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Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Birth: 17 July 1920, Washington, D.C. Entered service at: Tulsa, Okla. Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty as a flamethrower operator in action against
enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Rykuyu Islands, 7 May 1945.
Quick to take action when his company was pinned down in a valley and suffered
resultant heavy casualties under blanketing machinegun fire emanating from
a high ridge to the front, Pfc. Schwab, unable to flank the enemy emplacement
because of steep cliffs on either side, advanced up the face of the ridge
in bold defiance of the intense barrage and, skillfully directing the fire
of his flamethrower, quickly demolished the hostile gun position, thereby
enabling his company to occupy the ridge. Suddenly a second enemy machinegun
opened fire, killing and wounding several marines with its initial bursts.
Estimating with split-second decision the tactical difficulties confronting
his comrades, Pfc. Schwab elected to continue his l-man assault despite
a diminished supply of fuel for his flamethrower. Cool and indomitable,
he moved forward in the face of a direct concentration of hostile fire,
relentlessly closed the enemy position and attacked. Although severely
wounded by a final vicious blast from the enemy weapon, Pfc. Schwab had
succeeded in destroying 2 highly strategic Japanese gun positions during
a critical stage of the operation and, by his dauntless, single-handed
efforts, had materially furthered the advance of his company. His aggressive
initiative, outstanding valor and professional skill throughout the bitter
conflict sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
This data was extracted from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1973 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1973)
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