1LT Schmitt
1LT Robert G. Schmitt
First Lieutenant Schmitt distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of the Changjin (Chosin) Reservoir in North Korea, on 1 December 1950. Lieutenant Schmitt's regiment was assigned to mission of effecting a withdrawal and attempting a juncture with the FIRST Marine Division at Hagaru-ri. Following assembly of a motor Company committed to provide security for the right flank, Lieutenant Schmitt, having sustained a severe leg injury in a previous encounter, was ordered to ride in a vehicle with other wounded.
After proceeding several miles, the column was halted by a roadblock, and devastating fire rained down from strongly fortified positions on three surrounding hills. With mounting casualties and fast dwindling ammunition, the morale of the men was badly shaken. Although suffering greatly from his wound, he voluntarily left his transportation to rally, organize, and lead an assault against the enemy positions.
Giving his carbine to an unarmed man and improvising a stick for a crutch, he struggled forward, and the men, rising to the challenge of their valiant leader, followed him in a determined attack against the fanatical fore. Progressing with extreme difficulty on his makeshift crutch, he continued to lead the attack through withering fire until he was struck by a machine-gun bullet and fell mortally wounded. Refusing medical treatment, he urged the men to press the assault. Inspired by his incredible display of valor, his resolute soldiers charged with such ferocity that the hostile positions were overrun and the enemy was routed from the hill.