The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Edward Rightor Schowalter, Jr. (ASN: 0-064446), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period June 1967 to June 1968, while serving as Senior Advisor to Vinh Binh and Dinh Tuong Provinces, Republic of Vietnam. Realizing that drastic action was necessary to establish and secure the Revolutionary Development Areas against insurgent forces in Vinh Binh, Colonel Schowalter formulated a series of plans for the curtailment of Viet Cong activity in the province. As a result of his proposals, he provincial forces were redeployed and placed where their strength could be most effectively utilized. In Dinh Tuong, Colonel Schowalter was instrumental in developing a sound concept for the security of National Highway 4, which involves a careful integration of military forces and a phased redeployment of Redevelopment Teams to insure the continuation of the security of the highway once it has been freed from the enemy. In accomplishing these missions, Colonel Schowalter demonstrated rare ability as a leader, staff officer, and advisor while participating at great personal risk in numerous combat operations. In one of these, Colonel Schowalter was seriously wounded while leading Vietnamese Army units against the Viet Cong. Lieutenant Colonel Schowalter’s professional competence and outstanding achievements were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Medal of Honor
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Silver Star
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Medal of Honor
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
First Lieutenant (Infantry)Batallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
31st Infantry RegimentDivision:
7th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
October 14, 1952
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 6 (January 28, 1954)The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Edward Rightor Schowalter, Jr. (ASN: 0-064446), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Kumhwa, Korea, on 14 October 1952. Committed to attack and occupy a key-approach to the primary objective, the 1st Platoon of First Lieutenant Schowalter’s company came under heavy vicious small-arms, grenade, and mortar fire within 50 yards of the enemy-held strongpoint, halting the advance and inflicting several casualties. The 2d Platoon moved up in support at this juncture, and although wounded, First Lieutenant Schowalter continued to spearhead the assault. Nearing the objective he was severely wounded by a grenade fragment but, refusing medical aid, he led his men into the trenches and began routing the enemy from the bunkers with grenades. Suddenly from a burst of fire from a hidden cove off the trench he was again wounded. Although suffering from his wounds, he refused to relinquish command and continued issuing orders and encouraging his men until the commanding ground was secured and then he was evacuated. First Lieutenant Schowalter’s unflinching courage, extraordinary heroism, and inspirational leadership reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Regiment:
U.S. Army Advisory GroupDivision:
IV Corps Tactical Zone, MACVAction Date:
January 31, 1968
Headquarters, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, General Orders No. 896 (1969)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) Edward Rightor Schowalter, Jr. (ASN: 0-064446), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Lieutenant Colonel Schowalter distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 31 January 1968 while serving as a member of Advisory Team 75, United States Army Advisory Group, IV Corps Tactical Zone, United States Military Assistance Command Vietnam. On that date the battle of the city of My Tho began with an attack under cover of a mortar barrage. The allied armored cavalry regiment supported by infantry had been able to get to the My Tho traffic circle where Nguyen Trung Long and Nguyen Tri Phuong Streets meet, but could go no further. After the stalemate had continued for many hours, Colonel Schowalter proceeded up Nguyen Trung Long, talking with the various armored personnel carrier troops and trying to get them to move up against the well-emplaced enemy. The crews of the carriers were greatly encouraged by his bravery and wanted to move ahead but received no orders. Finally, Colonel Schowalter reached the traffic circle and began to walk up Nguyen Tri Phuong Street which was completely dominated by enemy fire. Facing a withering fire from small arms, machine guns and rockets, he began to get the armored personnel carriers to move out from the cover afforded them by the buildings along the street. His valor and personal courage brought the Vietnamese infantry in behind him. By this time, Colonel Schowalter was seventy-five meters up the street completely without cover of any kind, still urging the carriers and infantry to follow him and close with the enemy. Suddenly he was struck with small arms fire and fragments in the neck, arm and chest. His example caused the infantry to attack and reach the position where he had fallen, thus further advances by the enemy into the city were blocked. Lieutenant Colonel Schowalter’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.