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Chamberlin, William Charles "Bill"

Date of birth:
February 10th, 1916 (Chicago/Illinois, United States)
Date of death:
June 28th, 1996
Buried on:
Arlington National Cemetery
Plot: 8. Grave: 5512-C.
Service number:
0-5929
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service while serving as Executive Officer of the Second Battalion, Eighth Marines, Second Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, from 20 to 24 November 1943. Although wounded during landing operations, Major Chamberlin promptly reorganized the remnants of three companies of his own battalion and another company of a reinforcing Battalion in the most important and hazardous sector assigned to his forces. Personally directing the yard-by-yard advance of these assault units, he repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy grenade and rifle fire in changing position from one flank of a three hundred yard front to the other and, by his own brilliant leadership and gallant conduct, inspired his men to tremendous endeavors which resulted in the successful completion of an extremely difficult mission. Major Chamberlin's splendid tactical ability and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of grave peril reflect great credit upon himself, his valiant command and the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Commander in Chief Pacific Forces: Serial 0647
Navy Cross
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 15 June 1944. With his Battalion assigned to take a heavily fortified objective which was necessary to seize before vehicles, tanks and artillery could be landed, Major Chamberlin assumed command of the Battalion when the Commanding Officer became a casualty shortly after landing and, realizing the importance of the Battalion's mission, immediately proceeded to reorganize his command, after a landing on the beach approximately seven hundred yards from the assigned objective. Exposed to heavy fire from enemy mortars and artillery while moving from unit to unit, he reoriented the attack and then led and directed it toward the objective. Through his outstanding leadership and skillful handling of all elements of his command, Major Chamberlin so disposed his troops that the vital objective was seized the next morning and a beach opened for the landing of vehicles. His aggressive fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 6067
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of the Second Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Tinian, Marianas Islands, 31 July 1944. At the height of an enemy counterattack, Major Chamberlin moved from company to company, coordinating their efforts and encouraging the men of the Battalion despite intense hostile fire. Under his personal direction, the Battalion launched local counterattacks against Japanese penetrations, and repulsed the enemy with heavy losses. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 9468 (Gold Star in lieu)
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

Gold Star in lieu
Purple Heart

Sources

  • Photo 1: NARA photo (provided by Thomas Godwin)
  • - Recipients of The Navy Cross, 1916 - Present, by C. Douglas Sterner
    - Hammel, E. & Lane, J.E., Bloody Tarawa – The 2nd Marine Division, November 20-23, 1943, Zenith Press, St. Paul, USA, 2006
    - WW2 Gyrene .org
    - Tarawa on the web.org
    - Homeofheroes.com