Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technician Fourth Grade

    Batallion:

    743d Tank Battalion (Separate)

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 13, 1944

    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 48 (August 25, 1944)

    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 Fourth Grade Henry J. Schike (ASN: 37272900), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 743d Tank Battalion (Separate), attached to the 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 13 July 1944, in France. Technician Fourth Grade Schike was a member of a tank crew advancing into enemy territory when they were given a direct hit by a German 88-mm. gun. Abandoning the tank and upon reaching the safety of a nearby hedge, it was discovered that the tank driver was missing. Technician Fifth Grade Schike, without thought of himself, immediately returned to the burning tank and removed the wounded driver, and assisted in giving medical aid to his wounded comrades. Technician Fourth Grade Schike then saw his platoon sergeant’s tank approaching the danger area. Once more, with complete disregard for his personal safety, he again left a place of safety and voluntarily subjected himself to enemy mortar fire, this time to warn the tank of the presence of the hostile gun emplacement. The above acts were performed by Technician Fourth Grade Schike’s despite the fact that his legs were badly bruised from his hurried evacuation of the tank. The courage and loyal devotion to duty displayed by Technician Fourth Grade Schike reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.