Navy Federal Credit Union

Actor John Garfield played Al Schmid in portrayal of his life, including his actions on Guadalcanal, in the 1945 movie “Pride of the Marines”.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    August 21, 1942

    SPOT AWARD (1942): Serial 18 (SofN Signed March 18, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private Albert Andrew Schmid (MCSN: 350951), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a Machine Gunner of the Eleventh Machine Gun Squad, Company H, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese armed forces at the Tenaru River, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 21 August 1942. Lacking the protection of riflemen, Private Schmid’s machine gun squad was forced to tear down its frontal protection to meet the oncoming strong Japanese landing force. In spite of tremendous difficulties, the enemy attack was courageously met and repulsed by fierce and determined fighting during which Private Schmid was seriously wounded. His personal valor and loyal devotion to duty contributed to the defeat of the enemy.