Serial # 0-16256
Navy Cross citation reads:
"The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Joseph O. B. Schulte, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service while serving as Leader of an Assault Platoon in the Third Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 20 and 21 November 1943. Boldly leading his platoon to the beach in the first assault wave under intense enemy fire, First Lieutenant Schulte was severely wounded but, after five hours, finally regained consciousness. Discovering heavy casualties among his platoon and adjacent units, he immediately reorganized the remaining men and set up a defense on an isolated portion of the beach. Refusing to leave his troops despite his own intense pain, First Lieutenant Schulte steadfastly continued to administer first aid and supervise evacuation of casualties for a period of forty-eight hours. His brilliant leadership, daring aggressiveness and great personal valor maintained with utter disregard of personal safety contributed to the saving of many lives and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 917 (March 24, 1944)
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copyright 2019 T.O.T.W.
Created 7 January 2019
