Medal of Honor: Dan D. Schoonover – Korean War – July 8–10, 1953

Name: Dan D. Schoonover
Rank: Corporal
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Korean War
Unit: Company A, 13th Engineer Combat Battalion, 7th Infantry Division
Date of Action: July 8–10, 1953
Location: Near Sokkogae, Korea

Summary of Action

Between 8 and 10 July 1953, Corporal Dan D. Schoonover commanded an engineer demolition squad attached to an infantry company of the 7th Infantry Division during an assault against a strategically important hill near Sokkogae, Korea.

The engineers' mission was to destroy enemy fortifications.

However, as the company advanced, intense enemy fire and fierce resistance made it impossible to employ demolition charges effectively.

Recognizing the immediate needs of the battle, Schoonover voluntarily transformed his engineer squad into an infantry rifle squad and joined the assault up the steep, barren hillside.

During the attack, an American artillery shell exploded on top of an enemy bunker.

Without hesitation, Schoonover charged forward, leaped into the damaged bunker, killed one enemy soldier, and captured another.

As the fighting continued, another enemy bunker pinned down the advancing American troops with devastating automatic-weapons fire.

Ignoring the storm of bullets, Schoonover sprinted directly toward the position.

He hurled grenades through the firing aperture, rushed to the entrance, and emptied his pistol into the surviving defenders, eliminating the bunker and allowing the assault to continue toward the summit.

After the hill had been captured, enemy forces launched determined counterattacks.

Throughout the battle, Schoonover repeatedly exposed himself to intense artillery and small-arms fire while directing his men's fire and calling for supporting artillery strikes against advancing enemy troops.

Although his company was relieved early the following morning, he refused to leave the battlefield.

Instead, he voluntarily remained on the hill, manning a machine gun for several hours before joining yet another assault against enemy positions.

He was last seen firing an automatic rifle with devastating effect during the attack before he was mortally wounded by enemy artillery fire.

Corporal Dan D. Schoonover's fearless leadership, extraordinary courage, and willingness to sacrifice his own life inspired everyone who fought beside him and reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

SCHOONOVER, DAN D.

Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company A, 13th Engineer Combat Battalion, 7th Infantry Division.

Place and date: Near Sokkogae, Korea, 8–10 July 1953.

Entered service at: Boise, Idaho.

Born: 8 October 1933, Boise, Idaho.

G.O. No.: 5, 14 January 1955.

Citation:

Corporal Schoonover distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy.

He was in charge of an engineer demolition squad attached to an infantry company committed to dislodge the enemy from a vital hill.

Realizing that the heavy fighting and intense enemy fire made it impossible to carry out his demolition mission, he voluntarily employed his unit as a rifle squad and, forging up the steep barren slope, participated in the assault on hostile positions.

When an artillery round exploded on the roof of an enemy bunker, he courageously ran forward and leaped into the position, killing one hostile infantryman and taking another prisoner.

Later in the action, when friendly forces were pinned down by vicious fire from another enemy bunker, he dashed through the hail of fire, hurled grenades into the nearest aperture, then ran to the doorway and emptied his pistol, killing the remainder of the enemy.

His brave action neutralized the position and enabled friendly troops to continue their advance to the crest of the hill.

When the enemy counterattacked, he constantly exposed himself to heavy bombardment to direct the fire of his men and to call in an effective artillery barrage on hostile forces.

Although the company was relieved early the following morning, he voluntarily remained in the area, manned a machine gun for several hours, and subsequently joined another assault on enemy emplacements.

When last seen, he was operating an automatic rifle with devastating effect until mortally wounded by artillery fire.

Corporal Schoonover's heroic leadership during two days of heavy fighting, superb personal bravery, and willing self-sacrifice inspired his comrades and saved many lives, reflecting lasting glory upon himself and upholding the honored traditions of the military service.