Navy Federal Credit Union

Edwin Schwien retired in 1945 as a U.S. Army Brigadier General.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 4, 1918

    Headquarters, 3d Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders No. 22 (July 8, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Captain (Infantry) Edwin E. Schwien, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on the morning of 4 October 1918, north of Montfaucon, France, during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, Captain Schwien led the first wave of his company in an attack on Hill 241 and by his splendid example and leadership organized the position and prevented counterattacks. He was severely wounded during the operation. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 4, 1918

    War Department, General Orders No. 3 (1929)

    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 Captain (Infantry) Edwin Eugene Schwien, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on Hill 241, between Cierges and Romagne, France, 4 October 1918. On the morning of 4 October 1918, Captain Schwien led the first wave of his company in an attack on Hill 241, north of Cierges. Early in the attack the entire company advanced in the face of terrific shell and machine gun fire. Owing to the severity of the fire the attack was held up on the south side of the hill. Captain Schwien then personally led a small reconnaissance party over the enemy slope, during the performance of which he was severely wounded, but when carried back to our front lines and while lying prostrate on the ground, being unable to walk, he continued to command his company and so directed the disposition of his command that another counterattack was prevented. Having organized his position he was carried to the first-aid station. His brilliant leadership under fire and his dedication to duty after having been seriously wounded were an inspiration to those who served under him.