Local Boy Receives Citation From Navy
This office is in receipt of a letter from the Navy Department dated April 14, containing a duplicate of the citation issued to Ensign Theo. R. Chrischilles. The letter was signed by Lieut. M. C. Miller, public relations officer of the Iowa and Nebraska area. However, the original citation issued to Ensign Chrischilles was signed by Secretary of the Navy Knox.
Young Chrischilles was an ensign at the time the Silver Star was awarded, but in the last few weeks has been made a lieutenant junior grade. He is now stationed in South England where he is doing administrative work as an instructor in the amphibious are of warfare.
Ensign Theodore R. Chrischilles, USNR, son of Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Chrischilles, 309 N. Thorington St., Algona, has been awarded the Silver Star Medal by the President of the United States.
The citation accompanying Chrischilles’ Silver Star Medal reads:
“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commander of a Support Boat during the amphibious assault at Salerno, Italy, on September 9, 1943. With complete disregard for his own personal safety and close enemy artillery fire, Ensign Chrischilles courageously directed the hazardous operations of his support boat, escorting the first assault waves in landing their embarked troops with minimum loss. His expert tactics and splendid leadership under extremely difficult conditions contributed materially to the success of the landing mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”
Source: Algona Upper Des Moines, April 18, 1944 (includes photo)
