Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    25th Marine Regiment, RCT 2

    Division:

    2d Marine Division, II MEF

    Action Date:

    May 7, 2005

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Jeffrey W. Schuller, Jr., United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Driver, Weapons Company, Third Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, Regimental Combat Team 2, SECOND Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 7 May 2005. While conducting a reinforcement mission, enemy forces ambushed Corporal Schuller’s platoon using a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, rocket-propelled grenades, and automatic weapons. Instantly, eleven of sixteen Marines were killed or wounded and three of four vehicles severely damaged. Finding his vehicle gunner injured, Corporal Schuller manned the damaged turret and placed the M-240G machine gun into action. Under intense fire, he alternated his fires between enemy positions and suppressed the enemy for nearly 40 minutes, enabling his fellow Marines to evacuate casualties and retrieve sensitive gear. Holding his position, Corporal Schuller expended ordnance of every type aboard his vehicle. He then dismounted and carried his vehicle commander through enemy fire to the casualty collection vehicle and then returned to guide his wounded gunner to safety as well. At the casualty collection vehicle, Corporal Schuller redistributed ammunition and continued to attack enemy positions as he accounted for wounded Marines and sensitive gear. He then mounted the casualty vehicle and continued to engage the enemy from the passenger seat as it traveled through the city back to friendly lines. By his undaunted courage, personal initiative, and complete devotion to duty, Corporal Schuller reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.