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Walter
Gabriel
Schindler
December 10, 1897

–

April 3, 1991

Walter Schindler graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1921. His pilot in the Coral Sea battle that earned him his Navy Cross was Ensign Thomas Brown, who also earned the Navy Cross. Walter Schindler retired as a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    World War II

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Walter Gabriel Schindler (NSN: 57173), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Officer-in-Charge of the Naval Ordnance Laboratory during World War II. Assuming command of a rapidly expanding force of technical men, Captain Schindler expertly welded this group into a highly effective research and development organization which designed the mines used extensively in the prosecution of the Pacific War. Aware of the increasing importance of these projects in maintaining a strong, well-balanced Navy, he successfully promoted the construction of the White Oak research and development plant of the Bureau of Ordnance, energetically supporting the reforms necessary to make these and similar laboratories into well functioning establishments. By his inspiring leadership, resourcefulness and devotion to the fulfillment of a vital mission, Captain Schindler made a significant contribution to the successful prosecution of the war, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-5)

    Action Date:

    December 6, 1941 – June 14, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Walter Gabriel Schindler (NSN: 57173), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Gunnery Officer on the Staff of Commander Cruisers, Pacific Fleet, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Area for the first ten months of World War II. Participating in the engagements at Salamaua and Lae, Coral Sea, Midway, Guadalcanal, and the First Battle of the Solomon Islands, Commander Schindler, in each instance, flew with the air attack group as an observer in the rear seat of a dive bomber. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he took part in numerous dives on hostile warships in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire and fierce fighter opposition. His fearless determination and heroic devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Scouting Squadron 5 (VS-5)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-5)

    Action Date:

    May 4, 7 & 8, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 307 (October 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Walter Gabriel Schindler (NSN: 57173), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Gunnery Officer and Aerial Gunnery Observer on the Staff of Commander Cruisers, Pacific Fleet during action of the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5) Air Group against enemy Japanese forces, 4 May to 8 May 1942. In order to more accurately and intelligently advise the Commander Cruisers, Pacific Fleet, Commander Schindler voluntarily acted as free gunner in an airplane of Scouting Squadron FIVE (VS-5) in three successive attacks against enemy Japanese forces at Tulagi on 4 May, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, and in the two attacks on 7 May and 8 May in the Coral Sea, opposed by enemy fighters as well. During the attack of 8 May, he shot down a type “Zero” Japanese fighter which was attacking the plane in which he was serving as free gunner. His conspicuous intrepidity on these occasions was above and beyond the call of duty.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Division:

    Cruiser Division 3

    Action Date:

    July 14, 1952 – July 27, 1953
    All Hands (October 1955)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Vice Admiral Walter Gabriel Schindler (NSN: 57173), United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Cruiser Division THREE, in Korea, from 14 July to 27 November 1952 and from 26 April to 27 July 1953. (Rear Admiral Schindler is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)