Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Hospitalman

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    4th Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    February 2, 1968

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospitalman Theodore Kuno Schindeler (NSN: B-115636), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 2 February 1968, while serving as a Corpsman with Company D, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with military operations against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours, the Cam Lo District Headquarters came under heavy artillery, mortar, and recoilless rifle fire followed by a well coordinated ground attack by a numerically superior enemy force. Hearing cries for assistance from several Marines wounded during the initial barrage, Hospitalman Schindeler unhesitatingly left his covered position to move through hostile fire to the side of the wounded and administer first aid. While treating one of the casualties, he removed his flak jacket and helmet to cover the man in order to protect him from fragments of exploding enemy rounds near him. Displaying exceptional professional skill and composure, Hospitalman Schindeler courageously moved to each of the casualties to provide expert medical treatment, to comfort them, and to prepare them for evacuation from the fire-swept area. Due in large measure to his prompt and efficient medical treatment, numerous Marines were able to remain in their fighting positions and continue to deliver a heavy volume of fire against the assaulting force. After the five-hour engagement had ended, Hospitalman Schindeler advanced beyond the defensive perimeter to treat twenty-five injured enemy soldiers, saving lives that subsequently proved to be of inestimable value as intelligence sources. His courageous and selfless actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the successful repulse of the attackers, which accounted for 144 enemy confirmed killed, 100 probable killed, the capture of 38 soldiers and the confiscation of numerous weapons and items of equipment. By his superior professionalism, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Hospitalman Schindeler upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.