Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Frederic
Carl
Schumacher
POW (U.S.S. Pueblo)

On January 23, 1968, the U.S.S. PUEBLO was attacked by North Korean naval vessels and MiG jets. One man was killed and several were wounded. The Eighty-two surviving crew members were captured and held prisoner for 11 months. The U.S.S. Pueblo remains a commissioned vessel of the United States Navy and is the only ship of the U.S. Navy currently being held captive. It is on public display in North Korea despite continuing diplomatic efforts to secure its return.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Korea)

    Action Date:

    January 23 – December 23, 1968

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Frederic Carl Schumacher, United States Navy, for meritorious service as a crew member of the U.S.S. PUEBLO (AGER-2) during his period of captivity in North Korea from 24 January to 23 December 1968. Although subjected to extreme forms of physical and mental cruelties, which were in violation of all international agreements, he steadfastly demonstrated defiance and total resistance towards his captors. He never wavered in his devotion to duty and loyalty to the United States, even though the guards and interrogators, frustrated by his behavior, increased the tempo and severity of their ruthless treatment. His courageous stand served to inspire his fellow prisoners and strengthened their will to resist. By his exemplary performance of duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Schumacher is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Korea)

    Action Date:

    January 23, 1968 – December 23, 1968

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade Frederic Carl Schumacher, United States Navy, was captured when the U.S.S. PUEBLO (AGER-2) was boarded by North Korean forces in International Waters on 23 January 1968, and was held as a Prisoner of War in North Korea until his release on 23 December 1968.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant [then Lieutenant Junior Grade]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Pueblo (AGER-2)

    Action Date:

    January 23, 1968

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant Junior Grade] Frederic Carl Schumacher, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 23 January 1968 which serving on board U.S.S. PUEBLO (AGER-2) during the unwarranted attack upon and illegal seizure of that vessel in international waters in the Sea of Japan by North Korean naval and air force consisting of two patrol boats, four torpedo boats, and two aircraft. When the U.S.S. PUEBLO came under heavy fire from these North Korean units, Lieutenant Schumacher, as Operations Officer, repeatedly exposed himself to the intense fire while organizing and providing the necessary supervision to ensure the destruction of all classified materials under his purview. Through his inspiring leadership, courage, and dedication in the face of hostile fire, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.