The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Donald Benjamin Schroeder (ASN: 0-70498), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Schroeder distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 August 1968 while elements of his battalion were in heavy contact with a Viet Cong main force battalion near Can Ciuoc. He used his own command and control helicopter, in the midst of heavy enemy fire, to illuminate the landing zone for one element’s insertion when a flare ship was forced to leave the battle because of a fuel shortage. After determining that it would be approximately twenty minutes before his men could complete their encirclement of the enemy and that the communists would quickly use a gap between two of his companies as an escape route, Colonel Schroeder ordered his pilot to land. With two other men, he stationed himself in the center of the unguarded area and began firing on the communists, who almost immediately began to probe his position. He successfully prevented their escape for thirty minutes until reinforcements arrived. As the battle progressed the Viet Cong threatened to penetrate another area. Colonel Schroeder unhesitantly moved across two fire-swept rice paddies to the endangered location. With complete disregard for his safety, he began positioning troops to meet the threatened breakout and remained in the front line directing his units’ maneuvers until the enemy attempt was repelled. Lieutenant Colonel Schroeder’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
39th Infantry Regiment, 1st BrigadeDivision:
9th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Donald Benjamin Schroeder (ASN: 0-70498), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. 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.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
39th Infantry Regiment, 1st BrigadeDivision:
9th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Donald Benjamin Schroeder (ASN: 0-70498), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. 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.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
39th Infantry Regiment, 1st BrigadeDivision:
9th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Donald Benjamin Schroeder (ASN: 0-70498), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. 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.