Louis J. Van Schaick

Louis Joseph Van Schaick (July 1, 1875 – February 14, 1945) was an officer in the United States Army and a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in the Philippine–American War.

Louis J. Van Schaick
Governor of Mindoro
In office
1908–1912
Governor of Cavite
In office
October 12, 1905 – 1907
Preceded byDavid C. Shanks
Succeeded byLeonardo Osorio
Personal details
Born
Louis Joseph Van Schaick

(1875-07-01)July 1, 1875
Cobleskill, New York
DiedFebruary 14, 1945(1945-02-14) (aged 69)
Philippines
Resting placeManila American Cemetery and Memorial
SpouseNellie Mae Van Schaick
RelationsJohn van Schaick Jr. (brother)
AwardsMedal of Honor
Purple Heart
Military service
Allegiance United States of America
Branch/service United States Army
Years of service1899 - 1934
Rank Colonel
Unit4th U.S. Infantry
Battles/warsPhilippine–American War

Biography

Van Schaick was born on July 1, 1875, in Cobleskill, New York, to John Van Schaick and the former Frances Elizabeth Shaver. Among his siblings was John van Schaick Jr.,[1][2] who later married Julia Asenath Romaine (a daughter of Benjamin F. Romaine of New York City).[3]

Van Schaick attended West Point as a member of the 1900 class but left one year before graduating to join the army. While serving in the Philippines, he held the governorships of Cavite (1905–1907) and Mindoro (1908–1912).[4]

He later went on to fight with General John J. Pershing in pursuit of Pancho Villa and (as a lieutenant colonel) was part of the 1st expeditionary force sent to France, again with General Pershing. He was retired for disability in August 1934 with the rank of colonel.

He was later imprisoned during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines and died shortly after his release on February 14, 1945.[5]

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, 4th U.S. Infantry. Place and date: Near Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippine Islands, November 23, 1901. Entered service at: Cobleskill, N.Y. Birth: Cobleskill, N.Y. G.O. No.: 33, 1913. Date of issue: Unknown.

Citation

While in pursuit of a band of insurgents was the first of his detachment to emerge from a canyon, and seeing a column of insurgents and fearing they might turn and dispatch his men as they emerged one by one from the canyon, galloped forward and closed with the insurgents, thereby throwing them into confusion until the arrival of others of the detachment.[6]

See also

References
  1. "Dr. John van Schaick, Minister, Editor. Pastor of Universalist National in Capital Many Years Dies. Aided Red Cross Abroad". New York Times. May 17, 1949. Retrieved 2015-01-07.
  2. "John van Schaick, Jr". Unitarian Universalist History & Heritage Society. Retrieved 2015-01-07.
  3. "MRS. JOHN VAN SCHAICK". The New York Times. 4 November 1955. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  4. "Louis J. Van Schaick". Archived from the original on 2015-01-08. Retrieved 2015-01-07. A veteran of Spanish–American War, Col. Louis J. Van Schaick was the only American to be appointed governor of Cavite. He served for two years, 1905–1907, doubtless the most fateful years in the life of the province under the American regime. ...
  5. "Van Schaick Dies. Freed at Manila. Colonel, Native of Cobleskill, Won Congressional Medal in the Philippines". New York Times. Associated Press. February 15, 1945. Retrieved 2015-01-07. Col. Louis J. Van Schaick, winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor, died Feb. 23, a few days after his release from a Japanese prison camp in the Philippines, relatives were informed today. ...
  6. "Louis J. Van Schaick". Medal of Honor recipients: Philippine–American War. United States Army Center of Military History. June 8, 2009. Archived from the original on 2019-07-22. Retrieved 2008-04-27.
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