The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Medical Service Corps) Melvin F. Schneller (ASN: 0-2046814), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 8 and 9 November 1944 in France. On 8 November, during the crossing of the ***** River, Lieutenant Schneller, at the risk of his own life, remained for sixteen hours on and near an infantry support bridge, subjected to intense artillery and mortar fire, directing the evacuation of casualties across the river. On 9 November Lieutenant Schneller, alone and with utter disregard for his own safety, removed five casualties from an area subjected to heavy enemy artillery fire. The outstanding bravery, initiative, and sincere devotion to duty of Lieutenant Schneller were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
First Lieutenant (Medical Service Corps)Division:
80th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
March 16, 1945
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Medical Service Corps) Melvin F. Schneller (ASN: 0-2046814), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 16 March 1945. On that date, during the pitched battle for Weiskirchen, Germany, Lieutenant Schneller, an ambulance officer, disregarding his own personal safety, led his ambulance into the town over roads which were under heavy enemy fire. Despite the fierce street fighting, he moved from house to house locating and giving aid to the casualties, and after selecting the more seriously wounded cases he removed them from the fire fight over a circuitous route to the ambulances by which they were evacuated to an aid station. By courageously working throughout the day, Lieutenant Schneller evacuated eighty-four critically wounded men who otherwise would have died. His bravery, initiative, and sincere devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.