Max F. Schneider

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Max F. Schneider (0-384849), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 5th Ranger Infantry Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, at Normandy, France. In the initial landings in the invasion of France, Lieutenant Colonel Schneider led the 5th Ranger Infantry Battalion ashore at “H” hour on D-Day in the face of extremely heavy enemy rifle, machine gun, mortar, artillery and rocket fire. Upon reaching the beach Lieutenant Colonel Schneider reorganized his unit. During this reorganization, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire. He then led his battalion in the assault on the enemy beach positions, and having accomplished this mission led them up a steep incline to assault the enemy gun emplacements on the top of the hill. The destruction of these enemy positions opened one of the vital beach exits, thereby permitting the troops and equipment which had been pinned down to move inland from the beach, with the result that reinforcements could be landed from the sea. Lieutenant Colonel Schneider’s leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty set an inspiring example to his command and exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.