William Chesarek

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Wiliam D. Chesarek Jr.
Wiliam D. Chesarek Jr.
United States Marine Corps Portal

Wiliam D. Chesarek Jr. of Temecula, California is an Officer of the United States Marine Corps. As of 1 July 2006 he holds the rank of Major.[1]

In June 2006 he was a Captain taking part in an officer exchange program with British forces in Iraq. On 11 June 2006, he was flying a Lynx helicopter which was ordered to evacuate injured British Colour Sergeant Ian Page[2] who had been shot in the mouth by insurgents. As a result of his actions that day, he was awarded the British Distinguished Flying Cross. The award was announced by the British Ministry of Defence on 15 December 2006.[3] He received the award from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace on 21 March 2007.[4]

Michelle Norris, the young British medic who initially aided Page, received her Military Cross (the first woman to do so) at the same ceremony.

Chesarek is believed to be the first US serviceman to receive this significant British decoration (roughly equivalent to the Silver Star as the third level gallantry/valor decoration) since the end of World War II.


[edit] References

  1. ^ MARADMIN (2006-06-22). Officer promotions for July 2006 and planned officer promotions for August 2006. Administrative circular. United States Marine Corps. Retrieved on 2007-03-23.
  2. ^ Bunyan, Nigel. "Big day for 5ft Army medic who won MC" (html), The Daily Telegraph, 2007-03-22. Retrieved on 2007-03-22. 
  3. ^ "Operational Honours and Awards List: 15 December 2006", MOD website, MOD, 2006-12-15. Retrieved on 2007-03-23. 
  4. ^ Glendinning, Lee. "Historic award for female private", The Guardian, Guardian Media Group, 2007-03-22, p. 8. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved on 2007-03-22. 
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