Donald E. Schmille

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Donald E. Schmille (523265), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Member of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 13 March 1945. When his company’s night defensive position was suddenly blasted by fire from an eight- inch gun manned by an enemy force which had emerged from a near-by cave shortly after dark, Private First Class Schmille boldly went forward alone about twenty yards beyond the company’s front lines in an effort to silence the gun crew. As the Japanese sighted his movement and attempted to stop him with a barrage of hand grenades, he suddenly stood up and, in the midst of flying grenade fragments, fired his rocket launcher and succeeded in scoring a direct hit on the emplacement, rendering the enemy gun inoperative and annihilating most of its crew. By his prompt action and determination in the face of grave hazards, Private First Class Schmille saved his company from numerous casualties. His courage throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 86002 (SofN Signed January 26, 1948)