The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John A. Schaebler (ASN: 33129871), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 2d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 7 January 1945, near ****, Belgium. During the company attack upon this strongly defended town, Corporal Schaebler, a squad leader, maintained contact with supporting units and control of his squad in such an exemplary manner that his actions were highly instrumental in his platoon’s annihilation of a vastly superior force. Corporal Schaebler continually exposed himself to heavy enemy machine gun and sniper fire in order to better direct and exhort his squad in its advance. In the midst of a fierce enemy mortar barrage, Corporal Schaebler saw one of his machine gunners fall wounded. Without a moment’s hesitation, he rushed forward and moved the wounded man to a place of safety. He then retrieved the machine gun and led his squad forward in the face of the enemy fire firing the machine gun from the hip. Inspired by the brand of fearless leadership which Corporal Schaebler displayed, his squad advanced 1,200 yards routing the enemy with losses of 40 enemy dead and 48 prisoners. During this entire action, Corporal Schaebler exhibited a brand of leadership in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.