Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    306th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    77th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 7 – 8, 1944

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces-Pacific Ocean Areas, General Orders No. 74 (1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant Charles E. Schafer (ASN: 33199112), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 306th Infantry Regiment, 77th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Guam, on 7 and 8 August 1944. During the attack his platoon commander wounded and evacuated. Technical Sergeant Schafer assumed command and, while directing the platoon, was wounded in the neck by a 47-mm. shell fragment which completely paralyzed him. Although unable to move he could still talk. He ordered one of his men to hold him propped up in his foxhole so that he could see the action and direct the platoon. Sergeant Schafer skillfully commanded it, supported by one of his men, for over an hour. He was later evacuated but died aboard a hospital ship. Technical Sergeant Schafer’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 77th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.