Donald K. Schwab
Donald Kenneth Schwab (December 6, 1918 – February 19, 2005) was a United States Army veteran of World War II and recipient of the U.S. Medal of Honor.
Donald K. Schwab | |
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| Born | December 6, 1918 Hooper, Nebraska |
| Died | February 19, 2005 (aged 86) Omaha, Nebraska |
| Buried | Hooper Cemetery, Hooper, Nebraska 41.603534°N 96.542110°W |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | United States Army |
| Rank | First Lieutenant |
| Unit | Company E, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart (3) |
According to his official Medal of Honor online biography:[1]
[Schwab] joined the U.S. Army upon graduation from high school.
Schwab distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on Sept. 17, 1944. His courage and determination resulted in the dismantling of a strong German position and he would take one prisoner of war.
Schwab served with the US Army until Oct. 26, 1945. Upon exiting the service Schwab returned to Hooper, Neb. and began a farming career. He later was employed with the postal service in Nebraska until retirement. In Hooper, Schwab was highly active in the church and community. He also enjoyed sports and played on various local softball and basketball teams.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Schwab received the Distinguished Service Cross (this award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor on Mar. 18), Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one Silver Service Star, two Bronze Service Stars and Bronze Arrowhead Device, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, French Fourragere, Honorable Service Lapel Button-World War II.
Schwab was awarded the Army Medal of Honor posthumously by President Barack Obama in a March 18, 2014 ceremony in the White House.[2] Schwab's award came through the Defense Authorization Act which called in 2002 for a review of approximately 600 mostly Jewish American and Hispanic American veterans of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War to ensure that no prejudice was shown to those deserving the Medal of Honor. Schwab was among five additional service members who the review identified as having been overlooked for the honor.[2]
References
- "Medal of Honor Biography: First Lieutenant Donald K. Schwab". Valor 24 Nominees. US Army. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
- Daniel Rothberg (2014-02-21). "Obama will award Medal of Honor to 24 overlooked Army veterans". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2014-02-21.