The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Harry Schmidt (MCSN: 0-865), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General of the FOURTH Marine Division and of the Northern Landing Force during the assault on Roi-Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, 31 January 1944 to 3 February 1944. With outstanding professional ability and tireless effort, Major General Schmidt welded his command into a superb fighting unit in preparation for its initial combat assignment. During the critical period of the landing, he fearlessly moved ashore with his men, established his headquarters within three hundred yards of the Japanese lines and assumed personal command of his division. Continually exposing himself to intense hostile sniper fire, he directed his troops with such aggressive determination and brilliant tactical skill that his intrepid forces captured the island within twenty-six hours, inflicting tremendous losses on the enemy. Major General Schmidt’s inspiring leadership, great courage and indomitable fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
-
Navy Cross
-
Legion of Merit
-
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
-
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
February 19 – March 16, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Harry Schmidt (MCSN: 0-865), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while acting as Commander of the Landing Force preparatory to and during the assault and occupation of enemy held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February 1945 to 16 March 1945. After determined enemy resistance and incomparable natural defenses, Major General Schmidt skillfully directed the attack of his troops to capture and occupy the island. He handled the various units under his command with brilliant technical skill. His sound judgment, distinctive administrative ability, and unfailing devotion to duty were vital factors in the success of the entire operation. His personal courage and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
-
Navy Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorRegiment:
2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua)Action Date:
February 5, 1928 – June 6, 1929
Authority – USMC Communiqu: 0865-1-3 (11 December 1929)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Major Harry Schmidt (MCSN: 0-865), United States Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Brigade Intelligence Officer, Second Brigade, U.S. Marine Crops, and in charge of civil relations between the Brigade and the Nicaraguan Government, from 5 February to 9 December 1928, and as Brigade Operations Officer from 10 December 1928 until 6 June 1929. during this entire time the Second Brigade operated in the Republic of Nicaragua for the purpose of protecting life and property and in restoring law and order to the strife-torn country. Despite great obstacles in the way of its successful accomplishment, Major Schmidt built up an effective intelligence service, the work of which was of the greatest value to the Brigade in the planning and execution of its operations. As operations officer his advice to the Brigade Commander as to military operations was marked by initiative, sound judgment and a thorough knowledge of tactics. His performance of duty as Civil Relations Officer was of a high order.
-
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
June 2 – December 31, 1945
Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces, Pacific, General Orders No. 137 (April 15, 1946)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit (Army Award) to Major General Harry Schmidt (MCSN: 0-865), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period from 2 June through 31 December 1945.
-
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
4th Marine DivisionAction Date:
June 15 – July 9, 1944 & July 24 – August 1, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Harry Schmidt (MCSN: 0-865), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General of the FOURTH Marine Division during the amphibious operation for the capture of enemy Japanese-held Saipan Island from 15 June to 9 July 1944 and as Commanding General of the Fifth Amphibious Corps and Northern Troops and Landing Force in the assault and capture of Tinian Island from 24 July to 1 August 1944. An aggressive and forceful leader, meticulous in his comprehensive preparation for these hazardous operations, Major General Schmidt placed his command ashore under intense hostile fire and, by his skill in utilizing and disposing forces and available equipment for maximum combat efficiency, contributed essentially to the securing of these vital Japanese bases. His splendid organizational ability and complete coordination with other units involved reflect the highest credit upon Major General Schmidt and the United States Naval Service.