Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    26th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 21, 1944

    Headquarters, FIRST U.S. Army, General Orders No. 51 (March 30, 1945)

    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 Corporal Irvin Roy Schwartz (ASN: 33624661), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the Anti-Tank Company, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Butgenbach, Belgium, on 21 December 1944. As his anti-tank gun position was fired upon by advancing hostile infantrymen, Staff Sergeant Schwartz fired his rifle and killed three Germans at close range. Unable to effect a penetration, the enemy summoned four tanks which levelled intense cannon and machine gun fire upon him. Staff Sergeant Schwartz fired his anti-tank gun at the lead vehicle, setting it ablaze. As the remaining tanks and foot troops pushed forward, he knocked out the second tank less than ten yards away. A shell from another tank destroyed his weapon, but Staff Sergeant Schwartz organized his remaining crew members as riflemen and assisted in repelling the enemy thrust. Corporal Schwartz’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.