Medal of Honor: Donald K. Schwab, World War II, 17 September 1944
Schwab’s actions in Lure did more than silence a single strongpoint. They embodied the grit of the citizen-soldiers of the U.S. Army—ordinary men who, in extraordinary moments, chose valor over fear.
September 17, 2025
DONALD K. SCHWAB
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
Place and date: Lure, France, 17 September 1944
Born: 6 December 1918, Hooper, Nebraska
Departed: 19 February 2005
Date of issue: 18 March 2014
In the autumn of 1944, as the Allied armies pressed across France toward Germany, small towns like Lure became fierce battlegrounds. The German Army, though in retreat, fought with bitter determination, turning every defensive position into a fortress. Into this crucible stepped First Lieutenant Donald K. Schwab of Nebraska, an officer whose calm courage under fire would inspire his men and break the enemy’s hold.
On 17 September, Schwab and his unit came under fire from a strongly fortified German position. The enemy had the terrain, numbers, and weapons in their favor. But where others might have faltered, Schwab advanced. Exposing himself to enemy fire, he led the assault with fearless determination, pushing his soldiers forward and dismantling the German defense piece by piece. His boldness not only neutralized the position but also secured the capture of a prisoner who provided valuable intelligence.
Schwab’s actions in Lure did more than silence a single strongpoint. They embodied the grit of the citizen-soldiers of the U.S. Army—ordinary men who, in extraordinary moments, chose valor over fear. Schwab survived the war and lived to see his Medal of Honor awarded decades later, a recognition long overdue for a soldier who helped carve the road to victory in Europe.
Medal of Honor Citation:
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.
