Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Soldier’s Medal (Posthumously) to Sergeant First Class Melvin F. Schultz (ASN: RA-37299255), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while a member of Company B, 13th Engineer Combat Battalion, at Camp Fuji, Honshu, Japan, on 25 August 1950. On this date, Sergeant Schultz was in a trench with members of his platoon acting as instructor in hand grenade throwing. Upon seeing an enlisted man accidentally drop an activated hand grenade in the trench, Sergeant Schultz ordered his men to safety and at the same time, with complete disregard for his personal safety, dived for the grenade in an attempt to clear it from the trench. As he grasped the grenade, it exploded and inflicted injuries so severe that Sergeant Schultz died immediately. By his courageous action, he saved his men from possible death or serious injury. The heroism and self-sacrifice displayed by Sergeant Schultz reflect the highest credit on himself and the military service.

Awards Received