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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Paul Richard Schratz (NSN: 0-82699/1100), United States Navy, for meritorious achievement as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. STERLET (SS-392), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Bonin Islands during the FIRST War Patrol of that Submarine, from 4 July to 26 August 1944. Through his excellent judgment and thorough knowledge of attack problems, Lieutenant Commander Schratz contributed materially to the success of his submarine in delivering gun and torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking of three hostile ships and a small freighter, totaling 14,200 tons, and in evading enemy countermeasures. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Scorpion (SS-278

    Action Date:

    April 5 – May 8, 1943
    Commander Submarine Forces Pacific: Serial 033 (January 14, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Paul Richard Schratz (NSN: 0-82699/1100), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Torpedo Data Computer Operator of the U.S.S. SCORPION (SS-278), during the FIRST War Patrol of that vessel off the Eastern Coast of Honshu, from 5 April to 8 May 1943. Exercising a keen understanding of fire-control equipment and proficiency in operating the torpedo data computer, Lieutenant Commander Schratz rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting successful attacks which resulted in the skillful sinking of eight enemy ships totaling over 13,000 tons and the damaging of one enemy ship of 7,500 tons. In addition he aided in the successful completion of an important special mission and in evading severe enemy countermeasures. His courageous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    August 1966 – January 1969
    Board Serial 6929 (December 31, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Paul Richard Schratz (NSN: 0-82699/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service during the period August 1966 to January 1969, while serving on the faculty of The National War College, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C. Captain Schratz demonstrated exceptional professional ability, a great depth of knowledge, and keen insight in the preparation and conduct of courses and seminars at The National War College, in the field of National Strategy and Policy. In addition to his superb writing and conducting of the course “National Power and National Purpose,” he developed and led seminars on the “History of Strategic Though” as part of the electives program, and the Defense Strategy Seminar for reserve officers prominent in civilian life. Captain Schratz was guest lecturer at numerous universities and was the representative of The National War College at the Institute of Strategic Studies Conferences. In addition, he made a substantial contribution to the national security of the United States through the leading part he played in keeping The National War College curriculum and methodology in the forefront of today’s dynamic educational development. By his outstanding leadership, keen appreciation of educational requirements, and inspiring devotion to duty throughout, Captain Schratz upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.