THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT
CHESSUM Robert Stanley
628505 New Zealand Army, WW2
4311266 RNZAF, WW2
206380 Lieutenant temp Captain, 16 Field Regiment, Royal New Zealand Artillery, Korean War
3670 Legion of Frontiersmen, New Zealand
CITATION
Mention in Despatches
Gazetted 4 March 1952, p1279
During Operation 'Commando' this officer was an artillery forward observation officer with 3 Bn RAR. Early in the action on 4 October Capt Chessum's party was heavily shelled and mortared. His radio operator was killed, and himself wounded. He continued giving accurate and much needed artillery support to the infantry for a further 48 hours when all objectives were taken before he allowed himself to be evacuated for medical treatment. Capt Chessum showed great courage and determination and his conduct under fire was an inspiration to all.
KNOWN AWARDS
Defence Medal
War Medal 1939-45
New Zealand War Service Medal
New Zealand Operational Service Medal
Queen's Korea Medal
Mention in DespatchesUnited Nations Medal
KoreaNew Zealand Defence Service Medal
RegularKorean War Medal (Korea)
Korean Veterans Visit Medal [2003]
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Legion Meritorious Service Medal (LMSM)
Legion Cross of Merit (LCM) [1999]
Legion Long Service and Efficiency Medal [1997]
Legion Service Medal [1991]
Legion 90th Anniversary Medal [1994]
Countess Mountbatten's Own Centennial Medal [2004]
NOTES
Born 27 May 1924 New Zealand
Died 5 June 2020 Matamata, New Zealand
Buried Matamata Cemetery []
