George E. Schmidt

George Edward Schmidt (1913 in Columbus, Ohio - Killed in action 6 June 1944 in Normandy, France) was an American Second Lieutenant in the United States Army during World War II. He also was a recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross which was awarded for having distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy in circumstances which do not justify the award of the Medal of Honor.

Early life
George was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1913 to George M. and Anna M. B. Schmidt. He also had a sister (Carolina E.) and a brother (Robert G.)

Military service and death
He enlisted in the United States Army on 10 March 1941 from Fort Hayes in Columbus, Ohio (ASN: 35004454) and joined Company E, 2d Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. He received a battlefield commission (ASN: O-1303955) and was promoted to Second Lieutenant.

Death
On June 6, 1944 after parachuting into Normandy he was wounded and killed by a German sniper. On October 28, 1944 he was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for heroic actions the day he was killed. His body was would later be buried in the Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial in Colleville-sur-mer, France.

Awards & decorations

 * Parachutist Badge
 * Distinguished Service Cross on 28 October 1944 (posthumously) as Second Lieutenant in Company E, 2nd Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division
 * Purple Heart
 * American Campaign Medal
 * World War II Victory Medal

DSC citation
"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) George E. Schmidt (ASN: 0-1303955), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, in France. Second Lieutenant Schmidt landed by parachute with his battalion in the vicinity of St. Come-du-Mont, France. Due to a heavy concentration of machine gun and mortar fire from nearby enemy positions, the battalion had much difficulty in assembling but Second Lieutenant Schmidt, the first officer from his company to reach the assembly area, immediately assumed command and made repeated trips to the drop zone to bring back men and equipment. By his continuous and diligent efforts, he was successful in assembling an effective fighting force. Second Lieutenant Schmidt then skillfully deployed his men along the route of advance. Extremely heavy enemy fire suddenly pinned down the entire battalion. Second Lieutenant Schmidt, displaying outstanding leadership, placed his men in advantageous positions and ordered them to maintain a fast rate of fire in order to deceive the enemy as to the strength of his force. In an attempt to locate enemy snipers who were firing on his men, he exposed himself to enemy fire. Although he received a head wound he continued to search until he had spotted the snipers. While directing fire of his own machine gun upon these snipers, he was wounded. During the entire action he displayed outstanding courage, devotion to duty, and complete disregard for his personal safety. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 101st Airborne Division, and the United States Army."