The Clyde C. Chilson Collection

Photograph of Clyde Chilson and family
 1977.13.17

One collection undergoing digitization by project staff revolves around the military service of Clyde C. Chilson. Chilson, a resident of Kansas City, was inducted into service on March 21, 1916, at the age of 24.

As a corporal in Battery B, 129th Field Artillery, Chilson served as gas N.C.O. With chemicals being a prominent weapon of World War I, some noncommissioned officers spent hours training in the proper use of gas masks and recognition of chemical attacks.


While attempting to protect his company from the toxic fumes released during an enemy bombardment in early October 1918 at Charpentry, France, Chilson failed to protect himself from the quickly dispersing gas. He died several days later from pneumonia at Base Hospital No. 14, on October 16, 1918.

Document from Commanding Officer of Battery B, 129th FA
to Commander in Chief, AEF
Recommending Chilson for DSC
1977.13

The commanding officer of Battery B, 129th Field Artillery recommended Chilson for award of the Distinguished Service Cross. Documentation states: “Corp Clyde C. Chilson, 1464365, Btr. B, 129th F.A., for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty on the night of October 1-2, 1918, during a hostile mustard gas and H.E. shell attack at Charpentry, France. During the night and morning he went among the men to make secure their mask protection and by making a number of gas tests, was himself gassed, yet continued his duty, thus saving many lives. He continued to perform his duties while in a serious state of gas poisoning, without divulging his physical condition to his comrades or his battery commander. He died in hospital from the effects of gas several days later.”

Although the Distinguished Service Cross was not awarded to Chilson, because of his act of gallantry and sacrifice, Chilson posthumously received the Silver Star, the third-highest military combat decoration that can be awarded to a member of the American Armed Forces.

Page 1 of Letter from Hobart Sawtelle to Lottie Hewett
1977.13

Several months after his death, Chilson’s close friend Corporal Hobart Sawtelle wrote Lottie Hewitt concerning his care and eventual death. Below is an excerpt from the letter.

“Clyde and I were the best of Pals together most of the time and were bunkies until the last. Before Clyde was sent to the hospital I sat up and gave him medicine but it didn’t seem to help him any so I went to our captain and asked that Clyde be sent to the Base Hospital that was immediately after we came out of the Argonne drive. I hardly know how to write you as I don’t want to make you feel bad, yet at the same time you are very anxious to know any find out all you can about him.”

The collection includes personal correspondence written by Chilson and his brother Robert to their sister Lottie Hewitt, as well as official correspondence concerning Chilson’s death, citations, certificates, and programs.

Bibliography

Chilson, Clyde C. Collection. 1977.13. National World War I Museum, Kansas City, MO.