Photo By Cpl. Ashley Gomez | Major A. J. Rauchle, Commanding Officer of the Replacement Battalion, congratulates...... read more read more
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Replacement Battalion Review Honors Veteran of Iwo Battle
In an impressive ceremony last Tuesday afternoon, Pfc. Donald Schmille USMCR received the Navy Cross for heroism, against the enemy during Iwo Jima campaign. The award was presented by Major A. J. Rauchle, Commanding Officer of the Replacement Battalion. Following the presentation, a review was held in Pfc. Schmille’s honor on the main parade grounds. In an impressive ceremony last Tuesday afternoon, Pfc. Donald Schmille USMCR received the Navy Cross for heroism, against the enemy during Iwo Jima campaign. The award was presented by Major A. J. Rauchle, Commanding Officer of the Replacement Battalion. Following the presentation, a review was held in Pfc. Schmille’s honor on the main parade grounds.
Pfc. Schmille was awarded the Navy Cross as set forth in the following citation:
“For extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine rifle company on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 13 March, 1945. Private First Class Schmille’s company had taken up a defensive position for the night about thirty-five yards from an enemy eight-inch gun position, although the enemy position had not been occupied at the time his company moved in. Shortly after dark, an enemy gun crew emerged from a cave in the vicinity and manned the gun, the blast of which caused numerous casualties in his own company. Pfc. Schmille with complete disregard for his own safety, advanced alone about twenty yards ahead of his company’s front lines in an effort to silence the enemy weapon.
When the gun crew became aware of his movements, they attempted to stop him with a barrage of hand grenades. Despite the danger from flying grenade fragments, he stood up and scored a direct hit on the gun with his rocket launcher putting it out of action and killing most of the crew. His heroic example and outstanding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.” Signed: Roy S. Geiger, Lieutenant United States Marine Corps.
Pfc. Schmille enlisted in the Marine Corps on 26 February, 1943, and received his boot training at San Diego, California. After finishing boot camp he was assigned to the paratroopers but, immediately after qualifying, the paratroops were disbanded and he was unable to see action. On 10 January, 1944, he reported to Camp Pendleton for combat training with the 5th Division.
Shipping overseas on 12 August, 1944, Pfc. Schmille received further combat instructions at Hilo, Hawaii. Leaving the Islands on 10 January, 1945, he went into combat on Iwo Jima on 19 February of the same year. He fought for 30 days on Iwo Jima and was wounded 4 days after the Island was secured in mopping up operations.
He flew from Iwo Jima to Guam, Pearl Harbor, and San Francisco; and from the bay city to a hospital in Norman, Oklahoma, where he recuperated from his wounds.
| Date Taken: | 12.03.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 12.04.2018 11:12 |
| Story ID: | 302153 |
| Location: | JACKSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 213 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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