The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Raymond R. Schwandt (ASN: 35016907), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 3 and 18 February 1945. Staff Sergeant Schwandt was second in command of a raiding party which crossed a river into enemy territory, and succeeded in destroying two mortar positions and disrupting enemy installations. His service in observing enemy positions and entrenchments was a vital factor in the success of the patrol, which obtained complete information on the enemy’s disposition and so disrupted enemy communications that subsequently our forces were able to make a successful crossing of the river. A few weeks later during an attack on a strong enemy position, Staff Sergeant Schwandt assumed command of his platoon after the officer in charge had been wounded, and exhibited superior leadership and courage in the accomplishment of his mission. Several times he moved into exposed positions under intense hostile fire to maintain contact with his company’s command post and to personally direct the firing of a supporting tank. Although wounded in this action, Staff Sergeant Schwandt continued at his post until his platoon’s position became untenable, after which he again exposed himself to enemy fire in order to inform his company commander of the situation, and recommend a shift in the attack. He retained control over his men at all times, maintained contact by personal efforts under fire, and displayed a fearless attitude toward the enemy during the engagement. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Schwandt, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Raymond R. Schwandt (ASN: 35016907), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 29 July 1943. Private Schwandt volunteered to assist in wiping out an enemy machine gun position which was impeding the advance of his platoon and was preventing the evacuation of several helplessly wounded soldiers. Aggressively engaging the enemy, he silenced the machine gun, permitting the safe evacuation of the wounded. Thus, by his devotion to duty, Private First Class Schwandt enabled his platoon to continue its advance, and was instrumental in saving the wounded from annihilation. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.