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Naval History and Heritage Command

NH 95388 Private First Class Albert E. Schwab, USMCR

Photo #: NH 95388 Private First Class Albert E. Schwab, USMCR
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Title: Private First Class Albert E. Schwab, USMCR
Description: Halftone reproduction of a photograph, copied from the official publication Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy, page 256. Albert E. Schwab was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry while serving as a flame thrower operator with Headquarters Company, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, Fifth Marine Division in action against the Japanese at the Battle of Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, Japan on 7 May 1945. When his company was pinned down in a valley and suffering heavy casualties, he scaled the cliff, alone and under fire, to the enemy position. He then skillfully used his flame thrower to destroy the hostile emplacement. After his company occupied the ridge, a second enemy machine gun fired, killing and wounding several Marines. Though low on flame thrower fuel, he quickly determined to advance alone against the enemy fire. Schwab destroyed the second gun emplacement but was mortally wounded during his assault. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
Catalog #: NH 95388
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