Chester Hirschfelder

Colonel Chester John Hirschfelder (January 10, 1894 – August 24, 1968) was a career soldier in the United States Army. A decorated veteran of four wars, Hirschfelder was a three time recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross and served as the commanding officer of the 9th Infantry Regiment during World War II.

Early life and military career Hirschfelder was born on January 10, 1894, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In 1909, he enlisted in the United States Army as a private, and was assigned to Company I, 26th Infantry Regiment. Aged only 15 at the time of his enlistment, Hirschfelder changed his date of birth to 1891 in order to enlist, something which he would not correct until 1942. In eight years with the 26th Infantry, Hirschfelder rose to the rank to Sergeant and saw service in both the Philippine–American War and Pancho Villa Expedition.

World War I As a result of the expansion of the United States Army that was necessary during World War I, Hirschfelder was commissioned a Second lieutenant on July 11, 1917. He was assigned to the newly formed 5th Machine Gun Battalion, a unit within the 2nd Division's 3rd Infantry Brigade. Hirschfelder received promotions to both First Lieutenant and Captain during World War I. While serving with the battalion, Captain Hirschfelder earned two Silver Star's, and the first of three Distinguished Service Crosses for single-handedly silencing an enemy machine gun position with grenades.

Interwar period After serving briefly during the occupation of Germany, Hirschfelder and the 2nd Division returned to the United States. Hirschfelder was commissioned a First lieutenant of Infantry within the Regular Army on July 1, 1920. He was later promoted to Captain, with the same date of rank, and assigned to the 9th Infantry Regiment. He graduated from the Company Officers Course at the United States Army Infantry School in 1923. Like many in the interwar Regular Army, Hirschfelder advanced slowly, only receiving promotions to Major and Lieutenant Colonel in 1935 and 1940 respectively. At the outset of World War II, he was serving as a Lieutenant Colonel within the 9th Infantry Regiment.

World War II Hirschfelder was transferred to the 352nd Infantry Regiment of the 88th Infantry Division in January of 1942, to serve as the executive officer. He served in this role until February of 1942, when the regiment was disbanded upon the reorganization of the division. In July of that year, he was reassigned to the 9th Infantry Regiment as the commanding officer, with the rank of Colonel. As commander of the 9th Infantry, Hirschfelder led the regiment during their landing and subsequent combat during Operation Overlord. During a five day period from the 28th of July to the 2nd of August, Hirschfelder was awarded his second and third Distinguished Service Crosses.