Leaf Cluster) and the Purple Heart (First Oak Leaf Cluster).

View his First Oak Leaf Cluster and Second Oak Leaf Cluster.