The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Third Grade Otto James Schrader (ASN: 38113398), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 19 February 1945. When two infantrymen of the platoon to which he was attached were wounded, Sergeant Schrader immediately hurdled a barbed wire entanglement, ran across an exposed street, and through 15 yards of rubble to their aid. The whole area was under excessively heavy enemy machine gun fire from well concealed hostile positions. Sergeant Schrader administered first aid without benefit of adequate cover, made one seriously wounded man as comfortable as possible, and then assisted the walking casualty back across the street under fire. Upon reaching the far side, Sergeant Schrader was wounded in the hip by a burst of enemy machine gun fire. His complete disregard for personal safety and his intrepidity in action were directly responsible for saving the life of one man and for alleviating the suffering of another. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Cemetery:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Technician Third GradeRegiment:
145th Infantry RegimentDivision:
37th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
February 19, 1945
Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 162 (June 20, 1945) -
Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Technician Fifth GradeRegiment:
145th Infantry RegimentDivision:
37th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
July 28 – 29, 1943
Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 145 (1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Technician Fifth Grade Otto Schraeder (ASN: 38113398), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 28 and 29 July 1943, in the battle at Horseshoe Hill, New Georgia, Solomon Islands. The only aid man on duty with an attacking Infantry Company who had not been evacuated, Technician Fifth Grade Schraeder was the constant object of enemy fire as he treated the wounds of a score of casualties, many of whom he had rescued by carrying or dragging them to safety. Throughout the bitter night and morning fighting, he crawled from one shell hole to another and often went beyond the front lines to within twenty yards of enemy fortifications to reach wounded soldiers. While Japanese sniper and automatic-weapon fire was directed at him, he gave prompt and skillful medical attention to his comrades. Corporal Schraeder’s conspicuous bravery and calmness under fire were a source of encouragement and inspiration to the men and exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States, reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Army. Great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.