Press

Valentine, NE  – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) issued the following statement on the service and sacrifice of Donald K. Schwab, U.S. Army veteran and Hooper, Neb., native, who will be awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously by President Obama in a ceremony at the White House later today:
 

“We all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to First Lieutenant Donald Schwab for his heroic acts of service during World War II. Schwab demonstrated uncommon valor on the battlefield in Lure, France, as he bravely led his men into combat before charging the enemy alone, forcing the Germans to retreat. I join the president, Nebraskans, and all Americans in thanking First Lieutenant Schwab and each Medal of Honor recipient for their extraordinary service on behalf of our country. We honor these great Americans and all our nation’s heroes who fight dutifully to protect and defend our freedom.”
 

According to the U.S. Army’s website:
 

Medal of Honor nominee Donald K. Schwab was born, Dec. 6, 1918, in Hooper, Neb.
 

He joined the U.S. Army upon graduation from high school.
 

Schwab distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on Sept. 17, 1944. His courage and determination resulted in the dismantling of a strong German position and he would take one prisoner of war.
 

Schwab served with the US Army until Oct. 26, 1945. Upon exiting the service Schwab returned to Hooper, Neb. and began a farming career. He later was employed with the postal service in Nebraska until retirement. In Hooper, Schwab was highly active in the church and community. He also enjoyed sports and played on various local softball and basketball teams.
 

Donald Schwab died on Feb. 19, 2005, at the age of 86.
 

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Schwab received the Distinguished Service Cross (this award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor on Mar. 18), Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one Silver Service Star, two Bronze Service Stars and Bronze Arrowhead Device, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, French Fourragere, Honorable Service Lapel Button-WWII.

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