Lathrop Marine Wins Decoration
PVT, Chester E. Foursha, USMC, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry J.
Foursha, Lathrop was recently awarded the Bronze Star Medal for
“heroic achievement against the enemy on Iwo Jima from March 12
to March 24,” according to a citation received by his parents. When
an infantry assault on enemy positions was stopped by heavy cross-fire,
Foursha cut tank roads with an armored tractor “{with complete disregard
for his own life,” according to the citation. A member of Luneta
Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Foursha was employed at the Post
Engineers Depot, Lathrop, prior to his entry into the service.
HONOURABLE DISCHARGE from the United State Marine Corps
This is to certify that Chester Eugene Foursha Corporal, is
honorably Discharged from the First Separateus Company, NCB San
Diego, California and from the United States Marine corps Reserve
this 22nd day of November, 1945.
United States Marine Corps Headquarters Fleet Marine Force, Pacific
C/O Fleet Post Office, San Francisco
In the name of the President of the United States, the Commanding
General Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, takes pleasure in awarding
the Bronze Star Medal to Private Chester E. Foursha, United States
Marine Corps Reserve for service as set forth in the following Citation;
“ For heroic achievement in connection with operations against the
enemy while attached to a Marine engineer battalion on Iwo Jima,
Volcano Islands, from 12 March, to 24 March, 1945. When infantry
assault on enemy positions in the northern sector was stopped because
of heavy resistance and in very rough terrain through which no tanks
could operate, Private Foursha, with total disregard for his own
safety and with skill and daring proceeded to cut tank roads in
advance of the infantry with an armored tractor. His work enabling
the tanks to advance aided materially the conquest of this part
of the island. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions
of the United States Naval Service.” (Signed) H. M. Smith, Lieutenant
General U. S. Marine Corps.
Inductee at San Francisco, California on the 27th day
of March, 1944, to serve National l Emerg years.
Born 14, March 1918 at Lockwood, Missouri.
When inducted was 67-1/2 inches high with Blue #6 eyes, Dk Brown
hair
Complexion: Ruddy,
Citizenship: U. S.
Previous service: None.
Rank and type of warrant at time of discharge: Corporal (Temp-Ep).
Weapons qualification: Marksman – Rifle 11 may 44.
Special military qualifications: Engineer Equipment Operator.
Service: Pacific Area, 22Junl44 6 to 13Nov45.
Remarks; Inducted, discharged and enlisted; assigned to active duty
MCR .
Monthly rate of pay when discharged $66.00 I hereby certify that
the within named man has been furnished travel allowance at the
rate of Five cents per mile from San Diego, California. To Oroville,
Calif. and paid $ 112.61 in full to date of discharge.
From a Booklet of the 5th Marine Division 1945
by Capt Robert L. Jones, Sgt. C. Cunningham, Gunnery Sgt Grant
J. Powers, Corp. A. H. Kochendorfer and WO Obie E. Newcomb Jr.Typical
of those who died The editors of this publication would like to
include pictures of all officers and men who gave their lives in
the capture of Iwo Jima. Since this is not possible, John Basilone
is selected as typifying their courage and gallantry. Gunnery Sergeant
John Basilone won the Congressional Medal of Honor for conspicuous
gallantry at Guadalcanal. He lost his life on Iwo Jima leading his
men in an attack on an enemy pillbox. His outstanding courage and
leadership were an inspiration to his comrades. In honoring John
Basilone we also honor these many other brave men who were killed
in carrying forward the attack and making victory possible.
Stu’s Notes: Chet Foursha, the father of my friend of almost 50
years, Jerry Foursha. I knew Chet as Jerry’s dad; I didn’t know
he was such a hero. Hero means a man or woman who puts their own
life in danger to save others. Many go unrecognized; many came home
and tried to forget. After WWII they were all around us. We just
didn’t know. Heroes are still doing what they do everyday, somewhere
in far off lands. 16 million served in WWII. Too soon they will
just be a memory, the Oroville Veterans Memorial Park for all of
Butte County, will strive to carry on. We need help. Chet worked
as an Operating Engineer Lo. 3 for many years he was good on almost
any piece of equipment as the Japanese found out on Iwo Jima. Chet
worked on big jobs all over the State. He was a Foreman on the Fill
project of the Oroville Dam. He and his wife Fern (Higgins) had
two children, Jerry and Sharon, four grand children, Tammy, Theresa,
Todd and Dan. Sadly they lost Tammy, at 16, in a terrible car accident
at Oro Dam and Lincoln in 1978. At the time of Chet’s death he was
married to Janet Thengvall who helped contribute to this article
along with Jerry. Thank you both.