William A. Schwindt

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to William A. Schwindt (1171518), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Reconnaissance Company of the FIRST Marine Division, FMF, in Korea, on 20 December 1951. An automatic rifleman, Private First Class Schwindt was a member of a fire team assigned to a rear guard mission on an ambush patrol. When the unit was brought under heavy enemy automatic weapons fire, he manned his weapon with courage and skill, and continued to fire it even after having been wounded in the left hand, by propping the weapon on his knee. Again he was struck by the enemy fire, yet continued to fire until unable to do so because of paralysis of his right hand. At this point he would allow no one to expose himself to give him aid. After lying in his exposed position for an hour, he crawled to one which afforded cover where he allowed one of the two survivors of the fire team to render temporary first aid. For a period of two and a half hours he maintained a watch until relieved by the main ambush group. During the return of the patrol to friendly lines he refused all assistance despite his wounds, the rugged terrain and constant enemy harassment, in order that the trip might be as expeditious and safe as possible, for the entire unit. His fortitude and devotion to duty were an inspiration to all who observed him and an important contribution to the success of the patrol. Private First Class Schwindt’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.