Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant First Class William Ross Schoolcraft (ASN: US-56081271), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 578th Engineer Combat Battalion, 40th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in action near Chung Hang’yong, Korea on 18 February 1952. While leading an engineer assault squad attached to an infantry platoon on a mission to take a vital hill position, Sergeant Schoolcraft’s unit came under heavy automatic weapons and mortar fire from a series of strongly fortified bunkers at the summit of the hill. The murderous volley laid down by the enemy halted any advances. Realizing the perilousness of the situation, Sergeant Schoolcraft placed his squad in charge of the assistant squad leader and voluntarily joined the platoon leader. A new route of attack was begun by friendly troops. Totally disregarding his personal safety, Sergeant Schoolcraft rushed toward the hostile bunkers shouting and hurling grenades. As Sergeant’s Schoolcraft came within 20 yards of the fanatical foe, he was killed by automatic weapons fire. The heroic efforts on behalf of Sergeant First Class Schoolcraft inspired his comrades, and his gallant self sacrifice in the face of insurmountable odds reflect great credit on himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    ,

    Service:

    United States Army

    Division:

    7th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 7th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 32 (April 12, 1944)

    (UNCONFIRMED – Citation Needed): Maynard Weaver, United States Army, is reported to have been awarded the Silver Star under the below-listed General Orders for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 7th Infantry Division during World War II.