Richard Thurmond Chatham conflict World War II
Naval career
Chatham first entered the U.S. Navy as a seaman during World War I until he was discharged as an ensign in 1919. Afterwards, he served during World War II from February 1942 to November 1945, as an officer on the USS Phoenix (CL-46) in the Southwest Pacific and Atlantic. 
He fought in the New Guinea campaign, Battle of Cape Gloucester, Battle of Wakde, Admiralty Islands campaign and Battle of Hollandia. He worked with the Bureau of Ordnance and the office of the secretary of the navy, before being assigned to combat duty. He was named commander in the U.S. National Reserve, and was
decorated with the Bronze Star Medal, the Secretary of the Navy's Commendation Medal, and the Royal Order of Orange-Nassau with Swords from the Dutch Government and earned the American Theater Ribbon, European Theater Ribbon, Asiatic Theater Ribbon with three battle stars, World War I Ribbon, and Victory Ribbon. He continued his service in the Naval Reserve, and in 1950 was appointed a Captain.
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