[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 5165]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             REMEMBERING FIRST LIEUTENANT DONALD K. SCHWAB

 Mr. JOHANNS. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the life and 
service of a brave and patriotic Nebraskan. First Lieutenant Donald K. 
Schwab was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for going above and 
beyond the call of duty during his service in World War II. First 
Lieutenant Schwab was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze 
Star, and three Purple Hearts for his valor, and I applaud the 
upgrading of his Distinguished Service Cross to the Medal of Honor, our 
Nation's highest military honor.
  Schwab was born in Hooper, NE, in 1918 and enlisted in the U.S. Army 
upon graduating from high school. In World War II, his tour of duty 
included posts in North Africa, Italy, and France. On September 17, 
1944, near Lure, France, First Lieutenant Schwab showed tremendous 
bravery and valor through his actions in combat. Ordered to overwhelm 
the enemy line, Schwab led his men twice toward the Germans amidst 
heavy gunfire. He rallied his decimated force for a third charge on the 
hostile strong-point, working their way to within 50 yards of the 
Germans. He then stormed a line of German foxholes alone, reaching a 
key machine pistol nest which had caused heavy casualties among his 
men. After ripping off the cover of the firing pit, Schwab forced the 
German soldier inside to accompany him back behind friendly lines, 
surviving a barrage of gunfire. His actions so disorganized the hostile 
infantry resistance that the enemy withdrew. This episode of selfless 
heroism dismantled a strong German position, aiding the Allied front.
  First Lieutenant Schwab was wounded three times in Active Duty but 
continued to serve in the U.S. Army until October 26, 1945. Schwab 
returned to the family farm in Hooper and later worked as a rural mail 
carrier. His service continued in civilian life through his involvement 
in his church council, the Hooper and Logan View school boards, and 
other organizations. Schwab's commitment and connection remained strong 
in part through his membership in the Cornelius Tillman American Legion 
Post 18 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10535 in Hooper.
  First Lieutenant Schwab died at age 86 in 2005. Although the Medal of 
Honor comes 9 years after his death, the bravery and heroism he showed 
in 1944 is now rightly recognized. I congratulate his wife Maralee, his 
children, and his grandchildren, who accepted this award in his memory. 
Nebraskans have a long and proud tradition of military service. 
Schwab's actions exemplify selflessness and courage, setting a worthy 
example for many others who would follow.
  First Lieutenant Schwab's commitment to community and country is 
truly inspiring. I ask my colleagues, my fellow Nebraskans, and all 
Americans to join me in honoring his service, recognizing the valor for 
which the Medal of Honor was awarded.

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