On March 4, 2002, Chapman along with members of the United States Navy SEALs took part in Operation Anaconda.

A MH-47E Chinook, call-sign Razor 3 came under enemy fire, causing a Navy SEAL, PO1 Neil C. Roberts, to fall out during an insertion under fire.
The helicopter landed 4.5 miles (7.2 km) away from where the SEAL was killed.

Once on the ground, Chapman provided directions to another helicopter to pick them up.
After being rescued, Chapman and the team volunteered to rescue their missing team member from the enemy stronghold.
Chapman charged forward, killing two enemy soldiers and advancing towards a defensive fighting position.

The team came under fire from three directions.
Chapman exchanged fire from minimum personal cover and succumbed to multiple wounds.
His engagement and destruction of the first enemy position and advancement to the second enabled his team to move to cover and break enemy contact.
He is credited with saving the lives of the entire rescue team.
On March 4, 2002, Chapman along with members of the United States Navy SEALs took part in Operation Anaconda.
A MH-47E Chinook, call-sign Razor 3 came under enemy fire, causing a Navy SEAL, PO1 Neil C. Roberts, to fall out during an insertion under fire. The helicopter landed 4.5 miles (7.2 km) away from where the SEAL was killed.
Once on the ground, Chapman provided directions to another helicopter to pick them up. After being rescued, Chapman and the team volunteered to rescue their missing team member from the enemy stronghold. Chapman charged forward, killing two enemy soldiers and advancing towards a defensive fighting position.
The team came under fire from three directions. Chapman exchanged fire from minimum personal cover and succumbed to multiple wounds. His engagement and destruction of the first enemy position and advancement to the second enabled his team to move to cover and break enemy contact. He is credited with saving the lives of the entire rescue team.
John A. Chapman